The first regular open council meeting of the year typically begins with a mayor’s address, and Mayor Roy Ludwig continued that tradition at Monday night’s meeting of Estevan city council.
The past year was a busy one for the city. The water intake project, which switched the city’s primary water source from Boundary Dam to Rafferty Dam, was completed. Souris Avenue South from Fourth Street to Perkins Street was resurfaced; that project was cost-shared with the provincial government.
A water main replacement and a road rehabilitation project for Veterans Crescent were completed.
Upgrades happened for the Power Dodge Curling Centre, turnout gear was purchased for the Estevan Fire Rescue Service, the Estevan Public Library had a makeover, the official community plan was released, and upgrades to Dennis Moore Centennial Park occurred, highlighted by a new spray park.
There were upgrades to soccer pitches and ball diamonds, and renewals for sidewalks.
On the economic development front, a number of projects are moving forward, and the city is looking forward to bringing them to fruition.
“We continue to work diligently towards a new nursing home,” said Ludwig. “The issues around nursing homes have really come to the forefront with the outbreak of COVID. Across the country, the shortfalls of nursing homes have been highlighted.”
The city will continue to press the provincial government for a new nursing home, Ludwig said.
“Several options have been presented but yet, none have been accepted,” said Ludwig.
In the community, a new addictions treatment centre for St. Joseph’s Hospital is open, and the Estevan Eclipse Downhole Solutions U18 AAA Bears played their first game and dedicated their dressing room to the memory of Ron Areshenkoff. The Grad Cruise in June for the Class of 2020 at the Estevan Comprehensive School was a huge success.
The United Way Estevan surpassed its goal during its annual telethon in October, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation had a successful Festival of Trees with activities people could do at home, the Community Hamper Association and the Angel Tree program helped a record number of people, the Estevan Kinette Club’s PJ Project had another successful year, the 100 Kids who Care decorated trees in the Pleasantdale Valley before Christmas as part of their Joyful Pathway Project, and the Rotary Club of Estevan had a different but successful Lobsterfest.
In the 2021 budget, which can now be viewed on the City of Estevan’s website, the city is looking at water tower upgrades, repairs to the paddling park at the Churchill Play Park, continued infrastructure improvements, upgrades to the HVAC units at the Estevan Leisure Centre and completing the expansion of the Estevan Police Service’s building.
Ludwig also called for people to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19.
“As we look forward to 2021, let’s do so with optimism and confidence, understanding that working through our challenges together, we will be stronger and more resilient,” he said.
“There’s always been a strong culture of caring, helping those less fortunate, along with volunteerism in our community. This has helped us through the years, but especially the past year.”
Ludwig encouraged people to pay close attention to their mental health, to take time for themselves, acknowledge their feelings, and get enough sleep exercise and fresh air.
And he’s looking forward to working with council, which has four new members elected in November of last year.
