KAMSACK — A new traffic bylaw, purchase of equipment and authorization to allow firefighters to be available for forest fires were among items to concern Kamsack town council at its regular meeting of July 14.
Council gave second and third readings to its traffic bylaw, which, among changes, is an increase in fines from $15 to $50 for such improper parking as parking near fire hydrants and parking on the wrong side of the street, said Barry Hvidston, town administrator. Slow speed limits around the schools, skate park and playgrounds have been extended by about a half a block, and are to remain in effect for 24 hours, seven days a week.
A “no parking” zone at the Victoria School will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the north side of Wallace Street to 154 metres east of West Avenue, and on Hawthorn Street to 50 metres east of West Avenue, the bylaw reads. There is “no parking” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on regular school days except for the loading or unloading of handicapped students.
At the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute, there is “no parking” on the east side of Dixon Avenue between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.; otherwise, parking will be permitted on both sides of Dixon Avenue.
At the main entrance to the Broda Sportsplex is a “no parking” zone.
A new side-by-side vehicle was purchased for $28,000 for use by the fire department to replace a similar vehicle that had been damaged and a second-hand tractor was purchased from Pattison Agriculture for $115,000, Hvidston said. A mower attachment was acquired for $38,500.
Allowing for the Kamsack Street Fair 2025 on Aug. 15, council agreed to close a section of First Street in front of the Playhouse Theatre to Second Street that day, he said, adding that council members were pleased to see another summer event happening.
Because her employment with the RCMP prevents Councillor Karen Tourangeau from accepting the responsibility of deputy mayor, council appointed Councillor Brian Kirkpatrick as deputy mayor to the end of September, and Councillor Onastasia Eliuk as deputy from October to the end of the year.
Council approved the sale of the former Shop-Easy building and property on First Street to Sek Glass, Hvidston said. The building, which was sold for $1 plus transfer fees, has been unoccupied for at least 10 years. The new owner qualifies for a 100 per cent property tax exemption the first year; 75 per cent the second year, and 50 per cent the third year.
Responding to a call from the community of Patuanak for fire department assistance to fight fires threatening that community, council authorized members of the Kamsack fire brigade to attend, along with a vehicle, provided a sufficient number of firefighters remain in the community in case of a fire. Although the Patuanak call was withdrawn after a sufficient number of firefighters had been obtained, the Kamsack brigade has permission to respond if and when another community requests such assistance.
“Four or five firefighters have already indicated they would be ready to respond,” he said.
Council proceeded with tax enforcement on three properties, which have been provided with six-month notices, while an application was made to take ownership of two other properties.
It was agreed to remove the spruce tree at the bottom of Main Street, which for several years has been decorated with lights at Christmas.
The tree is damaged and is deteriorating, he said, explaining that it has been stressed and dying slowly for years, probably due to the polluted and overly-compacted soil. Council was asked to consider what might be placed at the site instead of the tree.
