Growth period for Yorkton continues

A growth is a positive indicator for Yorkton says Mayor James Wilson.

Wilson said that growth is helping in terms of funding services.

"We have the third lowest taxes among all cities within the province of Saskatchewan," he said, adding he looks at maintaining that in 2011 as a major plus for citizens.

Council has also remained proactive at looking ahead to vision what Yorkton will look like in the future.

"We are in a time of growth," he said, adding that requires Council and the community "to be willing to accept change to continue down the path."

The City has held a meeting having public input into that vision in 2010, and Wilson said Council and City Administration have worked to dovetail City plans and policies with those visions.

The vision will be needed, said Wilson, because the current growth could be the tip of a larger iceberg of development, "if everything comes to fruition."

While talk of a new potash mine by BHP Billiton south of the city leads conversation in terms of potential city-changing development, Wilson said there are other businesses and industries which appear to have the city on their radar. If any of them make the decision to establish here it will continue growth.

That has the Mayor looking ahead with optimism to 2012.

"We could have an even more active year than we've ever had in the city," he said, adding there are the foundations to several major business developments already laid out in Yorkton which will mean an active construction sector in the months ahead.

Growth is happening beyond business and residential too.

Wilson said there are two exciting planning processes taking place in the city which will enhance the quality of life. One is looking at the future needs and design of the Regional Health Centre in Yorkton, while the other project would see a new skills and trade training addition to what Parkland College offers.

The Mayor said both projects are obviously needed and important to the City, and he and Council are prepared to play some role in the processes to see both move forward.

Such growth will require continued forward thinking. Wilson said plans are already in place to have the 2013 City budget passed by July 2012 to not only help with planning, but to take the pressure off a new Council with elections scheduled for October next year.

The City is also working with the Rural Municipality of Orkney on a plan to annex land already owned by the City. The move would allow the beginning of servicing areas of that land for housing and business development, said Wilson.

"We want a spade in the ground so we are prepared for it (growth)," he said.

The coming year will also see municipal elections in Saskatchewan.

With an eye to next fall's election, Wilson initially played his cards close when asked about his intentions.

"It's not really my decision. It's a family decision," he said, adding it is also a matter of gauging support for the endeavour.

"However I do enjoy what I'm doing, working with the people and making a contribution to the city, but fall's a long time away."

But as the interview continued Wilson`s view of another run at the Mayor's chair softened.

"From where I sit today I don't foresee not running," he said.