YORKTON - It’s been quite an interesting year for me being in the Mayors chair as I look back at 2021. In spite of our COVID world, City Council managed to hold firm and true on their promise of a zero increase to the 2021 budget. I am very pleased to say we still have continued to accomplish many new projects in our fine city.
Our City Operations Center was completed in late September and came in on budget. We will be offering tours in 2022 after we have completed all the interior furnishing details. The building facilities are remarkable & will accommodate the city’s growth for the next 50 years.
The city has a very welcoming feeling as you arrive from Hwy #9 & Broadway Street. The Gateway/Gabion Rock Wall(s) create a fresh statement of 'Promise and Vision' of progress. With the added feature of lighting & future landscaping it’s truly a beautiful feature for our growing city. On an average day more than 2000 vehicles pass thru this location. Grant funding instigated this opportunity & has proven to be very successful. On the same topic of funding, the pathways on Logan Green were paved and lit with solar lights this year. The pathway continues to grow in user’s year round as it now allows many more opportunities for people with walking challenges. The vegetation creates a world that makes one forget they are even in a city.
Darlington Street from Dracup Avenue to Mayhew Avenue reconstruction project was fully completed with many issues resolved and will continue to benefit users and Yorkton as it grows east. This has proven to be one of the busiest streets in Yorkton and were tax dollars well spent.
For 2022, council is very close to making a comprehensive decision on its second ice surface, whether it be major upgrade work on the Kinsmen or adding on to the Gallagher Centre. Council is pleased to have made the decision to build a new clubhouse at our beautiful Deer Park Golf course. When completed it will be a year round facility that will also accommodate cross-country skiers, tobogganers, special functions, etc. We are very fortunate to have a wealth of users who continue to offer their time and talent to develop a facility to become a 'Go To' place for tourism to attract visitors. Deer Park Golf Course was recently rated #4 in Canada for its value in a Gold Digest magazine. The spin-off for tourism is incredible. The completion date is speculated to fully operational for the 2023 season.
We continue to attract agri-businesses as we see Richardson’s double its facility and become the largest canola crushing plant in Canada. Grain Millers is in the final stages of expansion in the RM of Orkney. Our council continues to collaborate with our good neighbours, the R.M.s of Orkney and Wallace and the York Lake Regional council. We are grateful for our relationships as we grow together.
This year marked a milestone turning point in Canadian history with our Indigenous communities on the very first National Day of Truth & Reconciliation Sept. 30. City Council joined hundreds to march down Broadway Street to show their support. City Council and all city employees have taken the lead on education and support of a positive change with our indigenous friends.
We have learned to adapt and overcome the hurdles of our COVID reality and are slowly returning to a world we once knew. The resiliency and tenacity our pioneer fore fathers ingrained in us has proven to be one of our best qualities.
I wish to personally thank you all for the privilege of serving you as your new Mayor. I am so very proud to represent you and have never been so ready in my life for this new role. I continue to receive support from many people in all walks of life.
“From all of city council and city employees and all of our families, I want to wish you and yours, a very merry Christmas and the very best wishes for peace, love, great health, many friends and happiness in 2022!”
Our great city will continue to prosper and grow with your input and support.
