We are a little pandemic weary, but healthy communities are a result of everyone following provincial health protocols and guidelines. Let’s keep on doing our part to help stop the spread.
In addition to the ongoing pandemic concerns, we are reminded of the risks of Lyme disease from ticks and Hantivirus from infected mice droppings in buildings. These risks are mitigated by taking proper safety precautions.
Happy Mother’s Day. For those of you still with a mom, in whatever manner you are able with pandemic protocols, make sure you acknowledge her in some way. Life didn’t come with instructions, it came with a mother – and for this we are thankful. Happy Mother’s Day to my mother-in-law Anne.
A recent announcement indicates the long process of relocating Highway 21 north, a discussion topic for the past four decades, will begin to move forward. This highway is narrow, incurs regular surface failures and brings heavy truck traffic through and near residential areas of the community.
The Town of Unity, RM of Round Valley and North West Terminal have all been engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Highways and have come to agreements to partner to move a portion of this highway to the east of the community. The project would start south of the museum grounds and meet back up with the existing Highway 14 intersection.
“It is our understanding that the existing Highway 21 would remain in use until the construction of this new section is complete,” says Unity’s Economic Development Director Carey Baker.
The Town of Unity would then take over a section of the existing Highway 21 and use it mainly as a residential street.
“With the rerouting of Highway 21 we will also have increased safety for our residents by moving the heavy truck traffic away from our residential area,” says Mayor Sharon Del Frari.
“With the coming changes to services provided by NWT, we see truck traffic increasing.”
The mayor acknowledges and welcomes the positive impact of NWT expansions on the local economy.
“I would see results of increased employment and housing demand in Unity,” she says.
Did you get a chance to see the recorded performances offered online by this year’s Unity Music Festival participants? While it was in no way what performers and music enthusiasts had hoped for in a second year, congratulations to teachers and students for once again delivering delightful performances to be adjudicated and for the enjoyment of others.
Unity’s Carter Ralston has signed with the Tisdale Trojans for the fall U18 AAA hockey season. Carter was part of UMH until he moved into the West Central Wheat Kings AA program.
The greenhouse is ready to help you plant and grow. Bedding plants are selling fast, so if you want the best selection it is recommended you shop early. Hollyhock’s Greenhouse is also sponsoring a “feel the love” campaign, offering purchase of a long-stemmed rose to benefit the cemetery fundraiser to replace the wind-ravaged sign, as well as put up new markers.
UCHS staff and students did their part for Earth Day by heading outdoors to clean the grounds and neighbourhood. As graduation plans are still unknown, we will remain hopeful that after such a strange Grade 12 year, some kind of celebration can be held. The community is advocating for a return of the parade after it was supported wholeheartedly by the community last year.
St. Peter’s Grade 6 students experienced a variety of activities for Earth Day recognition including growing tomatoes, hatching chicks and learning about protecting habitats.
The Unity Golf Course, which saw a busy opening day April 17, reminds golfers they must book a tee time. They are preparing for men’s night to return but remind everyone, regardless of when they golf, adherence to public health guidelines is imperative.
Here’s hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...
