We have evolved as a society to work together and around the Humboldt area we see many examples of that.
One example is the Mid-Sask Municipal Alliance with five towns, four rural municipalities, two villages, one resort village, and Humboldt all working together to have their voices heard.
Province wide organizations like Saskatchewan Economic Development Association, Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, and Saskatchewan Associations of Rural Municipalities, just to name a few, provide opportunities for cities, towns, and villages all across the province so they do not have to go through problems with infrastructure, disaster relief, and road construction and upkeep.
All towns and municipalities are facing similar issues, so the best possible way to face them is to do it together.
Former Mayor of Humboldt, Malcolm Eaton, says that, in the case of the Mid-Sask Municipal Alliance, this provides all communities a ”collective voice”.
“The (Mid-Sask Municipal Alliance) has a story to tell and they tell it well,” says Eaton.
There are many reasons for this, including having a larger group representing larger issues when bringing the issue to higher levels of government, a broader sharing of ideas that could improve the community, and the bulk sharing of equipment and cost sharing of materials for some groups.
This work with the Alliance was a highlight for Eaton but he wishes more could have been done between the City of Humboldt and the RM of Humboldt.
“(The RM) surrounds Humboldt, most residents identify Humboldt as home, but we haven’t had a strong working relationship.”
Eaton says they have had a good relationship on some issues but they did not get to the point that he was hoping for; one where they were working closely together to better the Humboldt region.
“There is more work to be done there,” says Eaton.
This relationship would be nothing new. Mayor of LeRoy, Brian Thoen, noted the strong relationship between the Town of LeRoy and the RM of LeRoy recently at the opening of the new community center on Nov. 5.
The RM was a large contributor to the new community center because of the good it would bring to the area.
A new mayor and new reeve is a golden opportunity for the Humboldt area.
There is so much over lap in services between the City of Humboldt and the Humboldt RM.
We all use the same roads, the same services, the same schools, the same facilities. Those who live in the RM come into the city to spend money on groceries, food, and gas.
Those within the city are still affected by road conditions and water management issues in the RM.
Both the RM and the city need each other to be healthy and vibrant and both need to look past their difference to actually accomplish things.
It is time that there was more back and forth between these two very vital governments and that may have to start with some swallow of pride, biting the bullet, whatever you want to call it just so the dialogue can start.
It is a two-way street when it comes to having those conversations and Eaton was quick to mention that there is no singular blame for not enough being done so far.
All in all it comes down to money and being able to afford to help each other with vital services.
I have heard it mentioned about how the Multi-purpose facility is something that the RM and surrounding communities will all benefit from, so is there more they can do to ensure it gets off the ground?
Work can be done on both sides to help alleviate some financial burdens depending on how the RM and the City chose to work together.
It should not just be a matter of we cannot but a matter of we can try to work together.
Whatever comes out of it, comes out of it but knowing the positive attitudes that come from the area, I am sure that whatever will come out of it will be better than doing nothing.
