Mayor Ziegler describes the past year as busy yet challenging

WILKIE — Another year is almost behind us, with the year past proving to be busy and challenging dealing with family, council, COVID-19 and residents of our community. The staff have handled all the challenges and extra duties in stride and I know they will do so until the pandemic is behind us. Each and every one of us is playing a part in this pandemic history.

It is hard to believe the Christmas season is here again and I hope all is well with your family amidst the pandemic and that the past year was good to you. Let us be thankful for our family, friends, neighbours, co-workers and community, for without them we would be unable to create those special memories that we hold close to our hearts through Zoom, Face Time and other social media outlets. Sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the past year and may their grief be healed with God's grace.

A warm welcome to all new residents. I hope you enjoy living in Wilkie as much as I do. My best wishes also go out to those who are sick or in the hospital during this holiday season. I wish you speedy recoveries.

Some major capital projects for the year have been completed. The solar panel project at the Saskcan Community Centre was completed in the middle of September. We are currently working on getting the data up on to our website that will include how much power is generated from the system and the savings that will be realized on each power bill. Also coming soon is a video on the project that was complied by Prairie Sun Solar out of Regina.

The new ice plant has been installed and is up and running. Skaters took to the ice for the first time Oct. 13 and we look forward to another great season down at the arena. The curling rink ice was ready to go in early November. although there were some unexpected repairs needed on the brine header trench.

The third phase of the storm sewer project was completed at a cost of $330,000. This project is fully funded through utility revenue and the Canada Community Building Fund.

Town council is planning to hold a public meeting, so please watch the paper and social media for this date. Items on the agenda include pavement replacement, update on emergency room services and information on capital project such as the ice plant and solar panels.

The recreation board and council are actively pursuing fundraising for the new pool and recent events include the Louisiana Hayride and a trade show.

I would like to thank Lana and the office staff, Blair and public works staff and welcome new staff member Russ Weibe, who has been on staff for seven months. Also, a thank you to Lori and staff at the community centre and swimming pool and council members. Your dedication in keeping Wilkie safe and working smoothly throughout the year does not go unnoticed.

I hope this season brings with it the promise of peace, happiness and a sense of normal in our daily lives. On behalf of my wife Kelly, our families, town council, management and staff, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We ask all residents and visitors to follow all Public Health Orders so everyone can remain safe.

Parents, please remember to hug your kids.