ESTEVAN - Members of Estevan city council discussed a couple of proposed events for the city’s pathway system during council’s March 28 meeting.
The first was from Debby Knight and Peggy Rohatyn, who are organizing the Coal Country Run, Walk and Cycling event on May 14.
In past years they have held five-kilometre, 10-kilometre and kids’ mini-mile races in Woodlawn Regional Park and other locations. This year they have added cycling to their offering now that the pathways have been built.
“We, as fitness enthusiasts, are extremely grateful and thrilled to have the addition of these safe corridors in our city. We are excited to showcase them to our community and hopefully we will have participants form out of town as well that we can show off to.”
The other event involves the new U15 Southeast Sun Devils softball team. Randy Gooding and Kelly McConnell with the team are looking to have a dice run fundraiser on the pathways. It would be like a poker derby with dice. There will be a starting point and six checkpoints set up on the pathways. People will have the opportunity to roll the dice five times.
They hope to have it twice this spring. The person with the highest hand will receive $300 and the lowest will be $150.
Councillor Shelly Veroba suggested closing off the pathways for these events, so that they don’t have participants creating problems for other users. City manager Jeff Ward replied that he would want to talk with parks manager Rod March first to discuss which ones would be used and when.
Councillor Travis Frank suggested the city have signage in place to give ample notice if closures are needed. He also said a policy might be needed to request use of pathways for fundraisers and other events.
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The Souris Valley Museum reached out to council about becoming the site for a new Parks Canada historical figure plaque that pays tribute to Henry Yule Hind, who was known for his exploration of Western Canada, including the Souris River.
The cost, installation and upkeep of the plaque would be the responsibility of Parks Canada, and the museum would sign an agreement with Parks Canada assuring maintenance and accessibility to the public.
“Our board is excited about this opportunity and what it could mean for both the museum and Tourism Estevan,” the museum said in a letter to city council.
Walliser, who is the city’s representative on the board, said the museum is excited for this opportunity because of what Hind meant to the southeast and to the province as a whole.
Councillor Lindsay Clark suggested checking with those involved with the local Indigenous community to see if this would be acceptable. Walliser noted Parks Canada has scholars who have participated in the creation of these plaques.
There will be conversation with Parks Canada, and a decision will be made once more information is received.
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As part of a proposed water main replacement and roadway rehabilitation happening this year, engineering services is recommending the construction of a four-foot wide curb, gutter and sidewalk on the east side of Kohaly Avenue and the south leg of Lynd Crescent. They would connect to the existing sidewalk on Nicholson Road and Lynd Crescent east. There would be a future connection to King Street on the south side.
It was noted at the meeting that affected residents have been approached about the project and the response has been favourable.
