One of Estevan's most beat up roads is going to be rebuilt eventually.
It was announced at Monday's regular meeting of city council that the provincial government has given the green light to rebuild the stretch of Highway 47 that passes through the Energy City in 2014.
The City has wanted to rebuild the road for the past couple of years and had signed a deal with the province through the Urban Connector Program that would see the government pick up just over 60 per cent of the cost. However, the City had to wait for the province to give approval to begin the work and would have been on the hook for the entire cost - last estimated at over $11 million - if they started before receiving approval.
"We're pumped about that," Mayor Roy Ludwig said of receiving approval. "We've been after the province for a few years now to work collectively on the project and they had agreed to that. It was just getting the time nailed down. It looks like they are now willing for us to move forward in 2014 so we are very happy about that."
Ludwig said in 2014, the City would like to rebuild the north leg of Highway 47 from Fourth Street to the northern city limits. The following year they would do the remaining portion from Fourth Street to the south city limits.
"(Beginning in 2014) will fit in with our budget well. We are a little bit tapped right now and we want to finish our existing projects before we move forward so we are quite OK with that."
Because some areas of Highway 47 through Estevan - most notably Souris Avenue North - are in terrible shape, Ludwig said they will have to do some asphalt work in 2013. He added that the watermains and storm drainage system would also be replaced where applicable.
Along with announcing that work would begin in 2014, Ludwig also gave the annual mayor's address, which has become customary at the first council meeting of a new year.
In his speech Ludwig touched on where the City will be focusing its effort in 2013.
Among the topics he touched on were:
The completion of a housing study so they can move forward on the affordable housing issue in Estevan.
The completion of the new water reservoir in northwest Estevan as well as $1 million in upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant.
A facilitator will be chosen for future strategic planning. He said they hope to do this in concert with the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, Estevan Police Service and key people in the community.
He is looking forward to "fruitful negotiations" with CUPE and the Estevan Police Association. Both groups are currently without contracts.
Kensington Avenue from King Street to the north city limit will be repaired in 2013.
The main runway at the muncipal airport will be rebuilt with funding from the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program.
The City plans to have an open house in the spring and discuss curbside recycling and front yard garbage pickup, which is something Ludwig said many residents have requested.
He is hopeful that a deal will be reached with Essex Developments to clear the way for residential development in the northwest corner of the city.
Outstanding projects from 2012 such as the leisure centre parking lot, Torgeson Park, Kensington Greens and pathways will be completed in 2013.
"Although this doesn't include all of the issues that we will be dealing with in 2013, it gives you a good feel for the ambitious schedule that we do have ahead of us."
