Mayor Roy Ludwig was the featured speaker at the Estevan Chamber of Commerce's monthly meeting last Wednesday and touched on a number of the City's top priorities for the upcoming year.
Ludwig said a major focus for 2013 is finding some sort of a solution to the lack of affordable housing in the community. As was reported in The Mercury, Estevan has a vacancy rate under one per cent and the highest average rent of any Saskatchewan city.
They are currently in the process of completing a housing study and have also been meeting with the provincial government to see how they might be able to help.
He added the City is also close to a deal with Essex Developments which would clear the way for a new subdivision north of Wellock Road.
To help facilitate all the new homes that are expected in the northwest corner, the City began construction on a new water reservoir two years ago and Ludwig expects that $8.5 million project will be completed in 2013. He added the City will also be spending another $2 million over the next two years for improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.
Other highlights from the speech include:
The City will be busy on the labour front as the contracts with the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 726 and the Estevan Police Association have both expired.
Kensington Avenue from King Street to north of the Estevan Comprehensive School will be rebuilt this year. "That has been an eyesore for a long time so we are looking forward to getting that done," he said.
The City will be holding an open house on recycling in the near future. Ludwig said they want to get a feel for the community about their thoughts on recycling and whether or not there is interest in a curbside recycling program.
He added the City will also be looking at moving to front yard garbage pickup. Ludwig said their contractor, Regens Disposal, is asking for front yard pickup and a number of residents have informed the City they would prefer it as well.
The City is also intent on finishing a number of projects that were either delayed or partially completed. Among them is the Estevan Leisure Centre parking lot, Torgeson Park, Kensington Greens and pathways throughout the city.
It was also announced at the meeting that there was significant interest in the open director positions on the chamber's board.
Six people have expressed interest in filling the open positions. They are: Catherine Welta-Eagles, Lynn Chipley, Karen Anderson, Lori Naka, Josh LeBlanc and Rodney Beatty.
Cyrenne said a vote will take place over e-mail and chamber members will receive their information this week. The elected members will be introduced at the chamber's annual general meeting in March.
Nominations are open for the 2013 Estevan Business Excellence Awards.
After a lengthy absence the EBEX awards enjoyed a successful return in 2011. This year's event will be held June 14 at Spectra Place.
The award categories for this year are: business leader, business of the year, environment award, new business venture, outstanding service, young entrepreneur of the year, growth and expansion and community involvement. There will also be further inductions into the Estevan Business Hall of Fame.
