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RM begins infrastructure repair, extends road bans

During a special RM of Estevan council meeting, members prioritized many of the road issues they have had to deal with. The RM of Estevan held the special meeting on June 30 to discuss flood-specific issues within the municipality.


During a special RM of Estevan council meeting, members prioritized many of the road issues they have had to deal with.

The RM of Estevan held the special meeting on June 30 to discuss flood-specific issues within the municipality. Roads, council decided, were the top priority. Among those immediate priorities are projects that deal with roads forming links into the RM both north-south and east-west and tackling road issues that limit or no longer allow access to dwellings within the municipality.

"Those areas that are impeding access to houses (is a primary concern)," said Greg Hoffort, RM administrator.

He noted it's not only access to homes, but also access for farmers and businesses that need to get back to normal.

In order to assist with flood repair work, council resolved to buy a 16 inch PTO pump, at a cost of $15,000. Hoffort said they were still awaiting delivery of the pump but hoped to have it operating early next week. The pump can filter through 18,000 gallons of water per minute.

The RM also approved abatements for houses that were vacated following the flooding.

After the RM's regular sitting of council on July 5, work began in the southwest corner of the municipality to remove a temporary bridge that was installed near the south access to the road to Rafferty Dam. Large culverts will be installed to replace the bridge. Council has planned to re-establish several other roads that were cut to prevent washouts in other places in the southwest corner.

Road bans were again extended for two more weeks on July 5, but council will review the road conditions in one week. An extension of the local state of emergency was approved as well, and will carry on for another week due to the overland flooding and limited access to properties that continues to be a concern across the municipality.

Council approved $500 contributions to both the Bienfait Canada Day celebrations and the Estevan Exhibition Association Rodeo.

Road-haul agreements were approved for two oil companies inside the RM and council also approved the location for an oil battery.

The municipality also approved a plan of proposed subdivision for eight single-parcel country residential subdivisions.