Estevan city council has approved a bylaw to allow mail-in ballots for the 2020 civic election.
Council gave second and third readings to the bylaw at the Aug. 10 meeting. It’s believed that it should make it easier for some to vote, especially amid COVID-19.
“We’re trying to keep people safe, and still give them the opportunity to vote, so mail-in ballots will be one of the options available,” said city clerk Judy Pilloud.
People who are going to be out of town on election day Nov. 9 are among those expected to use a mail-in ballot. Once a person has successfully applied to receive a mail-in ballot, the ballot has to be mailed to Pilloud’s office by Nov. 9.
Councillor Shelly Veroba wanted to know what would happen if someone initially wanted to do a mail-in ballot, and received such a ballot, but then decided to vote in person instead. Pilloud said it wouldn’t be allowed.
“Once you have signed that paper, saying that you want a mail-in ballot, you will not be allowed cast your ballot in the polls (in person),” said Pilloud.
Mayor Roy Ludwig urged people to vote in this election.
Council also gave second and third readings to a bylaw for the terms of reference for the coal transition committee. The committee has members of the City of Estevan, as well as the Town of Bienfait, and the RMs of Estevan and Coalfields.
Ludwig said the city will continue to lobby for carbon capture and storage technology, but the committee is needed to discuss other options for Estevan, and the are making progress on a number of fronts.
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Also at the meeting, Meilssa Thomas, the general manager of the First Nations Cannabis Company, sent a letter to council on behalf of BATC Investments Limited Partnership (LP), which is owned and operated by five First Nations Bands.
The company is looking to establish a cannabis retail outlet in Estevan. The Energy City has had just one outlet since December 2018, when cannabis became legal.
Thomas noted that BATC Investments LP was successful in opening a licensed cannabis store, FN Cannabis Co, in Nipawin,
The Nipawin store is currently bringing in over $100,000 in income and employs six local people a year.
The city has approved having a second cannabis store in Estevan, but Ludwig said the provincial government is going to open up the licensing process.
Ludwig pointed out any cannabis outlets would have to fall within the city’s requirements for location.
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Council approved $12,500 towards building a tangible capital asset list. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is offering in up to $75,000 in support for asset management plans.
City manager Jeff Ward noted that city treasurer Trudy Firth has been working on a capital asset list. This document would give the city more sure condition ratings on linear assets such as sewer and roads.
“It’s a big push from the provincial government, whenever you ask for money, on whether you have an asset plan,” said Ward.
