LUSELAND — Prairies Economic Development Canada recently announced a backgrounder on the $12.8 million they have awarded to 56 recreation and community revitalization projects across Saskatchewan. Through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, the town of Luseland was awarded $25,000, which was used for a downtown mall project. The building was re-sided, new signage put up for the mall tenants and lighting was improved. This has significantly improved the downtown façade and made Main Street aesthetically inviting.
The Luseland Library has made plans to get a bench engraved and place it within the community garden, which the Luseland Garden Club maintains. The bench will recognize the significant donations made by Steve and Arlette Allen in 2018 and will make a lovely seating space on Main Street, as well. A magazine stand will also be part of this beautification project, where people can come and take or leave magazines to read. They are also working on a stepping stone project. Stones will be available for purchase and to decorate, allowing them to add a decorative path within the community garden.
The town will also be bringing back Safesidewalks to continue their trip hazard removal project. Last summer, they concentrated on Main Street. They use a patented saw cutting technique to remove trip hazards from concrete and asphalt sidewalks. Safesidewalks assists communities in alleviating trip and fall liability and improving community assets. Municipalities find their proprietary service is more efficient and costs 15 to 20 per cent of the cost of demolishing and replacing the sidewalk.
The town was also successful in obtaining an Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program grant for the decommissioning of the landfill. We were approved for up to $216,250.00 in total eligible expenditures. This will help tremendously in allowing us to work through the phases of the decommissioning process.
The Luseland/Salvador Community Hall is doing another fundraiser. They have set up a 50/50 draw through Rafflebox and will be announcing a winner Aug. 2. Visit the town of Luseland Facebook page for the link and to purchase tickets. Proceeds will be going towards the hall renovation fund, which will include a new boiler system and a much-needed kitchen upgrade.
The Luseland Community Development Committee will be taking on a revitalization project of the Kin Campground by Luseland. This spot used to be a great picnic and day camping area that has been let go over recent years. The committee has decided to take on the task of cleaning up the picnic shelter, cleaning up overgrowth and trees and making the space user-friendly once again. This will be a great benefit to passersby or anyone wanting to make a pit stop and check out all that Luseland has to offer.
The town had postponed public meetings during COVID but will resume this public forum. Stay tuned for details as we will be planning something for the fall. We appreciate all the feedback we receive and look forward to hearing from the public.
The council and staff of the town of Luseland wish all of you a wonderful summer. We hope you will stop to enjoy some of the beautiful summer days at our swimming pool and enjoy the new playground equipment.
