WILKIE ‑ Town council was recently notified that two grant applications made in the fall of 2021 were successful. The town will be receiving $16,034 from the Government of Saskatchewan under the Traffic Safety Fund Grant. This grant will be used to protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists by addressing the speed motorists are travelling. Under the grant the town will be purchasing two digital speed radar signs, four new playground signs with flashing lights and two new school zone signs with flashing lights. The goal of this project is to slow traffic down in vulnerable areas of the community such as the schools, health facilities and parks.
The second grant received was through Western Economic Diversification Canada in the amount of $47,681 which represents 75 per cent of the costs of developing a market square in the downtown sector. Developing a downtown market square was one item that was brought forward during a strategic planning session in 2021. The project will commence this spring and will consist of landscaping, installing a boardwalk, electrical work, installation of sheds, gazebos, picnic tables, lights and flower planters. Town council’s goal is to brighten up the downtown and provide a place where events can take place during many months of the years. It will also be a space residents can use every day while visiting the downtown.
The Saskcan Community Centre has been busy with minor hockey, Wilkie Outlaws and the Wilkie Curling Club all being active this season. There have been a few breaks with some of the minor hockey teams due to COVID-19 protocols, but all are back up and running and we wish all the best to the teams who will begin play in provincials. The Wilkie Outlaws just started league and provincial playoffs, and we wish them success. Congratulations to Derek Keller, Brock Harrison, Rory Gregoire, Blake Young and Will Rathje who all brought home awards from the Sask West Hockey League.
The Wilkie and District Culture Parks and Recreation Board are once again holding a COVID Valentine draw. Three draws will be made throughout February and all proceeds go towards the new swimming pool.
The recreation board are planning a Kids' Winter Fun Day for March 13 from 1to 4 p.m. Details are still being worked out so please watch for more information.
The Johner Brothers concert is still being planned for June 11. This event has been postponed twice in the past and the hopes are it will proceed this year. This is a fundraiser for the new pool and is meant to be a family event.
Town council has set a tentative date of March 2 for a public meeting. Items on the agenda include a pavement replacement program, update on the upgrades to the ice plant and the solar panel project. Details will be released closer to the date.
Mayor Ziegler also extends recognition to the public works department for their work in getting streets cleared after a snow event , work that is greatly appreciated by all residents and motorists.
