ESTEVAN - The RM of Estevan, the City of Estevan and Woodlawn Regional Park are coming together to fund the application of MG30 for dust control along the access road to Woodlawn's Boundary Dam site.
City council approved participation in the arrangement at the April 24 meeting. Each of the three parties will contribute $60,000.
The MG30 is to be applied from May 1-4, weather permitting, according to the RM's Facebook page. The road will be closed during those days.
In a letter to city council, RM of Estevan administrator Michelle Dickie said the park is an important location for tourism in the area and draws a large number of people each summer. For the safety of those travelling to the park, the RM thought it would be beneficial to apply the MG30.
Dickie described it as calcium chloride and magnesium hydroxide. When milled into the road, Dickie said it leaves a strong, dust-free surface.
It also requires less maintenance, and unlike magnesium chloride dust suppressant, does not need reapplication each year.
"The RM mulched and applied MG30 on the road from the bypass to the airport road last year, and it seems to be holding up very well."
The estimated cost for the MG30 application, including mulching, is $180,000. In addition to the cost share, the RM is committed to arranging the application and providing preparation work required prior to the product being applied.
Dickie noted the $60,000 would be considered a 10-year commitment from the city for the road. The previous cost was $6,500-$7,500 a year, so Mayor Roy Ludwig said there would be long-term cost savings.
Coun. Travis Frank said this is a unique route because it belongs to the RM, but it provides access to a tourism attraction that benefits the city and the RM.
"This is a great opportunity for us to work together, as well as save a little money from the city's pocket, which is good, as well as hopefully make that road a lot easier for campers going down [to the park] because they won't have dust flying," said Frank.
Coun. Kirsten Walliser, who is on the Woodlawn Park board, said Woodlawn supports this effort as well.
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Council opened the meeting by presenting a 10-year pin to city manager Jeff Ward on behalf of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators.
Members also saluted organizing committee members who were involved with the Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts and SaskTel Tankard provincial women's and men's curling championships earlier this year.
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Council received the resignation of Jade Volesky as the city's building inspector. Volesky's last day was March 31.
The decision to resign was not easy, he said, as he made "great friends" and enjoyed his time working with the city.
The new building inspector is his brother Shay.
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Council gave its blessing for the Rotary Club of Estevan to host its annual Lobsterfest at Affinity Place on June 23. The event is Rotary's largest fundraiser of the year. Last year marked the first time Lobsterfest was held at the events centre since 2019.
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The annual Operation Clean Sweep will run from May 15-22.
On May 15, city crews will be cleaning the north, east, south and west entrances of the city and outlying areas. The following day, they will be working on all city-owned properties, including parks, boulevards, medians and natural areas.
The next two days, city crews will pick up organic waste materials, such as twigs, leaves and yard refuse, from residential properties. They will be in the north on May 17 and the south the following day.
Branches must be bundled in three-foot lengths, while leaves and refuse must be bagged. They must be in front of properties by 8 a.m. on designated pick-up days.
May 20-22 will be free landfill weekend for City of Estevan residents. Hazardous waste materials, Freon appliances, and mattresses and box springs cannot be dropped off for free.
