ROCANVILLE — A draft of Rocanville’s updated animal control bylaw was presented on March 19 during a regular town council meeting.
Council gave first reading to Bylaw 2026-01, which Administrator Tanya Strandlund said is more in-depth than the animal control bylaw previously on the books.
“It’s a lot bigger than our last one, it has a lot more detail to it, but it’s just a lot more cut and dry,” she explained.
The bylaw also outlines what happens in situations such as unprovoked attacks, animals at large, and dangerous animals.
“A big one that we did put in there is we’re not doing licensing fees, but we are doing identification,” Strandlund explained. “If you own an animal in town, it does need to be easily identified through either a tag on their caller or being stitched on the collar, or somehow very easy to be able to see the owner’s name and phone number. If your animal is caught at large without that, there are multiple different fines.”
Prohibited animals are also outlined, including the restriction of alligators, crocodiles, anteaters, hyenas, and kangaroos within town limits.
New fire truck in town
There’s a new tool at the disposal of the Rocanville Fire Department, a 2022 F350, cost-shared between the fire department, town and RM of Rocanville.
“They have bought a 2022 F350, and will be able to replace an aging truck that’s in their fleet,” explained Strandlund. “Our fire department is paying for 50 per cent of the truck and equipment, and then the RM and town split the other 50 per cent 65/35.”
Working with the RM on items like the purchase of an upgraded fire truck is very important to the town.
“When we make decisions for the fire department, we don’t ever just make it on our own,” Strandlund explained. “We always include the RM in the conversation, because they are a huge part in this. We decided together that this was a good upgrade and will last a little longer. It just makes more sense.”
EDC agreement with Moosomin
Council made a resolution to accept an agreement to join the Moosomin Economic Development Committee, along with the RM of Rocanville.
“We had already decided previously to join the Economic Development Committee, and this was just being presented with the agreement,” Strandlund said. “They’re going to start working on projects here in town.”
Street sweeping quote
Council approved a quote from Virtue Construction of Clavet, Sask. to provide street sweeping services in Rocanville at a cost of of $10,993.
“They come and do a phenomenal job on our streets,” Strandlund explained. “Sometimes they give us a little bit of a deal when it comes time for mobilization if there are other towns in the area that join on as well.
Dust control contract
Council also approved Clarke’s Contracting to provide dust control once again this year.
“They did it last year, and did a great job,” Strandlund said, adding that their quote came in just under $5,000 or 0.395 cents per applied litre. Clarke’s uses Tiger calcium products for dust control, which Strandlund pointed out are “100 per cent Canadian, produced in Alberta.”
Jessica Campbell sign arrives
“Our Home of Jessica Campbell sign showed up,” Strandlund said excitedly, confirming it would be unveiled at the Seattle Kraken watch party, which took place on Saturday night.
“It was designed by the Kraken marketing team, and then printed at Graphic Ad (of Humboldt, Sask.),” Strandlund said. “We are just pumped for all the things— her effort in the world, everything she’s done. It’s really fun to be able to celebrate all of her successes because she has put in hours and years of work to get to where she is. And it’s pretty cool to be able to say this is where she came from, this is where it started, but she’s the one that made it happen.
Spring cleanup
As the snow melts, the town is asking residents to begin the annual spring cleaning.
“Spring is coming, so all the snow is going to melt and everybody’s going to see what’s in their yard,” Strandlund said. “I’m going to do some Nuisance Bylaw enforcement so people can start cleaning up.”
Town taking over hall operation
Strandlund confirmed that talks have begun on what happens when the town takes over operations of the Hall.
“We’ve just started discussing roles and responsibilities when the town takes over the Nutrien Community Hall,” she said.
Some of the issues at hand include who will be responsible for booking the facility, walking through the building’s finances, and who will clean the hall.
Budget talks
Staff and council are beginning to look at the town’s draft budget, deciding what pieces to tackle first.
“We just started going through what the priorities are, where we’re going to be spending some money. There’s so much to go through,” Strandlund said, noting some paving projects as an example of an item the town would like to move ahead on this year. “There’s just so much to go through right now—community promotions, beautification of our town.”
