March 2024 Council’s Corner

In Davidson Town Council’s Strategic Plan, one of the values identified was transparency in municipal decision making, finances, and communication.  Council’s Corner will focus on these strategic priorities as it relates to the Strategic Action Plan:

1. Engagement, Communications and Team Work

• Thank you to Western Sales for the use of a snowblower attachment for our skid steer this winter. It was a huge help with snow removal while our equipment was down for repair.
• Council is once again undertaking a Dutch Elm Disease survey of all American elm trees within the Town. This is typically done every other year in efforts to protect our urban forest.
• Council continues to participate in the Davidson School Scholarship program, providing a scholarship to a graduating student who has displayed school involvement and community leadership.
• Due to the annual price adjustment from Loraas, and in order to fully cover the cost of the garbage and recycle service, Council had the final read on a bylaw to increase the total monthly cost of these services by $3.04/month. This price increase will appear on your Jan-Mar 2024 utility bills.
• The 2023 financial audit is complete, with Council set to approve the annual financial statements at their April Council Meeting. Council is currently working on the 2024 Operating and Capital Budget.
• A tentative meeting has been set in April with Highways representatives, Town Council, and the RM of Arm River and Willner to discuss the results of the first Highway 11 Open House that was held in December 2023.

2. Infrastructure

• Council made the difficult decision to cancel the AGT Addition Project in February, even though there was grant funding to cover a portion of the project. The funding we were approved for was based on 73% of the engineer’s project cost estimate of $663,255 used in the application.  This resulted in $486,343 grant funding from the federal and provincial government, with the Town covering $176,912.  We were shocked when the first round of tenders had the total project priced at $1,111,191.  After some cost saving measures were implemented to the design, the project was re-tendered.  This time the project came in at $1,008,575.  With grant funding capped at $486,343, the Town would still need to cover $522,232.  Council felt that there were more pressing infrastructure projects they should focus on.  Funds from the donations received for this project ($3,220) and the fundraising done to date ($20,165) have been transferred to the Recreation Reserve for future recreation use.
• The maintenance and upgrades to the water tower had to be postponed due to ice build up in the tower. When the ice has melted, the engineers and contractors will return to complete this project.  Meanwhile, you may notice water pressure variances.
• Council has scheduled for sewer manhole repairs to take place this spring, as identified in the sewer line camera work from last fall.

3. Recreation and Cultural Programs

• Council approved Sask Lottery funding for 5 community projects, and to date $5,218 remains unallocated.  The Town is encouraging local groups that have eligible projects and did not previously apply to submit a request for funding before the April 22^nd Council meeting.  Saskatchewan Lottery Grants support local sport, culture and recreation programs.
• The Town was recently awarded $5,000 from the Community Initiatives Fund to support swimming lessons at Panther Pool.  Panther Pool will open June 3^rd and lessons will begin that day.  Swimming lesson dates will be available in April and registration will open on May 13^th.  Watch the Town website for more details including how to register.

If you have questions or want more information, please contact the Town Office.

In Davidson Town Council’s Strategic Plan, one of the values identified was transparency in municipal decision making, finances, and communication.  Council’s Corner will focus on these strategic priorities as it relates to the Strategic Action Plan:

1. Engagement, Communications and Team Work

• Due to the annual price adjustment from Loraas, and in order to fully cover the cost of the garbage and recycle service, Council had first and second read on a bylaw to increase the total monthly cost of these services by $3.04/month.
• Town Council recently met with representatives from the RM of Arm River and RM of Willner to facilitate partnerships. The Town has invited them to have representation on our local Rec & Culture Committee and Economic Development Committee.  We continue to explore opportunities to include all partners in our larger region.

2. Infrastructure

• The maintenance and upgrades to the water tower is scheduled for the week of March 18^th. During this time the water tower will be emptied, inspected, valves replaced, and a new control system installed.  We are not anticipating any disruption of water service during this time.  However, there may be variances in water pressure and we encourage conservation of water during that week.
• Council approved the continuation of the asphalt crack sealing and maintenance program for 2024.
• Council is exploring security upgrades in Town facilities as recommended by the RCMP.
• The Town completed one third of the sewer line camera work in 2023, and will continue with another third this year. The information collected will lead towards condition assessments that will be used to address repair and replacement of sewer lines in the future.
• Council made the decision to cancel the AGT Addition Project due to inflationary increases.
• Repairs and upgrades to the Davidson Family Practice have been completed. This project was fully funded by the Town.  We are currently looking for partners to complete window and front entrance upgrades to meet accessibility standards.

3. Economic Development

• Council representatives are attending the SUMA Convention in April with some of the sessions focused on Community and Economic Development.

4. Recreation and Cultural Programs

• Based on a proposal from a youth in our community, Council is moving ahead with a “mini library” geared towards children’s books in the AGT Centre lobby.
• Save the date: Davidson Days is planned for June 21 -23. Events will include a parade, entertainment, food, ball, fireworks, trade show, and more!

If you have questions or want more information, please contact the Town Office.

In Davidson Town Council’s Strategic Plan, one of the values identified was transparency in municipal decision making, finances, and communication.  Council’s Corner will focus on these strategic priorities as it relates to the Strategic Action Plan:

1. Engagement, Communications and Team Work

• Through a partnership with the Library Board, Davidson Legion, and the Town, an elevator will be installed at the Library to allow accessibility to both floors. Thank you to the Davidson Legion Branch #51 and the Davidson Library Board for their work in applying and receiving a grant towards this project.
• At the recent RCMP Community Consultative Meeting with area urban and rural municipalities, there was a reminder for residents to report all crime in our area by calling the Craik RCMP Detachment or 310-RCMP.
• The Town has donated “Parcel B” on King Edward Street to the Davidson Child Care Inc. and we look forward to them breaking ground in 2024.

2. Infrastructure

• Town staff continue to work on the water meter replacement project.
• The Town is still waiting on all of the components for the necessary repairs to the water tower. In the meantime, water pressure will continue to fluctuate.

3. Economic Development

• The Town is making an application to SaskCulture under the Community Cultural Engagement and Planning Grant for a community needs assessment.
• The Economic Development Committee is seeking opportunities for small business and large-scale industrial development.

4. Recreation and Cultural Programs

• The Town is hosting “Our Climate Quest” February 5 to 9th. Our Climate Quest is an interactive traveling science exhibit where visitors get to explore what we currently know about climate change and learn about sustainable solutions.  Open daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm and until 8:00pm on Wednesday.  Location: Town Hall Auditorium.  Cost: Free.
• Davidson Days this year will be held June 21-23. The organizing committee is looking for volunteers. Contact Dave at 306-567-2908 if you would like to get involved.
• Family Day free skate sponsored by Riverbend Co-op. Monday, February 19, 11 am -3 pm at the AGT Centre.

If you have questions or want more information, please contact the Town Office.

December 2023 Council’s Corner

In Davidson Town Council’s Strategic Plan, one of the values identified was transparency in municipal decision making, finances, and communication.  Council’s Corner will focus on these strategic priorities as it relates to the Strategic Action Plan:

1. Engagement, Communications and Team Work

• Council is looking forward to our annual meeting with the RM of Willner and RM of Arm River Council’s to discuss items of mutual interest and involvement.
• Council has scheduled a meeting for the end of January to review and update the Town of Davidson Strategic Action Plan.
• The Town and United Steelworkers Union are currently in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Council reviewed their areas of responsibilities and committee list, updating both for 2024. Check out the list under ‘Town Council’ on our website.
• Thank you to everyone who attended the Highway 11 Open House December 5^th. The online feedback survey is still live; if you want the link, please contact the Town Office.  You can also email: DavidsonHwy11@ae.ca to provide feedback.  We encourage everyone to provide their input!

2. Infrastructure

• The Town has recently pre-qualified for grant funding available through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities under the Green Municipal Fund, Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) Initiative.  The Town hopes to receive funding to complete feasibility studies on both the Town Hall and the AGT Centre, in an effort to upgrade these facilities to be more energy efficient
• A contract has been awarded for renovations and upgrades to the Davidson Family Practice building to take place in early 2024.
• Keep an eye out for your December utility bill and newsletter. In it you’ll find the 2024 Loraas schedule, as well as the priority snow clearing plan recently adopted by Council.
• The Town Hall recently had some repairs done to the sewer line under the building, a new hot water heater to replace the one that quit just before Christmas, and the Auditorium floor has been refinished.

3. Economic Development

• Council approved the Economic Development Committee mandate, and the Committee is planning their first meeting for early in the New Year.

4. Recreation and Cultural Programs

• Sask Lotteries Community Grant provides funding to non-profit organizations and groups for projects that increase participation in sports, culture, or recreation.  Applications will be available at the Town Office beginning February 1^st for projects offered between April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
• AGT Centre is as busy as ever with 7 tournaments and 3 curling bonspiels this year.  Watch the schedule for upcoming games, events, and public skate times.
• Secret Santa was a tremendous success again this year.  The program raised over $3,000 in cash and donated items.  Over 40 local children had brighter a brighter Christmas because of the generous support of our community.

If you have questions or want more information, please contact the Town Office.