November 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 continuing to look at ways to fund recreation going forward as costs are rapidly rising. We are exploring all options to enhance partnerships.
• The Christmas Parade has been set for Monday, December 18^th at 7 p.m. The parade route will be advertised in the Davidson Leader December 11^th.
• The Town is now accepting donations for Secret Santa to assist families at this time of year. Cash donations or unwrapped gifts are accepted at the Town Office until December 13^th.
• A reminder to please remove your garbage and recycle carts from the street as soon as possible after pickup. This will help with snow removal this winter.  As well, removal of your garbage cans and stands in the back alley will make clean-up of the alleys much easier.
• We enjoyed another successful crop year with the Davidson Kinsmen in our joint land project with a total profit being $36,757. Profits each year are split between the two groups; with the Town using their share towards recreation. Thank you to all involved with this great project.
• Council continues to support STARS with an annual donation
• Following the Public Hearing November 21^st, Council adopted the Zoning Bylaw amendment that defines Mobile Storage Containers (seacans), extends the zoning districts that they are allowed, and outlines related conditions.
• The Davidson Legion and Library Board have partnered to add an elevator in the Library, making it more accessible for all users.

2. Infrastructure

• Council authorized a temporary fix to our water tower issues earlier this month, and have now partnered with Municipal Utilities for a permanent fix in early 2024.
• The Town recently received word that we were successful with our December 2022 ICIP grant application for upgrades to the water tower, which will include removal of the deteriorated exterior coating, repair areas of corrosion, recoat the tower exterior, replace the altitude valve and level controls. The total estimated cost of this project is $455,000, which will be funded by the federal and provincial government (73.33%), and the Town of Davidson (26.67%).
• Council signed an agreement with Walker Projects to design a plan for upgrades to the sewer lift station in 2024, which will include electrical upgrades, new standby power generator, and upgrades to the mechanical system to address ventilation issues.

3. Economic Development

• The Economic Development Committee is planning their first meeting for January 2024.

4. Recreation and Cultural Programs

• The AGT Centre is busy with hockey, curling, and public skating. To view the weekly schedule, visit the Town website (townofdavidson.com)
• Public skating passes are available at the Town Office: $111 for a family pass; $55.50 for a single pass; or $2 for drop-in. There is also a drop box just outside the office at the rink.

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

 

October 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

• A successful Fall Friendship Night was held on October 18^th where the community recognized new residents and celebrated our heritage. In additional to this, the 2023 Citizen, Business and Community Group of the Year were awarded.
• Council had first read of a bylaw to amend the Zoning Bylaw, in order to define Mobile Storage Containers (seacans), extend the zoning districts that they are allowed, and to outline related conditions.
• A reminder to please remove your garbage and recycle carts from the street as soon as possible after pickup. This will help with snow removal this winter.  As well, removal of your garbage cans and stands in the back alley will make clean-up of the alleys much easier.

2. Infrastructure

• Our water system was built in the late 50’s/early 60’s, so like infrastructure in most rural communities, it is wearing out. The system relies on pumps, water lines, valves and storage systems.  Recently several valves and one of the pumps have failed so we are now having to operate the system manually.  We have replaced one pump and two backflow valves and are considering various options to repair the entire system.  While we work on the system, users may continue to experience fluctuations in water pressure.  We will keep posting updates as progress is made.
• Council and staff will be reviewing the sewer lines that were camera inspected early in October (1/3 of the town) and will be developing plans for ongoing maintenance and repair.
• Council passed a motion to transfer the remaining funds in the pavement budget to the Pavement Reserve at year end for future use.
• The funds from the sale of the old Engine 482 truck will be put towards the new fire truck loan.

3. Economic Development

• The Economic Development Committee will be meeting Wednesday, November 15^th at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. If you’re interested, please contact Arlene Low (306-561-7880) or Keith LePoudre (639-844-7027).

     4.  Recreation and Cultural Programs

• The AGT Centre is up and running and already busy with hockey and public skating. Be sure to check out the Town’s website for scheduling.
• Staff are starting to put the curling ice in, with the Davidson Curling Club planning a “Tune Up or Try” drop-in curling ice time in November, and league play will begin mid-November.
• New to the AGT Centre this year is B-Mo’s Kitchen & Lounge; stop by and welcome them to our facility!

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

• Plan to attend the Davidson Fall Friendship Night on October 18^th to celebrate our heritage, our citizens and our diversity! Join us in welcoming newcomers and celebrate our businesses and volunteers.  Community members are encouraged to bring a traditional dessert of your choosing to share!
• Nomination forms for Business, Citizen, and Community Group of the Year are available on the Town’s website, at the Town Hall, or the Library.

2. Infrastructure

• REMINDER – the Town is needing to create an inventory of the type and size of water meter that is in place in every home. If you haven’t yet, please help us out by taking a picture of the face of your water meter from inside your home, and sending it to the Town Office.  We have plans to replace 100 water meters this fall.
• As part of our annual maintenance, a third of the sewer lines were flushed in September. These sewer lines will then be camera inspected which will help the Town determine the condition of our sewer lines.  It is Council’s intention to continue this each year until all sewer lines have been inspected.
• Sewer relining in the 300 block of Toronto Street is still scheduled to happen; likely in late October.
• Council is currently completing an inventory of all sidewalks and developing a condition rating system to be used to implement a policy on inspecting and maintenance our sidewalks. This information will supplement our asset management plan.

3. Economic Development

• We are seeking interested community members to be part of an Economic Development Committee. Contact Arlene Low (306-561-7880) or Keith LePoudre (639-844-7027) by October 31, 2023.

 Recreation and Cultural Programs

• Skating ice at the AGT Centre is going in, with the first event scheduled being the Cyclones Hockey Camp October 13-15. Remember to check out the rink schedule on the Town website.

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