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.

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

• Had an informative presentation from the Davidson Skatepark Committee with an update on their progress with fund raising and the concept of the park they are looking at.
• Rental rates for the Town Hall have increased to reflect current operating costs.
• Thank you to all of the community volunteers for helping to make Davidson Days a huge success.

2. Infrastructure

• The Town needs to upgrade its water meters, and in order to do so we need to create an inventory of the type and size of water meter that is in place in every home. Please help us out by taking a picture of the face of your water meter and sending it to the Town Office.  We have plans to replace 100 meters this year.
• The lagoon control structure was replaced last year and staff have been finishing up the project this summer.
• The Town is purchasing an extra well pump to have for backup.
• The Toronto Street sewer relining project is still planned for this year; we are waiting on the contractor to arrive.
• Maintenance and repair work are ongoing at the cemetery.
• Requests for proposals have gone out for quotes on upgrades to the sewage lift station in regards to ventilation and back up power.
• The Town has recently partnered with CIMCO Refrigeration to develop a long-term plan to reduce heating and energy costs for Town in an effort to approach net zero. The first step is to complete an application for funding to Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and, if approved, work will begin on a feasibility study.  The feasibility study results will help guide the Town to formulate an action plan with targeted infrastructure improvements.  The long-term goal is to upgrade aging infrastructure with high efficiency systems for long-term energy savings.  The AGT Centre is the primary focus of this initiative, but other facilities such as the Water Treatment plant and the Town Hall may also be involved.

3. Recreation and Cultural Programs

• Watch for more information on our upcoming “Music in the Park” programming; there is still space available if you and/or your group would like to perform!
• Panther Pool is the place to be this summer! Be sure to check the Panther Swimming Pool Facebook page for the weekly schedule of lessons, lane swim, aquasize and public swim times.

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