Saskatchewan communities are trend leaders in projects using innovation and enterprise. On May 11, the annual Saskatchewan Municipal Awards ceremony celebrated some of the best and brightest of these, including improvements to long term care facilities; overcoming the wrath of Mother Nature; taking pride in preserving the past; friendly environmental options for waste water reuse; and municipalities working together and forming partnerships to achieve a common goal.
The 2012 winners who received awards at the annual SMA luncheon in Regina included:
Municipal Innovation and Service Excellence Award
The Pasquia Trust Project
Town of Carrot River, RM of Moose Range
With the desire to enhance the quality of life for local residents, the community of Carrot River and the RM of Moose Range partnered to create The Pasquia Trust. Governed by a volunteer board of local residents, The Pasquia Trust was developed to serve as a community driven agency with the mandate to provide grants in support of valuable projects and to assist local groups and organizations. As an agency set up by two local governments, tax receipts can be issued for donations and the financial transactions are audited as part of the annual financial statements of the municipalities.
Community Life Enrichment Award
Yorkton’s Aviva Project
City of Yorkton
Following the catastrophic flood in July 2010 residents of the City of Yorkton saw an opportunity to construct a skateboard park in conjunction with the work being done to mitigate any future flooding. Unfortunately, the City did not have the funds to construct the skate park at the same time. Through the dedicated work of residents, a campaign was initiated to win the “Aviva Community Fund” prize valued at $150,000. Through the use of social media and online videos the campaign committee engaged citizens, businesses, First Nations groups, municipalities and influential community members to build their support network. All of this work paid off as the committee was awarded the grand prize, making the skate park a reality.
Economic Development Leadership Award
Maple Creek Heritage District: Main Street Revitalization Program
Town of Maple Creek
The Town of Maple Creek identified tourism as a potential growth industry that would remain sustainable into the future. After consulting with the community and exploring options available, the town created The Maple Creek Heritage District: Main Street Revitalization Program. This is an initiative that blends heritage conservation and cultural planning, with tourism and economic development. The objectives are to restore architectural heritage in the community, celebrate local culture and heritage, beautify the streetscape, elevate community pride, heighten tourism appeal and encourage investment.
Environmental Stewardship Award
Waste Water Diversion and Reuse Project
Town of Unity
Working with the local Sifto Salt Mine, the Town of Unity commenced and completed construction of a 6 km underground pipeline from the Sink and Gordon Lakes to the Killsqaw Lake. The pipeline carries waste water from the town’s lagoon and storm sewer system which has contributed to rising water levels at the Sink and Gordon Lakes. The transported water is used by the salt mine to cool their condensers. This project has reduced the risk of flooding around the area of the Sink and Gordon Lakes.
Regional Leadership and Partnerships Award
Calling Lake Planning District Commission
Town of Fort Qu’Appelle, RM of North Qu’Appelle, RVs of B-Say-Tah, District of Katepwa, and Fort San, Villages of Lebret and Lipton
With increasing demand for development within the Calling Lakes Region, local governments and First Nations within the region agreed that a consistent approach was needed for valley development. After numerous consultations and meetings, the Calling Lake Planning Commission was formally established in 2012. The group meets monthly to discuss issues and concerns of mutual interest. The Commission is working towards developing a district plan and is available to the partner municipalities as an advisory body to review development proposals to ensure consistent application of local policies.
Heritage Conservation Leadership Award
Maple Creek Heritage District: Main Street Revitalization Program
Town of Maple Creek
The Town of Maple Creek identified tourism as a potential growth industry that would remain sustainable into the future. After consulting with the community and exploring options available, the town created The Maple Creek Heritage District: Main Street Revitalization Program. This is an initiative that blends heritage conservation and cultural planning, with tourism and economic development. The programs objectives are to restore architectural heritage in the community, celebrate local culture and heritage, beautify the streetscape, elevate community pride, heighten tourism appeal and encourage investment.
Judges’ Award
Yorkton's Aviva Project
City of Yorkton
Following the catastrophic flood in July 2010 residents of the City of Yorkton saw an opportunity to construct a skateboard park in conjunction with the work being done to mitigate any future flooding. Unfortunately, the City did not have the funds to construct the skate park at the same time. Through the dedicated work of residents, a campaign was initiated to win the “Aviva Community Fund” prize valued at $150,000. Through the use of social media and online videos the campaign committee engaged citizens, businesses, First Nations groups, municipalities and influential community members to build their support network. All of this work paid off as the committee was awarded the grand prize, making the skate park a reality.