“Looking back over the past year, the Town has had many successes and steady progress has been made on our strategic priorities,” said Kamsack Mayor Nancy Brunt.
“Firstly, we have continued to invest in the town infrastructure and equipment,” Brunt said in the Times’ annual discussion with the Kamsack mayor, which asked for the highlights of the previous year and for a look ahead at the new year.
“Another round of roadway resurfacing (paving) was completed, we invested in a new zero-turn lawnmower, purchased a bucket/lift truck and installed several accessible curbs at key intersections,” Brunt said. “Also, a new, wider sidewalk was poured in front of Eaglestone Lodge.
“This past year was a very busy year as enrollment in our sports and recreation programs continued to be strong,” she said, adding that 2016 saw an increase in use of the sportsgrounds as minor ball had over 100 youth register.
Soccer and hockey continued to be strong, plus the resurgence of curling that was seen at the end of 2015 has continued, she said. In 2016 the pool opened a little earlier than it had in past years, which perhaps offset the later opening of the rink due to ice-making problems.
“In 2016, the wooden homemade structures at the Skate Park were replaced and in 2017 we are looking forward to receiving several banks of seating from the old Mosaic Stadium. In 2016 a multi-year plan for expansion of the walking trail was adopted and the first phase was completed.
“We also started to gather community input for the development of a splash park and an off-leash dog park,” she said. This work will continue in the new year.
“Our support for the schools and community groups continues to be strong and the Town Facebook page and Twitter account are proving to be great communication tools.
“In 2016 the Town re-entered the Provincial Communities in Bloom competition and with tremendous support from several community groups the judges awarded us four out of five blooms, not quite enough to win but certainly an achievement to be proud of.”
Recognizing the importance of health care services to the community, the Medical Services Committee amalgamated with the Assiniboine Health and Wellness Foundation, she said. The Foundation Board will continue to work with Council to focus attention on the services provided to the community by Sunrise Health and identify areas of concern with the programs and services available.
“The Foundation has also made substantial progress in searching for a dentist to work in our community,” she said. “Hopefully a final announcement on this will be made in early 2017.”
Last year saw a changing of the guard, when a new Council was elected, she said. “We had an acting administrator for half the year and the town superintendent left to pursue other opportunities.
“2017 is going to be a great year,” Brunt said. “We will continue to focus on infrastructure and health care while providing services and programs to our residents and looking for economic growth opportunities.
“Initiatives such as addressing the cooling pipes at the rink, replacing the rescue truck and redesigning the town office to make it accessible will be priorities.
“On behalf of Council, I would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to the previous Council, our hardworking staff, and all the dedicated volunteers who make ‘Kamsack a great place to call home.’”
