Monthly Archives: September 2015

Craik

Town hears water work update

Charla Edwards, left, and Dermot McCaw spoke to ratepayers at a public meeting in Craik on Wednesday.
Charla Edwards, left, and Dermot McCaw spoke to ratepayers at a public meeting in Craik on Wednesday.

By Joel van der Veen

CRAIK — Members of Craik’s Water Task Force pulled no punches as they provided an update to ratepayers at a public meeting last week.

Dermot McCaw and Charla Edwards both told the small crowd gathered at the Legion Hall on Wednesday that it would be at least two or three years before Craik residents can drink their tap water again.

“I’m sorry I’m not painting a real rosy picture,” said McCaw, who explained that the task force will need to work within its budget to address issues with Craik’s water infrastructure. “It’s going to be a real uphill battle.”

Their words, though candid, were well-received by the group of about 40 ratepayers in attendance for the one-hour meeting.

Mayor Rick Rogers welcomed the crowd at the meeting’s start and gave a brief introduction of the two speakers. Edwards, also a member of Craik town council, provided a summary of the task force’s genesis and its activities to that point.

After a mechanical failure that forced the town water system offline for several days in July, Edwards recalled that she heard from numerous concerned citizens, offering ideas to address the situation.

This led to a two-hour public meeting that filled a room at the municipal offices, resulting in the formation of the task force.

Other members of the group are Kim Bakken, Jason Hay, Shayne Stubbington and Mark Wegner, while Roger Miller, an environmental project officer for the Water Security Agency, serves as a liaison between the group and the province.

Edwards said the task force is responsible for determining what is needed to fix the town’s water infrastructure issues and ultimately aims to restore potable water to Craik, acting with council’s approval.

Research indicates the town can move forward by using both its old water plant, constructed in the 1960s and still used for distribution, and the new plant, built in 2007 by Mainstream Water Solutions of Regina.

The latter plant suffered from issues shortly after it went into operation and was unable to meet higher water quality standards instituted by the province. Craik has been under a continuous boil water advisory since Aug. 17, 2010.

Council approved a task force budget of $60,000 for the rest of 2015, and repairs have brought all three water pumps — two electric-powered, and one backup running on gas — into working order.

A new furnace has been installed at the old plant and concerns regarding the leaky roof have also been addressed.

Members have also met with engineers from KGS Group out of Regina, who are working on a solution for Radville, which has faced similar issues with its system.

Edwards said the Craik plant is due for its five-year assessment; the task force will use the information received thereby to determine a course of action. A report will be submitted to the task force and town council for approval.

In the meantime, organizers are working to put maintenance and accountability procedures in place, with Edwards remarking, “Each step leads us to a better tomorrow.”

McCaw, a retired oil patch worker, provided some further details, noting that he isn’t an engineer, though his past experience gave him some familiarity with water treatment procedures.

Like the others, he is volunteering his time, knowledge and efforts to address the situation. Edwards said McCaw and others have given “countless hours” towards helping the town.

“We’ve got to try to move forward with what we’ve got,” said McCaw, adding that the task force is looking to resolve the problem in an economical way.

For the full story, see the Sept. 28 print edition of The Davidson Leader.

Dundurn

Dundrun? Contractor blamed for errant road sign

Shown here is a road sign along the southbound lanes of Highway 11, directing drivers to the Canadian Forces Detachment at Dundurn — misspelled by the contractor responsible for designing the signs.
Shown here is a road sign along the southbound lanes of Highway 11, directing drivers to the Canadian Forces Detachment at Dundurn — misspelled by the contractor responsible for designing the signs.

By Joel van der Veen

DUNDURN — A proofreading error in a highly visible place has resulted in some red faces at the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.

A sign installed this summer along the southbound lanes of Highway 11, directing drivers to the Canadian Forces Detachment at Dundurn, will be corrected after a misspelling on the sign was brought to the ministry’s attention.

“This is obviously a unique situation and somewhat embarrassing,” said Steve Shaheen, a communications consultant with the ministry.

Shaheen said that the contractor responsible for making the signs misspelled the name “Dundurn” as “Dundrun,” adding that the error went unnoticed by the road crew that installed the sign.

“Shortly after the sign was erected, we received a call about it and have been working to get it fixed,” he said, adding, “This should be done soon.”

Shaheen said that the contractor agreed to correct the sign at no additional charge to the ministry.

Another sign along the northbound side of the highway is largely identical, except with the guiding arrow pointed left instead of right. It does not contain the spelling error.

Shaheen noted that the ministry is responsible for a vast number of signs across the province, which must be replaced from time to time.

This can be due to intentional damage, such as vandalism; accidental damage, such as when signs are struck in auto collisions; or simply because of wear and tear.

Shaheen also said it is extremely rare for a misspelled traffic sign to be installed before the error is caught.

An unidentified Canadian Armed Forces member who answered the phone at CFAD Dundurn on Wednesday laughed when told of the error.

He said he had not yet seen the misspelled sign but added, “I imagine somebody has mentioned it.”

(Update: Shaheen contacted the Leader on Monday to say he was informed that the sign has now been corrected.)

Davidson

Signs defaced with anti-Tory slogan

Pictured here, as seen on the morning of Sept. 20, is one of around 13 stop signs defaced in Davidson by an unknown party.
Pictured here, as seen on the morning of Sept. 20, is one of around 13 stop signs defaced in Davidson by an unknown party.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Eight weeks into the federal election campaign, few Davidson voters have chosen to express their preferences via the usual lawn signs.

But some unofficial — and illegal — signs popped up throughout town briefly over the weekend, courtesy of an unknown activist.

Between the evening of Sept. 19 and the morning of Sept. 20, several stop signs in Davidson were adorned with small red stickers bearing the name “Harper” in white capital letters, thus forming the message “Stop Harper.”

An unofficial count taken early on Sunday morning revealed a total of 13 signs defaced in this manner, apparently as a form of protest against Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Town administrator Gary Edom said Monday that public works staff were already out removing the remaining stickers from the signs.

He said he can’t recall the town having to deal with such vandalism in past election campaigns.

Another batch of similar stickers — this time, miniature stop signs containing the entire slogan — showed up later in the week.

The stickers were sighted on several downtown buildings, including the Leader office and the seniors centre. Edom reported that several were removed from the front entrance and rear doors of town hall. Others reported seeing them affixed to recycling bins.

News reports indicate that the stickers are popping up across the country, with sightings reported from Prince Rupert, B.C., to Charlottetown, P.E.I. A quick Google search indicates the stickers can be purchased online.

The slogan came to national attention in June 2011 when activist Brigitte DePape, then a participant in the Canadian Senate Page Program, interrupted the presentation of the Throne Speech by displaying a handmade “Stop Harper” sign on the Senate floor, leading to her prompt dismissal.

Davidson’s traffic bylaw states under section 4-c that “no person shall deface, damage, destroy or remove any sign or marker erected pursuant to this bylaw.”

The document further states that anyone who violates that section of the bylaw is “guilty of an offence” and, if convicted, faces a fine of $500, reduced to $50 if paid within seven days.

Kenaston administrator Carman Fowler said Tuesday she had not seen or heard any reports of such stickers surfacing in her village. Likewise, Craik administrator Sarah Wells said the stickers had yet to appear there.

Craik, Davidson, Kenaston, Sports

Raiders aim to improve defence after loss to Cougars

Addison Ouellette of the Davidson Raiders tries to block an attack from the opposing Caronport Cougars during a senior football game on Sept. 18.
Addison Ouellette of the Davidson Raiders tries to block an attack from the opposing Caronport Cougars during a senior football game on Sept. 18.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Defence will be the focus for the Davidson Raiders following a close loss to the Caronport Cougars last weekend.

The Davidson senior football team was in contention for most of the Sept. 18 game — narrowing the gap to four points during the fourth quarter — but fell behind in the closing minutes, resulting in a 76-62 victory for their guests.

Defensive coach Greg McJannet said last week that he and the other coaches were pleased with the effort, adding that strengthening the Raiders’ defence will be the next piece in the puzzle.

“It was a little more wide open than we wanted it to be,” he said, noting that the team’s offence had played very effectively. “We need to make sure our defence is on the same page.”

The Sept. 18 game was the Raiders’ season opener, following a 70-66 win over the LCBI Bisons in an exhibition game at home on Sept. 10.

The Raiders struggled to keep up with the Cougars in the first half, lagging at 38-26 after the second quarter.

Davidson scored four touchdowns in the final quarter — including two conversions, adding a total of 28 points to their score — but Caronport rebounded in the last minutes, surging ahead to claim a secure victory.

McJannet acknowledged that the Raiders struggled in some areas, giving up too many points and failing to contain their opponents’ passes, for instance.

“It takes a lot of coaching to get good pass coverage,” he said, noting that Caronport had a strong aerial game.

McJannet said the team is aiming to give up fewer than 30 points at each game, in the belief that they will be able to overpower any competitor they face this season.

He had compliments for the O-line, including Andrew Read, Addison Ouellette and Dawson George, crediting them for “working as a unit.” He also said the defence was making progress and “doing lots of good things.”

McJannet noted the strong attendance at both games so far this year, observing that fans in Davidson and other communities were recognizing the team’s improved performance this fall.

For the full story, please see the Sept. 28 edition of The Davidson Leader.

Davidson, Obituary

Warren, Meryl Ernest

Meryl Warren
Meryl Warren

Meryl Ernest Warren
Sept. 24, 1920 — Sept. 9, 2015

Meryl passed away just short of 95 years of a glorious life. He spent his childhood in Lucky Lake, and as luck would have it, so did his long-loved soulmate Hattie. Meryl and Hattie were married Jan. 31, 1942. So to do the math, that was 73 years of marriage! Meryl joined the Royal Canadian Air Force that year as an aero engine mechanic.

After the war, in 1946, Meryl, Hattie and two-year-old daughter Joan came to the Campbell district at Girvin where they would begin their future as farmers. When times were tough in the early going, Meryl worked as an instructor for the six-week courses the university conducted in agriculture and mechanics. He also went up north to inspect registered cereal and grass crops in the spring, and after harvest he worked for the P.F.A.A.

His farm also included registered polled herefords, pigs and chickens. The family moved into their new farmhouse that Meryl built in 1955. The power had just come through in 1954 so the house was completed with all the conveniences that provided. Meryl and Hattie lived there until 1990 when they moved into Davidson.

Meryl had many great loves, but none as great as his family, especially his loving wife. Hattie spent much of her time being a caregiver and a provider, and is one of the big reasons Meryl achieved his longevity. He was once quoted, “It doesn’t matter where I go, as long as I am with my wife.” The Legion was a very special and proud part of Meryl’s life. Some of his other passions were cards, travels, family gatherings and ice cream. In his last few years, he had quite an obsession with pens, highlighters and flashlights!

Meryl is remembered by his loving wife of 73 years, Hattie; his children Joan (Jim) Cross, Yvonne, Miles, Alan (Shelley) and Clifton; Clark (Pat) Warren, Janelle and Nadine (Keith); Sylvia (Terry) McConnell, Ryan, Clinton (Cathy), Lanny (Ellen) and Courtney (Alan); Donna Warren, Jason, Scott (Janet), Mathew (Jessie); Vicki (Kim) Corfield, Jamie (Amanda), Mark (Ricki), Eric (Sarah) and Nicole; great-grandchildren Levi (Cliff), Zach, Cayle (Alan); Evelyn (Nadine); Kade (Ryan), Cass (Clinton); Nathanael, Annika, Rebekah (Jason); Andrew, Jacob, Grace (Scott); Nash, Shay, Zane (Mathew); Briana, Addison (Jamie), Aria (Nicole).

Meryl is also survived by his sister Norma (Garf) Weston and sister-in-law Agnes Fensom, as well as many nieces and nephews. Meryl was predeceased by his loving son Terry.

The celebration of Meryl’s life was held in the Davidson United Church. Meryl would have been delighted with the words Mathias spoke, the music Donna and Gloria shared, the songs, the Legion service and the tribute his granddaughter Yvonne presented. And Meryl would have been very pleased with Todd and Hanson’s Funeral Home for their awareness of every little detail, as that was one of Meryl’s characteristics.

Obituary

Webb, Robertha Fay

Robertha Fay Webb
Robertha Fay Webb

Robertha Fay Webb

On Sept. 20, 2015 Robertha Fay Webb of Moose Jaw passed away at the age of 68. Even though this was her second battle with cancer, she managed to maintain her very pleasant and friendly attitude. For years she has lifted our spirits with the love and passion she put into the crafts she shared with us.

A very special thanks to the Moose Jaw Home Care Palliative Team that helped allow her to meet the end at home, close with her family. She will be sorrowfully missed by her son Chuck Giguere (Vicki), daughter Linda Giguere-Reiniger (Ian), daughter Sandra Weisner (Todd); 11 grandchildren: Crystal, Neil, Kevin, Erica, Cherie, Koni, Kassandra, David, Victoria, Christopher and Sarah; five great-grandchildren: Riley, Brody, Caz, Danny and William; and all those who knew and loved her. She will also be sorrowfully missed by her siblings Laurel Burnette, Bill Webb (Pat), Richard Webb (Cindy), Rupert Webb (Lorraine), Debbie Swistara, Nada Neil (Bill), Jack Webb, Merry Webb, Bryan Nichols (Kim) and their families.

A memorial service was held in her honour at the Salvation Army Church at 2 Wintergreen Drive, Moose Jaw on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

Instead of flowers please consider making a donation towards finding a cure for cancer and/or heart and stroke disease.