Category Archives: featured

Craik, featured

Restructuring town may be Craik’s best hope, council told

web-craik

By Joel van der Veen

CRAIK — A proposal to restructure the Town of Craik as an organized hamlet will be the focus of a special meeting of town council later this month.

Councillors were told at their regular meeting on Thursday night that such a restructuring may be the town’s best option, as Craik grapples with the cost of rehabilitating its water treatment plant.

Dermot McCaw, who was reporting to council on behalf of the Water Task Force, said Craik will be on the hook for more infrastructure needs over the next few years, from maintenance of the water delivery system to expansion of the sewage lagoon.

He predicted that those costs would reach into the millions of dollars, well beyond the town’s resources.

“We’re just touching the tip of the iceberg,” said McCaw. “I hate to be as blunt as I am … I think that we’re up the creek without a paddle.”

Task force member Mark Wegner, who also attended Thursday’s meeting, said the town isn’t equipped to cover the ballooning costs of maintaining its infrastructure.

Restructuring may be the best way forward, he told the Leader on Friday morning, but ultimately council will need to choose what path the town will take.

“We’re just giving them the information,” said Wegner. “How they deal with it is up to the council.”

As an organized hamlet, the current town would become part of the Rural Municipality of Craik and would come under the RM’s governance.

Residents would elect a three-person board to represent the hamlet before the RM council, according to the province’s website. The RM would collect all taxes and grants for the hamlet, which would not have spending authority.

All grant money received for the hamlet would be allocated to the community, while hamlet and the RM would need to negotiate an agreement by which a portion of the taxes collected from hamlet residents — usually between 40 and 75 per cent — would be allotted towards the community.

McCaw said he recognized the proposal would not be popular, but he advised the town to take it under consideration, given the circumstances it currently faces.

“It’s a terrifying step,” he said, his voice uneven. “I grew up in the town, I don’t want to tear it down.”

Craik has been without potable water since August 2010. The town is in ongoing discussions with the provincial Water Security Agency (WSA), which has set a deadline of Dec. 31, 2018 for Craik to restore drinking water service to residents.

If progress isn’t made soon, McCaw said the WSA may look at taking action against the town, which could include fines or an order of compliance.

He acknowledged that all options should be considered, but added that in his opinion, restructuring would be the best way forward.

“It’s undeniable that you’re treading water,” said McCaw. “It’s (the town’s) responsibility to supply potable water.”

McCaw presented a preliminary engineer’s report from KGS Group, which included an assessment of Craik’s water treatment facilities, based on site visits completed on Oct. 23 and Dec. 10 of last year.

Council gave its approval to request the final report from KGS, which will include estimated capital replacement costs and remaining service life for major system components. The cost of this upcoming report was estimated at $7,500.

Besides the costs of the assessment, McCaw said the town must also anticipate the costs of implementing the engineers’ recommendations, which would likely be upwards of half a million dollars.

Even if provincial and federal grants could be secured, the town would still be on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars for its anticipated infrastructure needs.

Wegner said the proposal had been percolating for some time, while McCaw said that if Craik’s situation improves down the road, regaining town status may be a possibility.

Once council has decided on the direction it will take, McCaw said the town would need to reach out to the Ministry of Government Relations.

Consultations with the rural municipality would be necessary, as would a public meeting with ratepayers.

“This is just a baby step to a long process,” said Wegner, adding that council will also need to consider how restructuring would affect the school, the hospital and other services and facilities in Craik.

He said Friday that council has likely done as good of a job as could be expected with the tools at its disposal, but the town does not draw enough tax revenue to pay for anything beyond normal operating costs.

Wegner likened it to the recent trend of consolidation among the province’s co-operative associations, many of which have concluded that they cannot remain viable as separate entities over the long term.

“Since July, we’ve been going through every scenario that we can possibly go through,” he said, referring to the task force. “Nobody wants to see anything drastic . . . (but) it’s a solution.”

“There’s no easy solution, no easy answer,” he continued. “If anybody’s got a better solution, I’m definitely open to it.”

Council members appeared to have been blindsided by the suggestion, with Mayor Rick Rogers stating, “I had no idea they were going to propose that tonight.”

Coun. Charla Edwards, who serves on the task force, said members have discussed the idea at length. Other council members expressed openness to the proposal.

“I think it needs to be explored,” said Coun. David Ashdown. “Exploring the option doesn’t cost us anything, though it may cause an uproar.”

“We’re not attracting any new development here,” said Coun. Cheryl Klein. “We can’t, our hands are tied.”

Administrator Sarah Wells suggested that the town consult with the provincial government and conduct its own research before making a firm decision.

Ashdown added that councillors would need to perform their due diligence in looking at what was involved and what the outcome could be.

He suggested calling a special meeting of council to decide on the issue. The date was set for Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.

The town would need co-operation from the RM to move forward with restructuring. Reeve Hilton Spencer said Friday morning that he would need to discuss it with his council, but added he was skeptical they would give it their approval.

“I’d have to talk to my guys,” he said. “I would say the answer would be ‘no’ . . . I’m almost positive about it . . . but I guess it would have to be discussed.”

Patrick Boyle, speaking on behalf of the WSA on Friday, confirmed that the agency had set a deadline for Craik to restore its potable water service.

The WSA has multiple options to take action against the town if necessary, said Boyle, but “the regulations are all pretty reasonable.”

He added that regulators are unlikely to take forceful action as long as there’s evidence that the town is making progress.

Davidson, featured

New branch librarian eager to get started

Adrienne van der Veen will begin her position as the new branch librarian for Davidson on Feb. 19.
Adrienne van der Veen will begin her position as the new branch librarian for Davidson on Feb. 19.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — For Adrienne van der Veen, libraries have always felt like homes away from home.

Growing up in Owen Sound, Ont., she and her two brothers would often go to the public library after school.

There, she developed the habit of being a “voracious reader,” making her way through the Little House on the Prairie series and laughing at the antics of Gordon Korman’s Bruno and Boots.

Adrienne, who was hired this month as the new branch librarian for Davidson, said she’s excited to get started and looking forward to meeting the needs of library users here.

“I really enjoy getting to know people and being with kids,” she said, adding that she wants to be an “ambassador” for the library. “It’s an honour to be here.”

Adrienne grew up in Ontario and moved out west to attend Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport, Sask., graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in intercultural studies with an emphasis on TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

She then moved to Moose Jaw, spending most of the next five years as an office administrator for Joe’s Place, a youth centre located in the city’s downtown core.

After her marriage in 2013, she and her husband Joel spent the next year in Moose Jaw, where their daughter Ellie was born in August 2014. They then spent seven months in Stettler, Alta., before moving to Davidson in March 2015.

Since last June, Adrienne has worked occasionally as a substitute at the Davidson branch of Palliser Regional Library.

She had previously volunteered with the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council, reading books to newcomers and helping them find materials of interest at the city library. In Stettler, she helped with a twice-weekly “Read and Rhyme” program.

Adrienne said last week she would like to look at developing new programs, starting with a regular story time for parents and children.

“We’ll explore our options in the future,” she said. “For now, we’ll start small, and grow as we go.”

Audrey Hamm, who serves as chair of the Davidson library board, said she and her colleagues were impressed with Adrienne’s enthusiasm and suggestions.

“It’s a good opportunity for some fresh ideas,” she said, adding that the board is hopeful that Adrienne will help draw younger users to the library.

Previously, September Brooke had served as the Davidson branch librarian, beginning in 1998 and continuing until she was diagnosed with cancer in 2014.

Brooke, who died Jan. 10 at the age of 53, is being recognized by Palliser through the institution of the September Brooke Rural Education Bursary, in honour of her dedication to lifelong learning and teaching.

“September left some big shoes to fill,” said Hamm, adding that despite the sad circumstances, “we’re pretty optimistic that Adrienne’s going to do a great job.”

Adrienne also said she was aware of Brooke’s contributions and dedication: “September’s set the bar pretty high, by all accounts.”

Debbie Shearwood will remain in her current role as assistant librarian. Also currently serving as staff members are Donna Sampson and Betty Maunder.

For the full story, please see the Feb. 15 edition of The Davidson Leader.

Davidson, featured, Sports

Campbell skips Regina rink to provincial Scotties title

Celebrating their win at the Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Prince Albert on Jan. 31 are, from left, lead Ashley Williamson, second Callan Hamon, third Ashley Howard and skip Jolene Campbell, with coach Russ Howard standing at the rear. (Photo courtesy of CURLSASK)
Celebrating their win at the Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Prince Albert on Jan. 31 are, from left, lead Ashley Williamson, second Callan Hamon, third Ashley Howard and skip Jolene Campbell, with coach Russ Howard standing at the rear.
(Photo courtesy of CURLSASK)

By Joel van der Veen

REGINA — Jolene Campbell’s oldest daughter stepped onto a curling sheet for the first time this past season. To no one’s surprise, she can’t wait to try it again.

Four-and-a-half-year-old Stella accompanied her mother to a recent practice, and Jolene says she’s asked to come along virtually every time since.

Her nieces and nephews are also starting to pick up the sport, Campbell added, saying, “It’s pretty neat to see the family tradition carry on.”

In this case, the family tradition includes plenty of time at the curling rink, as well as some excellent results on the ice.

Campbell set the bar a little higher last weekend as she and her teammates from Regina’s Highland Curling Club captured their first Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts provincial championship in Prince Albert.

Jolene is the daughter of Perry and Ronna McIvor, formerly of Davidson. Her teammates are third Ashley Howard, second Callan Hamon and lead Ashley Williamson.

The team played three games in 11 hours on Jan. 31, defeating Regina’s Michelle Englot 7-5 and then winning 6-4 over North Battleford’s Robyn Silvernagle in the semi-final.

Saskatoon’s Stefanie Lawton — who had the last two provincial women’s championships to her credit — was their challenger in the final. The Campbell rink came out ahead with a 7-4 win.

The win may have struck some observers as an upset, but Campbell chalked it up to a combination of skill, dedication and hard work.

“This team just really clicked well together right off the start,” she said, adding that they were “at the rink all the time.”

She also gave a share of the credit to coach Russ Howard, who is Ashley’s father. A prior men’s world champion and Olympic gold medallist, he currently works for TSN as a curling analyst.

“We went into provincials believing that we could come through winning the championship, and it worked out for us,” said Campbell.

At 34, the wife and mother of two — with a third child on the way — is a decade older than most of her teammates, who range in age from 22 to 26.

“I always joke to them that they are my other three kids,” said Campbell with a laugh, adding that she has felt comfortable taking on a leadership role with the younger players.

Of her teammates, she said, “They’re all mature beyond their years when it comes to getting out and working hard.”

Campbell and her team will represent the province at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Grande Prairie, Alta., from Feb. 20 to 28.

She began curling around the age of nine, taking part in the school program in Davidson. Campbell said that teacher Diane Taylor and her husband Gord were both sources of encouragement and support.

Previously, Campbell won the provincial junior title in 2002 and finished in third place at the Canadian Junior Curling Championships. She also won the Schmirler Curling Classic in 2007.

As the alternate for the Amber Holland rink, Campbell played in three past national Scotties tournaments, winning in 2011, and went on to take the silver medal at the Capital One World Women’s Curling Championship in Denmark that year.

Though she’s lived in Regina for the last decade, Campbell said she still feels the support of her hometown in spirit. Going a step further was the local Home Hardware shop, which helped by sponsoring her team this year.

Campbell can also rest assured that she’ll have her family watching and cheering her on at every step.

Her mother Ronna, speaking to the Leader from their home in Regina on Tuesday, said they watch the Scotties every year, but it will have an added appeal this time around.

“It’s going to be extra special to have our own daughter in it,” she said. “We’ll enjoy watching every minute of it.”

Craik, Davidson, featured, Kenaston

Mayors connect at SUMA convention

Clayton Schneider
Clayton Schneider

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — In the words of Clayton Schneider, it was like gathering the cities, towns and villages from across the province, and putting them together in one place.

Davidson’s mayor was describing the annual Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention, held Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 in Regina at the Queensbury Convention Centre.

“It’s always nice to be in a room with every community that makes up Saskatchewan,” said Schneider. “It’s a great, collaborative three days.”

Schneider represented the town at the convention, along with Coun. Mandy Tichit and assistant administrator Donna Bessey.

He said he would encourage all councillors to attend the event, calling it an excellent opportunity to network and learn about new ideas that can benefit the town and its residents.

The convention featured education sessions on a variety of topics, from fire service and public procurement practices to rail safety and property assessment.

The sessions are designed to be timely and topical; one on Monday afternoon focused on “Lessons Learned Through the 2015 Wildfires.”

The Municipal Marketplace trade show featured more than 180 booths advertising various products and services, while Toronto Star columnist and CBC panelist Chantal Hébert was the keynote speaker on Tuesday.

Social activities were also part of the schedule, including a welcome reception on Sunday night and a banquet and awards ceremony on Tuesday.

Attendees had the opportunity to enter dialogue with provincial cabinet ministers on various matters, along with the traditional “Bear Pit” with members of the Saskatchewan Party caucus on Wednesday morning.

Schneider said he appreciated the format of those sessions, at which delegates could ask questions, and “they basically answer you right on the spot.”

Most municipalities across the province are encountering the same challenges with basic infrastructure, including water and sewer systems, he reported.

Schneider said he was encouraged to hear confirmation that municipal revenue sharing will continue in Saskatchewan, despite projections of deficit budgets this year and next.

For 2015-16, the province had committed to distributing nearly $265.3 million to municipalities — equivalent to one full point of the provincial sales tax.

“Municipalities like ours really need that,” said Schneider, who added that he most appreciated having the chance to network with other delegates.

“There’s a lot of opportunities to collaborate,” he said. “To me, that’s the highlight.”

Kenaston Mayor ML Whittles attended on behalf of her village, along with administrator Carman Fowler, and said she also found it a beneficial experience.

One sesson in particular offered a look at “Keeping Council Out of Conflict,” looking at new legislation introduced in response to the provincial inquiry on the Rural Municipality of Sherwood.

The RM’s former reeve, Kevin Eberle, was removed from office in February 2015 after a report from the inquiry indicated significant conflicts of interest and violations of the public trust.

Whittles said some have found the new disclosure requirements for municipal leaders “invasive,” but she believes they are important for the sake of accountability.

“I think it’s necessary,” she said. “You’re a public figure . . . People need to know.”

Like Schneider, she said she appreciated the networking opportunities and being able to meet with other mayors.

“We all have the same problems, not matter what your size,” said Whittles, adding that the issues differ largely by “degrees.”

Craik Mayor Rick Rogers said his town usually sends a couple of councillors and the administrator to the SUMA convention, but opted not to this year for a couple of reasons.

With municipal elections coming up on Oct. 26, Rogers said several council members have already decided they would not seek re-election and believed the benefit of attending the convention would be limited.

Factoring in the cost involved and the busy schedules of councillors, Rogers said, “We all just decided none of us would go.”

Elbow, featured, Loreburn

Line 19 figure skaters host fundraiser at Loreburn rink

Members of the Line 19 Figure Skating Club — clockwise from top left, Emma Griffin, Jordyn Dorward, Bobbi Jo Snustead, Brooklyn Lemcke and Madison Snustead — skate around the Loreburn Arena on Thursday during a club fundraiser.
Members of the Line 19 Figure Skating Club — clockwise from top left, Emma Griffin, Jordyn Dorward, Bobbi Jo Snustead, Brooklyn Lemcke and Madison Snustead — skate around the Loreburn Arena on Thursday during a club fundraiser.

By Joel van der Veen

LOREBURN — A full hour of skating can work up quite an appetite.

Fortunately, organizers of the Line 19 Figure Skating Club’s skate-a-thon fundraiser had thought of everything.

A total of 13 young skaters, plus one parent, took part in the hour-long event on Thursday, doing repeated circuits of the Loreburn Arena as spectators tracked their progress.

When they were finished, the skaters and other attendees were served a hot, tasty meal consisting of perogies, ham, corn and coleslaw, along with a selection of tempting desserts.

The skaters had collected donations — either as pledges based on the number of circuits completed, or as a flat amount — in support of the club.

The youngest on the ice was Cedric McIvor, four-and-a-half, while Eli Hundeby and Emma Griffin, both Kindergarten students, were the youngest to remain on the ice for the whole hour.

Skaters were given a break at the half-hour mark to allow them time for a drink of water, and then returned to the ice.

Club treasurer Carmen Heinrichs said this was the second time they have held this event, the first being in 2014.

The club has a total of 58 skaters registered this year, drawing from a large area that includes Strongfield, Loreburn, Elbow and Davidson, and reaches as far west as Macrorie.

Many of the skaters had commitments with other sports and activities on Thursday, said Heinrichs. The club members range in age from almost four to 15.

The Line 19 club’s carnival is coming up on Feb. 28 and will feature performances set to music spanning the 1970s through the 1990s.

 

Bladworth, Davidson, featured, Kenaston

Danille’s family, friends bring grief to the stand

Danille Kerpan
Danille Kerpan

By Joel van der Veen

SASKATOON — One after the other, their statements told the story.

Her parents, partner, siblings, other relatives and friends — 15 in total — took the stand in a Saskatoon courtroom on Tuesday to share their memories of Danille Kerpan, and the void left in their lives by her sudden death.

Kerpan, 25, was killed instantly in a collision on Highway 11 on Oct. 10, 2014, when her vehicle was struck by a northbound truck in the wrong lane near Bladworth.

The man driving that truck — John Koch, 50 — was later found to have a blood alcohol level almost three times the legal limit.

Koch, who had entered a guilty plea on Jan. 7, was sentenced Tuesday to a four-year prison term, followed by a seven-year prohibition from driving.

In his victim impact statement, Danille’s father Allan — a former MP and MLA — said his past public speaking had not prepared him for the speech he had to make in court that day.

He said his words were not sufficient to illustrate the pain he has felt since he and his wife were awakened by a police officer, delivering the news of their daughter’s death.

Despite being complimented for his strength, Allan said, “The truth is I am not strong at all. I have to almost clinically remove myself from the situation in order to function.”

He spoke of the harsh reality of having to write a cheque for his daughter’s memorial service instead of her wedding, or of knowing he would never walk her down the aisle or hold her babies.

Melanie Kerpan spoke of the guilt she has felt in recalling the night her daughter died. Earlier that day, she had travelled to Saskatoon, had supper with her daughters and then went shopping for paint with Danille.

“If she hadn’t stayed with me in Saskatoon, she might still be here,” said Melanie, also describing the pain of having to tell her other children about the collision.

“Being a mom to Danille and her siblings is the best gift I’ve ever been given,” she said in her conclusion, “and even death can’t take that away.”

A statement read on behalf of Danille’s partner, Rylan Dezotell, described the future the two had planned together, and the devastating impact her death has had on him. He wrote about how they had purchased, renovated and furnished their home.

“Together we had picked out an engagement ring,” he wrote. “That was by far the happiest day of my life — and returning it was the worst . . . especially when they asked why I was returning it.”

Koch also read an apology letter to the family, in which he spoke of his enduring guilt: “Because of me, your daughter was taken from you. I wish it was me instead.”

While the Crown and defence agreed on a four-year prison sentence, the Crown argued for a 10-year driving prohibition. Judge Sanjeev Anand agreed on an extended prohibition, imposing a seven-year ban.

Allan Kerpan said the experience of the sentencing had brought back the level of grief he had experienced in the aftermath of Danille’s death. In the words of his son Josh, he said, he felt as though he had “regressed.”

He also said he was proud of Danille’s relatives and friends for agreeing to make their statements. The day was an exhausting experience for himself and his family, he said, but they were encouraged by the results.

Kerpan said he and Melanie are continuing discussions with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) about potential projects, including a large-scale provincial memorial or smaller roadside memorials at accident sites.

He also said the extended driving prohibition — which was twice the average penalty — was a positive sign that attitudes are changing.

“It looks like they’re going to start to take it a little more seriously,” said Allan. “I think people are starting to say ‘enough’s enough’.”