A study is underway to improve safety on Highway 11 through Davidson. The functional plan is looking at short-, medium- and long-term options to improve safety issues while supporting the community with future planning. By gathering input and feedback, the Ministry of Highways will determine:

• What options there are to improve safety at the South Commercial Access in the short and medium term?

• Where the future interchange will be located?

• What issues and constraints there are? An information session and virtual open house was held in December 2023 to share information and to gather public feedback.

Study Objectives

• How can we improve safety on Highway 11?

• How can we support the community with future planning?

• Future study to look at where is the best area to protect land for long-term infrastructure development

Progress

• Completed an initial Open House on Dec. 5, 2023

• Feedback suggested improvements are needed immediately at the Enterprise Lane intersection

• We will be looking at: – Interim solutions at Enterprise Lane – Long term planning

Initial Safety Improvements

• Highway 11 & Enterprise Lane – Signage improvements

• Pavement marking

Options at Highway 11 & Enterprise Lane

Three options were considered including:

• Right Turn Ramps (Preferred)

• Offset T Intersection 

• Reduced Collision U-turn  Preferred Interim Option

New Ramps:

• Low and Medium Speed Ramps – Better sight lines – Increased safety by separating right turns – Shorter wait times

Intersection:

• New Alignment to improve safety and business access

Next Steps

• Review feedback on the preferred interim solution at Highway 11 and Enterprise Lane

• Complete functional design for ultimate long-term improvements

• Stakeholder and public engagement for long-term improvements (Fall 2025)

• No timelines have been set for construction for short-, medium- or long-term improvements.

Complete the survey The survey will be open until June 2, 2025. To participate, go to https://www. saskatchewan.ca/government/publicengagement/highway-11-davidsonfunctional-planning

By Kevin Gilby

The regular meeting of David- son Town Council occurred May 20 at the Town chambers. There were no delegates. Council passed a motion to expand the King Edward and Third Street Drainage and Rehabilitation Project to include the total length of King Edward Street. The storm sewer and curb/ gutter drainage study was to run from Third Street to McGregor Street in the initial scope. The additional block of King Edward will increase the cost of the study from $7,500 to $10,000, and will include geotextile technology as part of its study.

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Kirby Manz made a motion for the Town to pay for half of the required insurance for the Skatepark Committee and Davidson Child Care fundraising events to be hosted during Davidson Days, June 23-24. The motion passed.

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Council is urging residents in Davidson and area to participate in a survey hosted by the Ministry of Highways regarding the Highway 11 Davidson Functional Planning. The sur- vey includes options at Enter- prise Lane and Highway 11 at Davidson (south access)  to improve safety on Highway 11 through Davidson. The survey is open until June 2, 2025, and is available at  https://www. saskatchewan.ca/government/ public-engagement/highway11-davidson-functional-planning

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Council discussed the latest developments with regard to physician staffing at the David- son Health Centre. A meeting among stakeholders and a recruiter will take place on May 26. A request for Saskatchewan Health Authority representation to be in attendance will be made.

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Administration informed council that they were unsuccessful in its application for support under the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Program. The CSJ program is a federal initiative that provides wage subsidies to employers who hire students for summer jobs.

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Public works provided an update on work ongoing with the water distribution system in Davidson. Council was provided an updated overview of ongoing work with municipal utilities addressing water pressure concerns in the system. Communications systems and remote valving installation is to be operational within a month to permit town pressure to be fed off of pumps during peak hours and off of water tower pressure (39 PSI) overnight. Council is to meet with public works staff and Municipal Utilities once work is complete for an informational overview of the towns water distribution infrastructure.

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Operations Manager Kevin Hepburn informed council of plans to reassess all ‘out-of service’ fire hydrants within the town. Hepburn indicated a desire to repair hydrants if possible to reduce cost of hydrant replacement and associated excavation.

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Sewer flushing and camera inspection work is ongoing. The work, being performed by Municipal Sewer, is part of the town’s infrastructure assessment initiative to identify maintenance priorities.

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Six of the 17 seasonal employees have started working for the season. The Panther Swimming Pool (PSP) has already been filled and new manager Bailey Smith is presently stabilizing chemistry. PSP opens on June 2 with lessons starting on that date as well. A donation of nine deck chairs for the PSP has also been made.

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A restoration committee will be formed for addressing rusting concerns on portions of the coffee pot at the rest area near the north entrance. Sandblasting and painting of the affected area was discussed. The mural is intact and would not be impacted.

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Administration gave a brief overview of the budget prior to council’s official budget meeting on May 22.

04/16/1953 – 05/12/2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the unexpected passing of Richard Henry Moser in

Kenaston, Saskatchewan on May 12, 2025 at the age of 72. He was predeceased by his

parents John and Melvina Moser, parents-in-law Gilbert and Lillian Worton, brother David and brother-in-law Bill.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his wife Janice; daughters Jennifer Moser-Aikman

(Brodie) and Carolyn Moser-Prpich (Chris); siblings John (Judy), Nancy (Alex), Melvin (Kelly),

Greg, Jeff (Nichole) sister-in-law Barb and their families; and six wonderful grandkids, Harrison, Elliot, Hattie, Gus, Emilia and Wes, to whom he will always be known as ‘Papa’.

Richard was born on April 16, 1953 in Regina. He married Janice on May 18, 1974 at Campion College, where he also received his BA in History in 1977. His career started at the Co-operators, before moving to the family business, Professional Auto Body, for 30+ years. After retirement, Richard and Janice moved to Davidson and then Kenaston, where he worked at the Davidson Co-op Gas Bar and grocery store bakery, loving the people he interacted with daily.

Community and family were always at the core of everything Richard did. From coaching, to being involved in Recreation Boards and Community Associations, Richard’s passion of

connecting with others was felt by everyone around him. He believed in simple pleasures – a good book or his favourite TV show (paired with a favourite snack); a quiet afternoon on the deck with Janice and his puzzles; an evening of dinner and games surrounded by his family; these were the times he was happiest.

His warmth and good nature were also displayed by his love of animals. You could always find a dog or cat on his lap, drawn to his loving soul the same way his family and friends were.

Richard had so much love to share as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. The gift Richard gave all of us was his unwavering optimism. Richard could always help you see the bright side and it’s a gift we will lean on more than ever in his passing.

There was a Celebration of Richard’s Life on Thursday, May 22 in Kenaston, Saskatchewan. His family and friends shared stories and support as they remembered his life, legacy and infectious laugh.

Cremation services provided by Hanson’s Funeral Home, Davidson, SK.

Visit www.hansonsfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

By Kevin Gilby

Vendors and bargain hunters flocked to the Davidson Hall on May 10 for the annual Davidson Skatepark Market in the Park. The annual fundraiser enjoyed a steady stream of patrons throughout the day as guests browsed for that perfect item, listened to local musicians, or enjoyed a hamburger while visiting with friends and family. “It was a good turnout,” said event organizer, and Skatepark Board member, Carol Hoehn. “We had about 20 vendors and the music was very nice to go with the market.” An ‘open-mic’ session was available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students of Kristine Cool to perform for the patrons. Students played their favourite songs on piano, cello, or the violin. The music gave the venue a calming vibe well suited to guests taking their time to peruse vendor offerings. Burgers, hotdogs, and an iced-coffee booth gave people plenty to munch on and ample seating in front of the stage gave a chance to catch up with friends or enjoy young musicians perform. Raffle tickets were sold at the door for their Summer Fun Raffle. An estimated $1,500 in prizes are to be raffled off at Davidson Days. Tickets are still available by contacting any committee member. The committee was also taking pizza orders for its biannual Little Caesar’s fundraiser. Orders may be placed on social media or by contacting any member of the Skatepark committee.

The Skatepark Committee is inching toward the halfway point to their goal of $300,000 for the construction of a skate- park for Davidson and area athletes to enjoy. The next big fundraising event is at Davidson Days. They will be hosting a beef-on-a-bun supper on Friday, June 20 as well as the beer gardens and bingo. The committee is then busy with their market at the AGT Centre on Saturday, June 21. With limited space still avail- able, interested vendors are invited to contact Carol Hoehn for more information.

Dorothea Exelby, age 91, died on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Moose Jaw.  She was born September 17, 1933 in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan.  She graduated high school in Richmound and from RN Nursing at Grey Nuns Hospital, Regina, in 1955.  

Dorothy and Ross Exelby married in 1956 followed by 7 children arriving 1957-1966.  Dorothy lived, nursed and raised her family with Ross at Craik until 2002 when the two retired to Moose Jaw.  They enjoyed a neighbourhood of many retired farmers.  After Ross passed, she moved into Points West where she made more good friends.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Ross Exelby and her son, Dennis Exelby. 

She is survived by her children Terry Smith (Jim), Willie Exelby (Dianne), Dan Exelby (Kati), Gail Quinn (Stu), Margo Exelby and Tom Exelby (Kim). 

Granny was adored by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She also leaves behind her sister Rose MacPhail and sister-in-law Esther Exelby.

A graveside service will be held at Craik Cemetery, July 4, 2025 at 2pm.  A social will follow at Craik Community Hall.  

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to one of her preferred charities, Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.