By Joel van der Veen
CRAIK — Voters have given the go-ahead for Craik to direct $380,000 in town funds towards restoring potable water.
The question was put to the public in a referendum vote on Oct. 26, held in tandem with the election for Craik’s mayor and councillors.
Funds are needed to pay for an engineering plan, developed by the town and the Regina-based firm KGS Group, to end the boil water advisory that has been in place for more than six years.
The town sought permission to pay for the project using the anticipated insurance payout from the fire that destroyed the Eco-Centre facility on March 24.
The question read as follows: “Do you agree with crediting the net insurance payment from the loss of the Eco-Centre to the Water Fund?”
Voters gave the proposal their overwhelming support, with 199 voting in favour and 14 voting against, along with six rejected ballots.
A written update was provided to residents in October with details on the engineering plan, which involves using both the old water works, built in the 1960s, and a second plant that went online in 2009.
The total cost is estimated at $371,000. At present the town’s Water Fund holds $60,000, leaving the need for additional funding to cover the cost.
Newly-elected mayor David Ashdown said work would begin immediately on the project, with the goal of having drinking water restored by Nov. 1, 2017.
Continuing to monitor the job and ensure it stays on track will be a priority for the new council, he said Thursday.
Ashdown wins in landslide
Ashdown received a large show of support in his first run for the mayor’s office, earning 170 votes, or 77.6 per cent of the total votes cast.
“I was, as they say, humbled and honoured with the level of support I received,” he said. “I’m grateful that the community has put that much faith in my ability to be a leader.”
Ashdown, 66, a retired clergyman, was first elected to council in a June 2015 byelection.
Earlier that year, he was front and centre during a campaign to restore and maintain health services in Craik, and he continues to serve as chair of the local health committee.
For the full story, please see the Oct. 31 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.