Mayor Roy Ludwig discussed some of the issues facing Estevan in the next 12 months, and some of the projects that should be completed this year, during his New Year's Address at the January 7 meeting of Estevan City Council.

Council looks forward to finishing a housing strategy so they can proceed with affordable housing initiatives; continuing with upgrades to the waste water treatment plant; and working on strategic plans with the Estevan Chamber of Commerce and other shareholders.

There will also be negotiations with the Estevan Police Association and the CUPE union that represents City employees.

“We plan to have an open house early this spring to discuss curbside recycling with our community … and front yard garbage pick-up,” said Ludwig. “We've had numerous requests.”

Projects that are slated to be completed this year include the new water reservoir, which is currently under construction, and the Leisure Centre parking lot, which started last year. Council plans to use money from the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program to work on Kensington Avenue at the northern edge of the city, and to complete some tasks at the Estevan Airport.

Wellock Road will be extended to Sister Roddy Road. Wellock currently ends near Irvine Crescent. 

Ludwig is also optimistic that several subdivisions will proceed: Trimount Development's project at the north end of the city, the Essex development in northwest Estevan and a project in the Trojan subdivision. Those developments would assist with the city's growth.

There is also money in the budget to continue with water main replacements.

“Although this doesn't include all of the issues that we will be dealing with in 2013, it gives you a good feel for the ambitious schedule that we do have ahead of us,” said Ludwig.