Maple Creek town council briefs

Multicultural Week: Nov. 20-28

The contribution of Indigenous cultures to the development of Saskatchewan will be celebrated next month.
Saskatchewan Multicultural Week takes place between November 20 and 28 – and the Town of Maple Creek has agreed to join in the celebration within the constraints of COVID-19 health protocols.
At its October 12 meeting, Maple Creek Town Council passed a motion to mark the occasion.
Reading the motion, Michelle McKenzie, the Mayor, said that in 1974 Saskatchewan was the first province to enact multiculturalism legislation, recognizing the right of every community to retain its identity, language and traditional arts and sciences for the mutual benefit of citizens.
In 1997, the Act was revised and a section of the Act states the policy should preserve, strengthen and promote Indigenous cultures and acknowledge their historic and current contribution to development of Saskatchewan.
McKenzie said there was usually a multicultural day in town, but this had been put on hold because of COVID-19.
She suggested Saskatchewan Multicultural Week be acknowledged on the Town website and the electronic sign.
She added that an interactive game may be put on the website.
Councillor Cara Teichroeb said celebrations seemed to happen closer to home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite health restrictions, multicultural week could be acknowledged through platforms like Zoom and Facebook.
“It is good that we have a celebration and time to reflect,” she said.

Praise for flyers distribution

The Plymouth Brethren have been applauded for their willingness to distribute flyers during times of crisis – the latest one involving Maple Creek’s water.
On September 28, a precautionary drinking water advisory placed on the Town’s distribution system went into effect after a failure at the water treatment plant resulted in raw water contaminating the treated water supply.
It meant the safety of the drinking water supply could not be ensured at all times.
Consumers were advised to boil water used for drinking or activities where it may be ingested, such as cleaning one’s teeth.
Councillors Len Barkman and Cara Teichroeb praised the Plymouth Brethren for handing out flyers on the water advisory.
“It’s tremendous to have somebody like that,” said Councillor Barkman, speaking as Council considered CAO Gary Schlageter’s report at the October 12 meeting.
Later, Councillor Teichroeb echoed Barkmans words.
“I commend the town for being so cooperative and patient,” she said.
She added that distributing the message about the advisory being rescinded had been just as important. In this case, community volunteers had stepped up to help.
Councillor Teichroeb read a list of names.
“We had some wonderful citizens that came out. I want to acknowledge them.”

Asset management course

Town Council approved a motion that Gary Schlageter, the Chief Administrative Officer, buy a spot on an asset management course for $150, plus GST.
The move will provide Council and Town staff with unlimited access to the course.
Michelle McKenzie, the Mayor, said learning about asset management was vital for dealing with the affairs of the Town.
Schlageter said people could learn at their own pace on the course.

Cresswell appointed to committees

Newly elected Town Councillor Tina Cresswell has been appointed to several committees.
She will sit on Health, Planning & Development, and Parks & Recreation. She will also chair Transportation, and represent Council on the the Airport Committee.

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