Drainage improvement project approved for southeast Maple Creek

Posted on June 9, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Marcus Day

Maple Creek News

A drainage improvement project for the southeast of Maple Creek has been approved.

It will cover an area around the golf course and the Murraydale subdivision, up towards the water treatment plant.

In the 2026 budget, $300,000 from reserves has been allocated for the work. An application will also be made for a grant.

Barry Elliott, chief administrative officer, said phase one of the project will involve creating a swale and berm from the south end of the high school up to “Picket’s Pond” – the vernacular description of a reservoir opposite the water treatment plan – on the east side of Murraydale.

“Once the swale and berm is complete, that will allow us to reopen those vacant lots on the west side of Murraydale, so they can be sold and developed on.”

Elliott said the intent of the project was to alleviate the problem of flooding.

At last week’s regular meeting, Maple Creek Town Council considered two options presented by Associated Engineering, which had already completed a Murraydale Subdivision Stormwater Assessment Report.

Option 1 involves work on the south side of 5th Avenue. Option 2 involves full stormwater management improvements.

Council agreed to Option 2.

Associated Engineering’s Option 2 fee summary is: $81,300 for a detailed design; $14,000 for tender services; and $58,000 for construction services. The total estimated fee is $230,900.

Michelle McKenzie, the mayor, said the flooding issue needs to be rectified for the people on the north side and those willing to build on the west side.

She said the drainage project would significantly reduce flooding.

Councillor Tina Cresswell asked whether the golf course had anything to say about the plan.

Elliott said it was suggested that the timing of certain sections of the work could be delayed until after the golf season.

“I’ve already been in touch with all of the property owners on the south end of Murraydale because if in fact this does get approved by Council, regardless of Option 1 or 2, the first task in front of Associated Engineering is to bring the surveying crew in to start surveying it …”

To do the surveying, the crew need access to those properties on the south side of Murraydale.

“I have received a positive response from all of the property owners,” said Elliott.

Councillor Cresswell, backing Option 2, said she was mindful of the need to develop more residential lots.

“If we actually deal with the water going north, it opens up other potential residences.

In response to a question about timelines from Councillor Stork, Elliott said the intention was to start the project this year.