Maple Creek town council briefs

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Community pool opens

The community swimming pool opened on Wednesday, June 24, on an informal level, offering 4pm-7pm public swims, Barry Elliott, chief administrative officer, said. The formal opening took place on Monday, June 29.

On Canada Day (July 1), there was aqua tone, then a water fitness session with Ivy Dusanko, a high energy instructor.

“The water clarity is pristine and sparkling,” said Elliott at the June 24 Maple Creek Town Council meeting.

He added that pool staff had taken training to give swimming lessons beginning on June 29, and so far more than 60 children had registered.

“We started with a boom,” he said.

Elliott went on to say that waterslide components were in transit.

Swimming lesson fees

Swimming lesson fees for 2026 have been approved by Maple Creek Town Council.

They are: parent & tot – $55 (with season pass), $65 (without a season pass); preschool – $55 (with season pass), $75 (without season pass); swimmer – $70 (with season pass), $95 (without season pass); and rookie/ranger/star – $75, $100 (without season pass). Lessons will take place at the Maple Creek Community Swimming Pool.

July 3 parade participation

Olivia Bircham, Maple Creek’s new pool supervisor, has requested a $300-$500 budget for the July 3 Heritage Parade covering the cost of such things as candy, and water guns/water balloons.

“Lifeguards are excited to participate in the July 3 parade with a water-themed float featuring water guns and water balloons for children,” she said in a report discussed at the Maple Creek Town Council meeting on Thursday, June 11.

Another topic addressed by Bircham’s report was waterslides.

“As the permanent waterslides are not yet operational, I propose renting a temporary inflatable waterslide for select high-traffic days. I have yet to determine pricing on this and will provide in future updates.”

Council applauded Bircham for her report.

”What a great report,” said Councillor Mike Stork. “Thank you very much. Loved it.”

”I have to say I really liked her ideas about special celebrations and events at the pool as well,” said Councillor Tina Cresswell.

Drowning Prevention Week

July 19-25 has been proclaimed National Drowning Prevention Week in Maple Creek. The Lifesaving Society Canada has designated this week to educate communities, promote water safety, and highlight drowning risks.

As part of the proclamation, the Lifesaving Society encourages people to be water smart by supervising children near water, avoiding alcohol and drugs during aquatic activities, and wearing a flotation device or lifejacket while boating. Most drownings are preventable through the use of appropriate safety measures and the development of swimming and lifesaving skills, according to the proclamation.

Maple Creek Town Council approved the proclamation at its June 24 meeting.

Councillor Holly Gutfreund spoke about the suspected drowning of an 11-year-old boy during a June 15 school field trip at Echo Dale Regional Park in Medicine Hat, saying the impact of the tragedy was felt in Maple Creek.

She offered condolences to all those impacted by what had happened.

Public Works vacancies

There are two full-time Public Works vacancies at the Town of Maple Creek.

It follows the departure of two employees for personal reasons.

Additional swimming pool staff are also being sought. Anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard or instructor should contact the Town office.

In addition, there is a seasonal landfill position for July and August, and possibly part of September.

The staffing update was delivered by Barry Elliott, chief administrative officer, at the June 24 Town Council meeting.

He said the Town had also reposted the job of Director of Operations. This role has been done on an interim basis by Andrew Stevenson, said Elliott, and the Town greatly appreciated his efforts.

Landfill compliment

Maple Creek has a model landfill, according to a provincial inspector.

In a report for May and June, the inspector noted: “Maple Creek landfill is one of the most organized and cleanest landfills I have ever seen. Your landfill is a model for other towns to view. Calvin – Terrific job.”

The compliment was added to the agenda of  June 24’s Town Council meeting.

Councillor Tina Cresswell underlined the significance of the compliment coming from a provincial inspector.