Working together...to grow Melville
April 2023
It was to be “April showers bring May flowers” but not so this year, another three-day snowstorm which made our roads - travel nearly impassable. Thanks to the efforts of our team at Public Works sidewalks and roadways were restored to their former conditions after many long hours.
April started off with a bang – The Melville Millionaires arranged for a very successful spring camp. Players from many different areas took the opportunity to attend Millionaire camp with the hope that, come fall, they might be part of our team roster. A well-attended community Trade Show occurred on April 2 at the Convention Centre. Member of Parliament Cathay Wagantall attended a city council meeting on April 3rd providing the council with an update on happenings in our constituency. Green Shirt Donor Day occurred on April 6th.
Four members of council along with Acting City Manager Chris Bruce attended the SUMA Conference in Saskatoon April 16-19th. Approximately one thousand people were in attendance to discuss common interests as well as to provide direction for an executive follow-up on resolutions presented.
International “Earth Day” was celebrated on April 22nd. Unfortunately, the snowstorm limited any possible resident participation. Hopeful city clean-up can occur when better weather conditions return. Landfill tipping fees for garden waste have been waived for Melville residents during the week of May 15-20th. National Public Works Week occurs from May 21-27th. We are so grateful for the determined efforts of our skilled Public Works team in the maintenance of our city infrastructure.
To create awareness of Mental Health Week in Canada which occurs May 1-7th the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is hosting a dessert theatre at Community Works on April 29th at 7:30 pm.
Hats off to The Melville and District Chamber of Commerce for a most successful Spritzer Event on April 22. A huge crowd was in attendance to partake in the festivities. Well done Suzanne Beck and team! Also Hats off to teacher Ms. Senyk and the Davison grade five class on visiting City Hall for a local governance learning opportunity!
Did you know that a complete history of Melville was compiled by a local committee and published in 1983 – The Ties that Bind? A copy exists in our Public Library.
March 2023
The astronomical Spring Solstice has arrived but, despite this notation, winter still lingers on, hardly a surprise to the people of Saskatchewan. Yet there are the welcoming signs – longer sunlight days, pooling of water streamlets, and the need to scan the skies for the return of migratory birds. There is significance to the month of March – The City of Melville approved its 2023 budget on March 13, while the Province of Saskatchewan presented its budget on March 22, 2023. Both budgets serve as a plan of action for current and future years.
The City of Melville has focused on three major infrastructure projects. - the Landfill, the Lagoon Expansion and a new Lift Station. Rarely do three major projects occur in one year but, in our case and after literally planning for these project enhancements for five of more years, the time had come for actual construction.
Season end for the Millionaires occurred on March 13 with their final game against Notre Dame . Presently, much of the activities at Horizon Credit Union Centre are in the play-off mode soon to bring ice- based events to a close.
The second Annual Firefighters Award banquet was held on February 25th with Member of Parliament Cathay Wagantall and Member of the Legislative Assembly Warren Kaeding in attendance. These awards and promotions recognized firefighters for their commitment to protective services for Melville and Area. We are very fortunate to have such a highly trained and fully committed fire brigade serving us.
Hats off to GX Radio news commentator Ryan Young who has reported on the City of Melville’s council meetings for the last seven and a half years. Ryan moves on to CKRM in Regina. We wish him well. Thank you, Ryan!
Did you know that in 1914 Melville had its own electric light and power station?
February 2023
A host of activities have occurred in our community during the past month.
Skate Melville hosted a Regional Invitational skate competition on February 11th. It was great to see the youthful skaters from the various communities participate at this event. Hats off to our local executive, instructors and the many volunteers who so tirelessly supported this event. Also on February 11th, the Melville Arts Council hosted J.J.Voss and his band sharing with our community the talents of this Saskatchewan based group. As well, the Melville Showstoppers hosted a successful Erv Hahn snowmobile derby on the same date. This event held at the Agripark ended with a steak supper and dance.
In celebration of the Saskatchewan Winter Games being held in Regina from February 19-25th a flag-raising took place on February 17th. Nine participants from Melville will be competing at these games – we wish them the very best in these competitions
With Telemiracle 47 fast approaching there are various fund raisers being held in the community in support of this event.
Lately, because of a doctor shortage, our hospital has been subjected to limited or suspended emergency services. I am pleased to announce that a fifth physician, Dr. Mitra Nabizadeh, will be joining our medical team in the near future.
After a long hiatus, the result of Covid-19, we are attempting to restore the Cardiac-Pulmonary Care program at the HCUC. Discussions are presently occurring among the different factions that are supportive participants of the program – the Medical Practitioners. SHA, the City of Melville, and potential clients of this rehabilitative service.
The Melville and District Community Foundation Inc. that has been in existence since 2008 has made over 24 monetary donations to different groups and communities over that time frame – We ask for your financial support through donations, memorials, estate gifting or allocating proceeds from celebratory events. A Facebook site has been created to accept donations.
Did you know that Melville hosted the 1990 Saskatchewan Winter Games?
January 2023
A belated Happy New Year to everyone! The month of January has been gentle to this point. However, with the beginning of a new year comes a rash of new financial obligations, new regulations in some cases, and hopefully new opportunities.
Since my last message good things have occurred. The new lift station on the corner of Halifax and Main is now fully operational except for the planting of shrubbery and grass. The mortgage on Horizon Credit Union Centre, officially opened in 2011, has been fully paid off. This unique facility will serve as a “Gathering Point” for many years to come. As a city we are very grateful to the many citizens, as well as the community and regional volunteers, that have contributed through both commitment and financial support to have HCUC become a reality.
On January 11, 2023, the City of Melville and the Melville-Saltcoats Constituency hosted the Queen Elizabeth ll Jubilee Platinum Medal Awards. Fifty-one recipients received this award for their untiring commitment to their respective communities. Master of Ceremonies Major Jason Quilliam, Provincial Chief Protocol Officer, and Provincial Secretary Tim McLeod, representing the Province of Saskatchewan presented the awards. The Melville Comprehensive School Band and Mr. James Betts added to the afternoon’s festivities.
Kudos to our City Public Works crew for their diligent efforts at snow clearing and removal.
Did you know that royalty has visited Melville on two different occasions? King George Vl in 1939 and Queen Elizabeth ll in July of 1978.