It was a packed house at the Kindersley Town Office Monday night as council, administration, and residents gathered for an informative meeting.

The evening began with a delegation featuring a donation which had been made by the Kindersley Elks Hall. Provincial Organist Gary Hamilton and Elks Exalted Ruler Ed Rogerson were on hand to present two cheques to the town for a total of $6,000. One cheque was made out to the community handibus for $5,000, and another $1,000 going towards the aquatic centre.

A second delegation was based on parking concerns on Main Street brought up by a Kindersley business owner. To view the story, visit the link:

Following the delegations, the Kindersley Culture Plan Advisory Committee presented the final draft of their work over the last several months. The presentation was led by committee member Sharon Haubrich who described the process and the key points for the plan. Representatives from the library, chamber of commerce, museum, local music scene, and students.

Residents were offered several opportunities from March to September of last year to share their input for community events and programs such as Goose Festival and the Kindersley Klippers. Other events which were open to the public included three online surveys and public forums based on discussing methods for improving culture in the community.

The presentation finished with a PowerPoint presentation displaying photos taken throughout the community, final comments on the plan from committee members, and receiving feedback from council.

Once the committee completed their presentation, council moved to the conversation of approving three home based businesses in the town. Motions were carried for each proposal, although a resident was on hand to voice her concerns over one of the motions.

Kindersley resident Kathie Elmhurst, who presented the second delegation, spoke about her unease with the parking situation for a home business on 5th Avenue East. Elmhurst has lived on 5th Avenue East for 42 years and her home is near the proposed business.

The resident stated she has no problem with the business, but is worried she will lose parking options around her home. Elmhurst suggested the town should consider 2 hour parking for the area or offer parking for residents around Elizabeth Middle School such as the north side.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Bernie Morton explained the reason for no parking on the north side of the school is for public safety, but mentioned council could change the rule if the school are in agreement with the idea. Morton added how the parking regulation is common practice in many other municipalities. Council agreed to monitor the parking in the area and will later discuss options with the school, residents, and school division.

Other highlights from the meeting:

  • During motions to accept accounts for the town, council briefly discussed the impact of the provincial budget for Kindersley. The discussion covered how Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) is working with municipalities across the province after learning communities will lose a large chunk of provincial funding from the government. CAO Morton said administration is still analyzing the situation for Kindersley, and once the research has been determined, it will be shared with council. Morton indicated how the town will be affected by revenue sharing and the change to PST.
  • Council spoke on a bylaw named the Economic Incentive Tax Exemption which will offer a variety of tax exemptions to companies in building around different zones in the town. This bylaw is available for buildings except for mobile homes and highways, and includes the following tax exemptions: "R" zone construction (single dwellings, etc.) for three years, "R3" (apartments and townhomes) for five years, "C" (commercial/residential businesses) for seven years. The expiration date is set for Decemeber 31st, 2018 and is available for people with building permits since November 2016.

 

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