The Town of Wilkie is seeing the first-hand effects of the government’s Prairie Resilience climate change strategy with the completion of their Storm Sewer Project.

The made-in-Saskatchewan climate change strategy which was implemented in December 2017, looks to make communities across the province more resilient to the climatic, economic and policy impacts of climate change. In previous interviews and reports regarding the strategy, a large focus was being placed upon preventative projects in an effort to be better equipped when events happen, rather than trying to play catch-up afterwards.

David Ziegler, Mayor of Wilkie, said the town has previously experienced the negative after-effects of large storms with many residents experiencing sewer back-up in their homes. He said the new system, which cost approximately $4 million, will significantly decrease the chances of these types of situations in the future.

Ziegler, along with many other municipal leaders, recently returned from the SUMA Convention in Saskatoon. While many topics were covered during the event, Ziegler expressed his optimism for the four per cent increase in revenue sharing that was discussed during the convention.

“Wilkie in general is in pretty good shape, especially after the completion of the Storm Sewer Project, however, the increase in revenue sharing will hopefully allow us to focus on upgrading our streets. They have done us good, but it has certainly been awhile and they are in need of some attention,” said Ziegler.

Mayor Ziegler also shared his praises for the R.E.N.E.W program which works to enhance the town by adding greenery and flowers in the warmer months, as well as, a concentrated effort on keeping empty lots maintained. He said it is great to see the evidence of community pride within Wilkie.