Reeve Jason LeBlanc reflects on his term, which has been marked by progress, innovation, and overcoming challenges. He continues to help shape the future of the R.M. of Estevan with ambitious goals and strategic developments.
LeBlanc stepped into the role after the previous reeve stepped down, gaining 3.5 years of experience before being acclaimed in the recent election. “I had three and a half years to get my feet under me and get to know the R.M.,” he said.
During his time, the R.M. built two miles of road and expanded commercial properties and acreages. “We’re finding places in the R.M. that haven’t been developed yet,” LeBlanc noted. In total, 12 miles of road have been improved, positioning the R.M. for future growth.
He also discussed tough negotiations with SaskPower on several projects, including the rebuild of Shand Highway. “That’s a major negotiation; there are a lot of pieces to that puzzle, a lot of people involved, but we didn’t back off,” he said. In a separate agreement, LeBlanc negotiated a 16-kilometre road maintenance deal for SaskPower’s billion-dollar switching station project, which facilitates power flow between Canada and the U.S. “We always get left in the middle with infrastructure, and this time we managed to intercept and get the maintenance agreements we needed,” he added.
LeBlanc highlighted negotiations for the completion of Rafferty Dam road, addressing past issues and improvements. “If you grew up around here, you always knew the road wasn’t completed as it was supposed to be. But now we’re negotiating to make it a real nice road,” he explained.
The R.M. is also tackling drainage problems near Nelson Motors and has added township and range road signage for better location identification in case of emergencies. “It’s important if you’re in an accident or emergency; it helps describe where you are,” LeBlanc said. Additionally, the R.M. lobbied the government to raise speed limits coming into the city, securing a partial increase.
“We’re different from any other RM in the province, and we take pride in that,” LeBlanc said, pointing to a strong council that represents various industries, including oil, teaching, law and SaskPower. They also focus on agricultural representation through their membership in the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, ensuring agricultural interests remain a priority.
LeBlanc addressed the South Saskatchewan Economic Partnership (SSEP) and the community’s transition from coal, noting the group’s focus on community transition, not just coal transition. “We’re fighting for coal, but we’re also balancing it with making that transition,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the reeve is confident in the R.M.’s direction. “The R.M. is in good shape. We’re replacing the income lost from coal and working to develop commercial properties on the bypass,” he said. A successful study has secured sewer and water maintenance agreements for development, and the municipality is pushing for marina projects. “It takes time, but we’re in a good position to make it happen,” he added.
Lastly, the R.M. introduced bylaws to regulate solar, wind and renewable energy projects, ensuring future cleanup responsibilities don’t fall to the municipality. “We’re the first R.M. in the province to have these bylaws in place,” LeBlanc said, ensuring the R.M. won’t be stuck with cleanup costs for these projects.