Estevan

Although the Saskatchewan NDP was not successful in forming government in October’s election, the party’s leader says there is a lot to be proud of from 2024.

Carla Beck says the biggest highlight would be the campaign that saw the party nearly double its seats in the Legislature from 14 to 26.

“When you look at the confidence our team has brought forward, the connection with people that we have right across this province, and the gains that we saw. Even in areas where we didn’t win the seat, we saw a huge increase in terms of the number of supporters that we found.”

This unique old, twisted building here in the southeast is my latest addition to McGillivray Moments Photos For You Gallery in the Estevan Market Mall. 

I wasn't going to create a Canvas Print from it, but, after a lot of thought and memories I decided to get it done. Over the past several years I have stopped by to check up on this old friend of mine. It didn't matter what season it was; I found him still standing and facing the elements in his own very warped way. I had no idea wood could bend so much and not break. 

As 2024 comes to a close, Discover Estevan is reflecting on the stories and milestones that defined the year in our community.

From local athletes shining on the national stage to the launch of innovative programs at Southeast College and TechHub, 2024 was a year of growth and achievement.

Happy Birthday, Celsius!

Environment Canada's use of Celsius turns 50 years old in 2025. 

It was the catalyst of a lengthy national metric conversion that abruptly ended a decade after it began.

The result is seen and felt every day. Canadians wear clothes measured in inches and buy gas by the litre. They drink from millilitre beer cans and step on bathroom scales in pounds. They eat cereal by the gram and sub sandwiches by the foot. 

Give someone an inch, and they'll take a kilometre.

Starting tomorrow, the cost to keep the lights on in your home will be going up slightly.  

Earlier this month, SaskPower announced they would be increasing the Federal Carbon Tax Rate Rider by 2.9 per cent. The Crown power company stated they must revise the rate rider annually to reflect the impact of the scheduled increases of the federal carbon tax, as well as revisions to the emissions thresholds applied to coal-fired power generation.  

A look at national news events in December 2024:

1 - Belgium grants sex workers full labour rights, including health insurance, paid leave and pensions. The law establishing key rights including refusing clients and stopping acts at any time comes after the decriminalization of sex work in 2022. Employers must meet strict licensing and safety standards, while unregulated hiring may be penalized. Advocates hail the law as groundbreaking while critics worry undocumented workers remain vulnerable. 

As we close out another year, we’re thrilled to announce Daisy as December’s Perfect Pet and the final winner of 2024!

Daisy’s journey to becoming part of her family is as heartwarming as her sweet personality. Her owner, Ashley, shared that two of her three boys cashed in their past birthday and Christmas wishes to get a dog. Their application to Bright Eyes Dog Rescue was accepted, and just two months ago, Daisy joined their family.

The emergency room at the Radville Marian Health Centre will be closed over New Year’s Eve, scheduled to re-open at 8 a.m. tomorrow. The closure due to a physician shortage, which started at 8 a.m. this morning, was announced via the town’s alert system.  

Fuel prices are up for Saskatchewan compared to twelve months ago, and that trend may continue in the new year.

The average price is now $1.73 a litre, $0.18 a litre higher than where they were a year ago.

"2024 brought with it some challenges," said Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy Patrick De Haan. "Gas prices have continued to slowly moderate now with the continued rise in the carbon tax. We did end up paying a little bit more in 2024 and unfortunately if the carbon tax is to increase again in 2025, that's kind of the reoccurring theme."

Farm Transition Appreciation Day or FTADay is on January 9th, 2024. This day looks at farm transitions and how important it is to have a good plan when wanting to transition the farm from one generation or one owner to the next. It also sheds light on some success stories of Canadian farms transitioning smoothly and finds better ways to do it in the future. Nick Oakley is a business development lead with Farm Management Canada who talks about the importance of a day like FTADay.