Estevan

Some of the latest numbers concerning building permits in Saskatchewan are showing that both locally and across the province growth is being seen.

The latest numbers from Statistics Canada showed continued growth for building permits provincially, with a 13.8 per cent increase for year-over-year growth for October 2024 compared to October 2023. 

With the hockey community in Estevan hoping to get another ice surface, other communities are stepping forward to possibly host Estevan teams and free up ice times.

The Midale Harry O. Memorial Arena is one of those locations, with the arena recently sending off a letter to the Estevan City Council regarding its potential use for the community.

In their release, they point out multiple upgrades made recently which could make for a better environment for incoming players, such as a new Zamboni, updated change rooms, and new flooring.

 Redvers Winterfest which returns on Saturday, promises a packed schedule of activities, entertainment, and community spirit.

Whether you’re a local or visiting, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant celebration of winter and togetherness. The festivities kick off at 10:00 A.M. with a thrilling performance from Sitruc James, a magician who will amaze the crowd at the school gym. As Kendra Miller, a board member of the Winterfest committee, shares, "We always have a big entertainer that usually kicks off the day and this year we have Sitruc James, an amazing magician."

Last night, the Royal Canadian Legion Estevan Branch #60 celebrated a successful 2024 with its annual general meeting. From fundraisers to the Poppy Campaign and various events throughout the year, the organization revelled in the community's generosity. 

As a family we have sat and watched many bears over the years. They just calmly go about their business, nose to the ground and constantly moving. Very seldom you will find one stopped for more than a second or two before they are moving on. This is a prime example why they are hard to photograph, nose stuck to the ground and always on the move.

Christmas cheer will shine bright this Sunday as Woodlawn Regional Park hosts its annual Christmas in the Park celebration, kicking off the Festival of Lights. The event runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Doug Third Hall, offering a free evening of holiday fun for all ages.

“We’re lucky to have some sponsors for our event, Southern Plains Co-op Ltd being one of them," said Maureen Daoust, Woodlawn Regional Park Manager. "They’ll be there offering free hotdogs and hot chocolate.”

The city took a look at a pair of tenders during its latest meeting, making decisions on how the city will be executing some of their essential services.

The first of the items on their agenda concerned crushed reclaimed asphalt, which had a number of options.

The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers filed the complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board on Nov. 29 after hundreds of striking postal workers received temporary layoff notices while on strike.

The union said in a statement issued Wednesday night that a mediated settlement has been reached that requires Canada Post to notify affected employees that they are not on a temporary layoff.

SaskPower is announcing that they will be increasing the amount they collect on bills in accordance with the federal carbon tax increase.

As of January 1st, 2025, the federal carbon tax will increase from $80 to $95 per tonne of CO2 equivalent emissions. To cover the increase, SaskPower says it will increase the carbon tax amount collected on bills by a system-wide average of 2.9 per cent.

Manitoba's agricultural sector is set to receive a significant boost, with both the provincial and federal governments investing $15.4 million over the next four years in major infrastructure projects aimed at improving food processing capacity across the province. This funding, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is designed to help local producers increase their output, create jobs, and make the industry more efficient and sustainable.