World Atlas recently named Weyburn the number two Most Neighbourly Town in the Prairies.
MLA for Weyburn Bengough, Mike Weger, says he’s not surprised to see the community so high on the list.
“We're one of the best places in the world to live, work, raise a family. Pretty much every community in Saskatchewan I feel the same about, but I feel a little stronger, of course, about Weyburn, which is where I'm living, working, and raising a family and I'm just very happy to see that our community gets recognized on a list like this.”
Mayor Jeff Richards shares Weger’s sentiments.
“We all know that we are a very friendly community and people say that to us all the time when they come to visit. So we know that, and I think what makes us friendly is the fact that Weyburn’s actually a very great place to live. We're always eager to share that with people, I think, and that's one of the biggest reasons.”
Weger attributes the recognition to the low cost of living, noting affordability measures announced in the provincial budget, and the province boasting the second most affordable utility bundle, and most affordable vehicle insurance.
“What gives us the opportunity to be good neighbours as individuals is, quite frankly, a government that allows you to put more money in your pocket and let you decide how you want to spend it. Whether you want to spend it at your local business, your local restaurant, or at a local fundraiser, which we know we have lots of those in Weyburn, donate to your favourite charity, decide to put your children in a sport or a community activity."
Richards, on the other hand, credits the character of those living within the community.
“In the past, we've been named, you know, the best place to live on the prairies. Now, second most friendly city on the prairies. So, you know, the work that we're doing is oftentimes validated by these kind of studies by outside groups. But it makes you very proud because it's the work that the whole community does. It's not any one group or it's most assuredly not City Hall. All we can do is execute the wishes of the people. So it is the people that make our community great.”
Weger concludes by saying the activity he sees within the community is evidence of a neighborly atmosphere, even without a ranking.
“I don't need World Atlas to tell me that. I think you and I see that every day, every week there's a different activity going on in the City of Weyburn or community event.”
Richards expresses his pride in the community, and anticipation for the future.
“As always, I’m proud of Weyburn and proud of the people that live here, and I look forward to us even achieving greater things.”