L-R: Wendy Clark, Jacquelyn Massey Rounds, Merissa Scarlett, Kirsten Walliser, Kellie Sidloski, Monica Osborn, Deanna Colbow, Paige Tenbult.
After weeks of hard work and preparation by the cities of Weyburn and Estevan, results from this year's Golden Garbage Can competition have been announced. Teams from both communities met at Weyburn City Hall after judging was completed, where Weyburn City Councillor Kellie Sidloski and Estevan City Councillor Kirsten Walliser announced the passing of the Golden Garbage Can to Estevan.
It was a tight race, with scores of 39.6 and 37.25. Sidloski and Walliser provided tours of their respective communities, while the seven judges scored across ten criteria. The highest and lowest scores for each city was excluded. The judges in attendance included Vice president of the Weyburn Horticultural Society, Deanna Colbow, City of Weyburn Communications Coordinator Paige Tenbult, and Executive Director of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce, Monica Osborn; as well as Estevan Garden Club Representative Wendy Clark, City of Estevan Communications Coordinator Jacquelyn Massey Rounds, and Executive Director of the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, Merissa Scarlett.
Both Councillors remarked on what they appreciated in the opposite's community.
Walliser began, saying "We really love the idea of adopting planters in the downtown core. The storefront upgrades were very noticeable in changing the feel of the downtown. And on a helpful note, just some ongoing upgrades are needed. Both communities have works in progress, but overall really enjoyed seeing some parts of Weyburn we haven't seen before."
Sidloski followed saying "Every single judge commented on the lack of garbage. There was no garbage to be seen in Estevan. They have boarded up their vacant properties. There was two of the judges that commented on that. They looked nice and tiny even while they were vacant. Feedback on most of them also had Estevan, if you haven't been, has this beautiful little pocket garden with benches for coffee."
Sidloski says the day not only provided an opportunity to get to know the other community, but also rediscover her pride in her own.
"I drove the path that we were taking them on twice last night and it kind of gives you a sense of pride in your own community. You look at it in a little bit of a different lens and it was neat to show off some of the special spots."
They concluded, announcing the Golden Garbage Can will return next year, where Weyburn will attempt to take it back.