Downtown in Wakaw is buzzing following the recent completion of the 1st Street revitalization project.
Work was completed on the 100 and 200 blocks of the Street.
The project began last September with work continuing until the snow arrived in November.
Recreation and Community Development Manager Dwane Burke noted they were able to advance further along the construction timeline with the replacement of the water and sewer lines below ground with the road packed and set for winter.
Phase two of the project began in the first week with sidewalk replacement.
The conclusion of the project happened in late including new signposts for traffic signs.
There were some small figurative speedbumps caused by weather before the completion with the rain during the spring, but Burke pointed out the contractors did a good job of finishing the project on time.
Early feedback of the new look downtown area has been glowing says Burke.
“Lots of positive comments from the public with residents, visitors who are here regularly with being lake neighbors or just people who live in the RMs around us as well as people who just come to walk the first time or the various number of times for visits.”
Burke noted the town appreciated the support from the business community during the revitalization project.
“The town significantly thanks the businesses and their staff members work with us and work with the public to help both of the challenges of closing the streets and having vibrations happening in the buildings when they're packing the road to having sidewalks closed and having to change access or having to rerun water lines back in the fall with a whole bunch of different stuff.”
To commemorate the completion of the 1st Street revitalization project, there will be a ceremony at Saturday’s “Walk”aw Day. There will be a program with dignitaries in attendance including Batoche MLA Darlene Rowden along with the contractors who contributed to the project.
Burke added they will recognize the business community’s support through the revitalization project.
There will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony and cupcakes will be served.
More images of the completed work in Wakaw can be found below courtesy of the Town of Wakaw