Estevan

The summer season is here with quite the weekend, and plenty of summer activities are now available around Estevan. Woodlawn Park is opening up soon, with the online bookings ready to welcome visitors in.

Maureen Daoust, the park manager at Woodlawn, talks about some of the work they've been doing in the lead-up to opening day.

"There's a lot of spring work that takes place before our season starts. Every year, we do a lot of tree trimming. We rake the gravel pads where the RVs sit. Just a lot of cleanup and maintenance."

The federal government expects to spend about $7 million this fiscal year to store and maintain four custom-made, portable hospitals that cost taxpayers more than $200 million to buy — facilities meant to bolster overwhelmed hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic that were barely used.

Early on in the pandemic, as the federal government moved at breakneck speed to respond to a global health crisis, it issued rush orders for these Mobile Health Units.

The Estevan Police Service has received numerous calls from residents regarding individuals going door-to-door claiming to work with SaskTel.

After looking into the matter, EPS has confirmed that these workers are legitimate and have been hired by a company called Berks to offer upgrades to SaskTel Internet and other services.

As part of National Emergency Preparedness Week, students at schools across Estevan received a timely and engaging lesson on how to be ready for emergencies, thanks to a visit from City of Estevan Safety Coordinator Helen Fornwald and Estevan Fire and Rescue.

Fornwald spoke to the Grade 2/3/4 classes about the importance of planning ahead for emergencies, whether it’s a fire, natural disaster, or another kind of crisis. The presentation focused on understanding risks, building emergency kits, and making family plans in case something unexpected happens.

As Estevan prepares for Economic Development Week, the Estevan Chamber of Commerce is ramping up member engagement with a full May calendar and a strong call for feedback.

Executive Director Merissa Scarlett joined the SUN 102 Morning Show to talk about upcoming events, member outreach, and how the Chamber is connecting with the community.

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Indigenous groups in Canada say they want to see Pope Leo XIV continue the reconciliation work started by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.

Francis was recognized as an ally of Canada's Indigenous Peoples and was known for advancing reconciliation efforts and apologizing — both in the Vatican and in Canada — for the Catholic Church's role in widespread abuses at residential schools.

His visit to Canada in 2022 was described as a "penitential pilgrimage" as Francis insisted on meeting with Indigenous survivors of residential schools and hearing their stories.

Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and Rogers Sugar have reached a new 5-year agreement.

The new supply agreement was announced in a press release on Friday.

Roger's Taber location is the only sugar beet processing facility in Canada. Established almost 75 years ago, the Taber facility is supported by approximately 200 Southern Alberta farm families, which supply the refinery with sugar beets. 

According to the ASBG website, those farms harvest about 900,000 tonnes of sugar beets annually, which are turned into 125,000 tonnes of sugar or nearly 2 million cups!

Lack of progress means time is growing short to get a successfull crop into the ground in Southern Alberta.

Contract negotiations are dragging on for Alberta sugar beet producers.

It’s already early May, and Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and Rogers Sugar, the sole sugar-beet processing plant left in Canada, still haven’t hammered out a deal.

Jennifer Crowson, executive director with the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers, cautioned the Western Producer in an email that she was limited in what she can share, other than that they are still in active negotiations.

The city of Estevan is sharing its latest update on the work ongoing for the Downtown Revitalization Project, with some new timelines being made.

This initiative's updated timeline reflects the latest construction phases planned for the remainder of 2025, with efforts made to minimize disruption while keeping progress on track.

The Ice Bucket Challenge is making an impact once again — this time in support of mental health.

Roberta Derosier, board chair; Lynda Rideout, executive director; and Raven Daer, communications specialist with Envision Counselling and Support Centre, all took part to raise awareness the cause. 

“It’s raising awareness for mental health, and that everyone struggles, and just trying to reduce that stigma,” said Rideout.