The following items were among those discussed at the regular meeting of Meadow Lake city council held Monday, Feb. 24. All members of council were present.
During last week’s meeting, councillor Connie Marsh-Yuhasz asked about the city’s future development plans when it comes to the immediate area surrounding the Co-op Centre, the new arena and recreation centre currently under construction on Meadow Lake’s east side. “I had a visit from a concerned citizen today who brought forward a conversation going around about the community and how there might be houses built around the new Co-op Centre,” Marsh-Yuhasz said. “This person is concerned about that and believes it should remain a recreation area. He’s also wondering if we will be asking for the community’s input reading the development of that area.”
According to interim city manager Neil Marsh, nothing has been decided as of yet. “There is a considerable amount of work that needs to go into planning that area, and public input will definitely be part of the process,” he said. Mayor Merlin Seymour agreed. “Working with our new official community plan, this will probably be part of our strategic planning discussion in terms of what we want to see there and what we don’t want to see there,” Seymour noted. “The biggest thing to keep in mind right now is there hasn’t been a decision made one way or another… I know there has been some talk of different thing, but it’s just that – talk.” Seymour also confirmed, before any decisions are made, the public will be consulted. “Normally we’d hold a town hall meeting if you will to gain feedback, but things are still in the planning stages right now,” he said.
Firefighters praised for response efforts
During last week’s meeting, councillor Marty Bishop gave a shoutout to members of Meadow Lake Fire and Rescue for their efforts to assist during a recent incident near Goodsoil. “During my last meeting with the Northwest Regional Landfill committee held Jan. 23, I had a conversation with one of the gentlemen from the Village of Goodsoil,” Bishop recalled. “Not too long before that, they had a terrible accident where two log trucks collided on a logging road.” Bishop went on to say firefighters from Meadow Lake responded to the call during which the jaws of life were utilized to rescue an occupant from one of the trucks. “They were taken aback by two things – firstly the speed at which our firefighters got out there and, secondly, the professionalism they exhibited while extracting that lady from that truck,” Bishop said. “They said it was just amazing. If we could please pass this along to the fire department and let them know their efforts were well received.”
Warm temps, water discussed
Councillor Conrad Read asked if the sudden arrival of warm weather recently has resulted in any water issues around the city because of melting ice and snow. Interim city manager Neil marsh said the public works department has taken action to steam out the odd culvert, but said there has been no serious issues. “I’m just asking because I saw some local people unplugging storm sewer drains,” Read said. Mayor Merlin Seymour said, “It’s that time of year, and the warm weather came quickly.”