KAMSACK — Birds, an animal pound, air ambulance needs and hazardous materials were among items to concern Kamsack town council during its two regular meetings in September.
Council invited Simon Skerten of Swift Current, who is a member of the Saskatchewan Falconry Association, to discuss how falcons may be used to help eliminate the large numbers of pigeons that live in buildings in the commercial area of the community.
Skerten, who visited Kamsack on Sept. 24, explained how one may use the falcons properly, said Mayor Beth Dix. It is possible the falcons could be used next spring after the waste clean-up.
The main focus of the Saskatchewan Falconry Association is the practice of falconry as a hunting sport, according to information on the association’s webpage. “Working in co-operation with the provincial government, the SFA has pursued the establishment of reasonable regulations to allow falconry to be practiced.
“A special falconry season for the hunting of upland game birds has been in effect for many years due to the recognition that the impact on the resource of these birds is virtually minimal,” it said. “This has allowed falconry, which is considered to be a reasonably difficult activity, to be practiced at a very high standard of quality. Falconers also hunt waterfowl and a variety of unprotected wildlife as well.”
Animal pound discussion
After council had asked its administration to look into the possibility of establishing an animal pound in the community, Barry Hvidston said his research indicated that such a facility would be cost-prohibitive.
Regulations are almost like those for a people hospital, Dix said.
Heating and cooling, the square footage per animal housed, types of walls, ventilation and need for proper staffing add to the cost of a pound, Hvidston said.
It’s getting very hard to find a place for animals collected by the bylaw enforcement officer, Dix said. Often Paws and Claws and the SPCA in Yorkton are full and cannot accept more animals.
The last dog that had been taken in had to be tended by a staff member, Hvidston said.
Culvert
Plans to install a large culvert to replace two old existing culverts where Third Avenue North crosses the creek, had to be halted, Hvidston said, explaining that water, sewer and natural gas lines were discovered where construction was to occur.
Council decided to contact an engineering firm to provide options and in the meantime, agreed to use the large culvert to replace a failing culvert at the creek on Carment Avenue.
Air ambulance
The Saskatchewan Air Ambulance Service notified council saying it is no longer permitting the air ambulance to land at the Kamsack air strip because of its rough condition.
The air ambulance has not been permitted to land in Kamsack for the last two years, but council was only now told of the situation, Hvidston explained.
“I’m concerned. What if we have a mass casualty, or a wildfire at Duck Mountain? What do we do,” asked Dix. “We’re the only paved air strip between Yorkton and Hudson Bay.”
An investigation into the air strip made in 2019 indicated it would cost about $450,000 to repair the air strip, Hvidston said. It would entail having to dig up the pavement and start with redoing the base.
Hazardous waste collection
Council was told that Productcare Recycling will be holding a household hazardous waste collection event in Kamsack from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 11. The collections will be made at 527 Queen Elizabeth Boulevard, which is the property where the former Arrow Restaurant was located.
Products being accepted include: flammable liquids like acetone, barbecue lighter fluid, gasoline and paint thinner; physically hazardous materials such as propane cylinders, camp fuel and gas torch fuel cylinders; aerosols like lubricant spray, glue, insect repellent and brake cleaner; toxic liquids like furniture stripper, automotive additives and lubricants; pesticides like yard and garden chemicals, anti-fouling paint and sanitizers, and corrosive materials, like rust remover, ammonia and bleach.
Ice incoming
Ice will begin to be made in a week in order to have the Broda Sportsplex open for use for the winter season by mid-October, Hvidston said. Mark Foster has been hired as the manager, who will be working with Nathan Maciborski and John Delorme.
Curlers using the rink will notice that two new heaters will keep them warmer than before, as will a heater installed in the lobby area.
Council approved the application of Gian Liobing as a member of the Kamsack Volunteer Fire Department.
Caboose vandalized
Councillors expressed concern when told that the railway caboose located at Trackside Garden has been vandalized.
The caboose’s windows have been broken and nearby the water faucet’s shut-off valve has been damaged, Hvidston said, adding that administration was asked to seek options for the site.
Final items
It was highly recommended that the community’s AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) be replaced, he said. AEDs are portable devices used to deliver an electric shock to a person's heart during sudden cardiac arrest to help restart it.
The community has six of the devices placed in public buildings, he said, adding that in the past seven years the equipment was needed at least a couple times.
Council members indicated they would attend an EMO (Emergency Measures Organization) meeting in Canora Oct. 23 when it is expected discussion would include the development of an EMO handbook for the area.
An invitation to the grand opening of the new RM of Cote shop on Oct. 22 was received.
Tetra Tech engineers has been hired to close the Kamsack landfill, which must be completed by the spring of 2027, Hvidston said. Funding from ICIP (Infrastructure Canada Investment Program) will help pay for the closure expected to cost $1.2 million.
Tetra Tech has been doing the ground testing and worked on the new transfer station that is slated to open in October, he said. The landfill will be closed at the end of November and then it will be covered with topsoil.
