YORKTON — Civic pride, momentum and long-term growth took centre stage June 17 as Mayor Aaron Kienle delivered Yorkton’s State of the City address to a sold-out crowd.
Framed around five key pillars, the address focused on strengthening core services, investing in infrastructure and building a shared vision for the future. The strong turnout reflected growing community engagement, with attendance exceeding expectations.
“The event oversold,” Kienle said afterward. “That speaks to the level of engagement. People are excited about what’s happening in Yorkton.”
Kienle said this year’s event was designed to reach beyond the business community and bring together residents from all backgrounds.
He emphasized the importance of civic pride and raising expectations for how the city sees itself — and how it is perceived across the province.
Foundation: Budget and core services
The mayor outlined a nearly $71 million municipal budget, including $60 million in operations and $11 million in capital projects. The plan includes a 3.85 per cent tax increase aligned with inflation, along with an additional 1.1 per cent dedicated to infrastructure, particularly roads.
Kienle described the budget as a shared investment in maintaining essential services and supporting daily life in the community.
Pillar one: A city that works
The address highlighted the core services that keep Yorkton running, from snow removal across more than 170 kilometres of roads to an ambitious paving program covering 16 street sections this year.
Environmental progress was also noted, including more than 1,000 trees planted over the past three years, roughly 1,000 tonnes of organic waste diverted annually, and significant growth in recycling since the introduction of blue bins.
Kienle credited city staff for delivering these services, calling their work essential to the community’s success.
Pillar two: Investing for the long term
Major infrastructure and recreation investments continue across the city. These include the revitalized Park Street Reservoir, which adds 4.5 million litres of water storage, and the addition of a new multi-purpose fire vehicle to support both urban and regional emergency response.
Recreation upgrades were also highlighted, including $1.5 million in improvements to the Yorkton water park, renovations at the Kinsmen Arena, and new pickleball courts built through community partnerships.
Kienle also pointed to early work on revitalizing Hopkins Lake as a long-term initiative aimed at reconnecting residents with natural spaces.
Pillar three: Welcoming growth
Economic growth remains strong, with 122 new business licence applications and 29 commercial permits valued at $15.74 million. The city has also surpassed 1,000 active businesses.
Since 2021, more than $1 million has been invested in local businesses through incentive programs. Additional efforts include updates to the downtown development plan, enhancements to airport infrastructure and expanded water servicing to support future industrial growth.
Pillar four: Showing up for people
The mayor also highlighted initiatives aimed at improving residents’ quality of life, including social prescribing programs that connect individuals to community supports, and a community access co-ordinator who helps residents navigate available services.
Building civic pride remained a consistent theme throughout the evening. Kienle pointed to new Yorkton-branded merchandise and expanded promotion efforts as ways to strengthen community identity.
He also announced the upcoming Living Skies Music Festival in August, which will feature major Canadian acts along with Yorkton’s own Jess Moskaluke.
Pillar five: Building for the future
The final pillar focused on advancing major priorities and strengthening partnerships to deliver them.
Progress continues on a new regional hospital, supported by $1.8 million in the 2026-27 provincial budget for pre-design work. A reduced municipal share — from 20 to 10 per cent — will save Yorkton and surrounding communities millions while moving the project closer to reality.
At the same time, the city is preparing for future growth through the renewal of its wastewater treatment plant. The existing facility is nearing capacity, and the planned $204 million upgrade will support housing, industry and the future hospital while ensuring environmental compliance. With $9 million committed to advance design, the project is moving steadily toward construction.
Kienle emphasized that projects of this scale depend on strong partnerships, with continued advocacy in Regina and Ottawa helping keep Yorkton’s priorities front and centre.
Looking ahead
While the future holds uncertainty, the mayor expressed confidence in the city’s direction.
“What’s Yorkton going to look like in five years? I don’t know,” he said. “But I know it’s going to look really good if we keep this momentum going.”
Reflecting on the past year, Kienle said he is proud of the people behind the work.
“These events are about building energy and pride in our community,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of our staff.”
