KAMSACK — Kamsack council decided to buy a new pump at an estimated cost of $22,000, as opposed to repairing the current one, which would’ve cost between $10,000 and $15,000.
At the council meeting on Monday, May 25, Mayor Beth Dix said she was “very concerned” about Waste Pump A, which is currently out of use. The lifespan of a repaired pump is unknown, whereas a new pump would last around 10-15 years, said Town Chief Administrative Officer Barry Hvidston.
Pump B is currently handling all the town’s sewage; however, there is an increased risk of issues when the town is using just one pump during times when the water level is higher, such as spring. The new pump will take around nine weeks to be functional.
Along with Dix and Hvidston, councillors Robyn Tataryn, Easton Moline, Darren Kitsch, Brian Kirkpatrick and Onastasia Eliuk were present, as was Assistant Administrator Dana Grieve. Councillor Karen Tourangeau was absent.
Looking for a stray dog solution
Dix said she was adamant about achieving a solution to stray or loose dogs in Kamsack “before an accident occurs,” noting that the consequences of a dog attack could be dangerous or even fatal. “We can’t just do nothing.”
To solve the issue, Eliuk proposed reaching out to see if neighbouring communities would be interested in sharing the cost of a kennel, as well as potentially dropping dogs off at a shelter in a larger city like Melville or Regina. There are logistical issues with both solutions, as the costs of maintaining a kennel in line with provincial regulations could be prohibitive, and dog shelters across Saskatchewan are facing capacity challenges.
A few days earlier, the mayor spoke with Brandi Zavislak, the Town of Canora’s community development officer, about mirroring successful strategies they have implemented to deal with stray dogs and violations of the Nuisance Bylaw. At council, Councillor Eliuk suggested “steep fines” for repeat offenders of the Nuisance Bylaw.
“We need to be aggressive, and get people to clean up their act.”
Council voted to update the animal control bylaw and continue working towards a solution on both issues at the next town council meeting on June 8.
Taxes owed
The current amount owed in property taxes to the Town of Kamsack for 2026 is $1,652,843.08, 83 per cent of the total projected levy of $1,991,250. One hundred and fifty-three properties are in arrears on 2025 property taxes, totalling $426,509.12. Taxes are due on Dec. 31 of the applicable year.
Dust control
3D Steaming Ltd. applied dust control in the form of a calcium chloride slurry to town streets on May 27. The solution’s efficiency compounds with each annual application, Hvidston said.
Free pool access for daycare
Council passed a motion that KamKids will receive free access to the pool twice a week. Kamkids, the only regulated child care facility registered with the provincial government in Kamsack, will bring infants, preschoolers and elementary age children to enjoy the pool. The adult-to-child ratio will be 1:1, 1:4, and 1:6, respectively. Children will need to bring their own lifejackets, except for older kids who have taken swimming lessons.
The town has previously allowed KamKids the use of a town lot next to the business for parking. Council decided the arrangement can continue, says Mayor Dix, but KamKids will be responsible for maintaining the lot. The lot will require an application of gravel to be functional.
Fees changed at Broda Sportplex
The Town passed Municipal Fees Bylaw 2026-07, raising the recreational fees for the use of the Broda Sportsplex. Kamsack Hockey will now be charged $125 per hour, private hockey rentals will be 155 per hour and tournaments – defined as a rental of 5 hours or more – will be $105 per hour. For curling, individual sheets will be rented out at $55 per hour for each sheet; the whole complex can be rented out for $180 an hour, and the Bonspiel rate is $160 an hour. Curling rentals are free for schools.
A section of the bleachers in the mezzanine section of the Broda Sportsplex was removed to allow increased visibility from the wheelchair section.
