Gull Lake Town Council – August 20, 2025: SPCA Grant, Bylaw Passed, and Tax Cancellations Approved
- Gull Lake Events
- Sep 23
- 4 min read
The Gull Lake Town Council met for its regular session on August 20, 2025, in the Town Council Chambers at 2378 Proton Avenue. Mayor Nasser Zanidean presided, with Councillors Tyson Migneault, Karen Turton, Brandon Wessner, Steven Haithwaite (via phone), Terry Stevenson, Neal Boutin, and Administrator Emella Waiser present, confirming a quorum. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Gull Lake Town Council Meeting Minutes and Financial Approvals
• Payroll EFTs totaling $56,628.34
Staff and Committee Reports
Recreation Director — S. Kuntz presented an update (7:49–7:59 p.m.)
Town Foreman — K. Cooke presented Foreman Report (8:00–8:15 p.m.)
Waterplant Operator — D. Vold presented July 2025 Water Report (8:00–8:30 p.m.)
Bylaw Enforcement Officer — B. Lingenfelter submitted July written report
Economic Development Officer — L. Alliban submitted July written report
Tourism/EDC Committee — Councillor Wessner presented July report
Correspondence Reviewed by Council
July 2025 Policing Report – S/Sgt. R. Blais
Gull Lake Regional Transfer Station – Concern raised by E. Lowenberger
The Gull Lake Regional Transfer Station, operated by Dynamic Disposal, is the community’s main waste and recycling facility. It provides residents with a designated site for disposing of household garbage, furniture, yard waste, and other accepted materials.
A concern was raised by resident E. Lowenberger; however, the minutes did not specify the details of the concern.
Why it matters: The Transfer Station is a shared regional service that helps keep Gull Lake clean, safe, and environmentally responsible.
Southwest Municipal Government Committee (SWMGC) – Notice of upcoming meeting on November 6, 2025.
The SWMGC represents urban and rural municipalities across Southwest Saskatchewan. It advocates for shared regional interests and provides a forum to engage with provincial ministries on issues such as infrastructure, emergency management, and municipal governance.
Why it matters: Gull Lake benefits from having a stronger collective voice when addressing regional and provincial priorities.
Southwest Regional Emergency Measures Organization (SW REMO) – Meeting minutes.
SW REMO is a partnership of municipalities, including Gull Lake, that coordinates emergency planning and response across the southwest. It ensures consistent training, preparedness, and cooperation for events such as severe weather, wildfires, or floods.
Why it matters: Regional collaboration strengthens Gull Lake’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, protecting residents and resources.
Back Alley Trees – AWS
Garbage Bin Feedback – E. & C. Quinton (Kiaskus Walking Path)
Key Decisions from the August 20 Gull Lake Town Council Meeting
Community Support & Staffing
Approved a $450/month operating grant to the SPCA Swift Current Animal Shelter and Crematorium (Sept 2025–Sept 2026)
Approved hiring S. Kuntz full-time as Recreation Director at Step 6 salary
Infrastructure & Services
Approved $29,400 (plus taxes) quote from Municipal Utilities to service the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) pumps and motors for Distribution #1 and #2.
These pumps and motors are essential for moving treated water into the town’s distribution system. Regular servicing helps ensure safe, reliable water pressure and prevents costly breakdowns.
Approved Du-For Construction quotes to:
Replace walk-in door at town shop
Install guardrail on mezzanine
The mezzanine is an elevated platform inside the town shop used for storage and workspace. Adding a guardrail improves safety by preventing falls from this upper level.
Approved Sign Site Lease Agreement with Bernard & Zella Kirwan for SE 23-13-19-W3 ($325/year for 5 years).
The sign is located in the designated sign corridor just west of Gull Lake on the Trans-Canada Highway, visible to eastbound traffic. This location provides strong visibility for promoting the community to travelers.
Approved Regional Bylaw Enforcement Agreement with the Town of Shaunavon (Aug 2025–Aug 2026).
This agreement provides Gull Lake with access to a shared Regional Bylaw Enforcement Officer, who investigates complaints and enforces municipal bylaws across several southwest communities. The regional model ensures consistent enforcement standards and cost-effective service delivery.
Tax Cancellations
Council approved multiple property tax cancellations, with members declaring conflicts of interest where applicable. Properties included:
Lots 24–25, Block 3, Plan Q2639
Lot 46, Block 2, Plan 99SC13358
Lots 22–25, A & B, Block 101, Plan G3447
Parcel G, Plan Q2639
Why it matters: Tax cancellations are often used as part of the Town’s building incentive programs to encourage new homes and businesses. They are also typically approved annually for key non‑profit organizations such as the Autumn House Independent Living Facility, SWT Lyceum Theatre, Seniors Hall, and Kreative Kidz Early Learning Centre. In some cases, cancellations may also be approved for other miscellaneous reasons, such as correcting errors or addressing unique circumstances. These practices help support local growth, sustain important community services, and ensure fairness in taxation.
Bylaw Passed
Bylaw No. 4-2025 to amalgamate the Economic Development and Tourism Committee was introduced, read three times, and adopted unanimously.
Why it matters: The two committees were combined to improve efficiency and collaboration, given their shared priorities in promoting Gull Lake’s growth, visibility, and community development.
Other Approvals
Administrator registration for 2025 Fall Workshop in Swift Current (Sept 23)
Building Permit approved for Brenda Spagrud (Lot 4, Block 42, Plan 101899930) for dwelling relocation and secondary suite, subject to Municode Services conditions
Adjournment
The Gull Lake Town Council adjourned the meeting at 10:12 p.m.
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