Town Council Decisions – October 22: Rescue Unit, Water, and More

Here’s a summary of the major decisions and updates discussed during the October 22 Gull Lake Town Council meeting.

Present: Mayor Nasser Zanidean; Councillors Karen Turton, Brandon Wessner, Steven Haithwaite, Terry Stevenson, Neal Boutin; Administrator Emella Waiser

Absent: Councillor Tyson Migneault

Meeting Overview

Mayor Zanidean called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.

Staff & Committee Reports

• Water Plant: September 2025 report presented by D. Vold.

• Economic Development: October written report submitted by L. Alliban.

• Committees: Fire Board (Councillor Stevenson); SHA Meeting (Councillor Turton).

Minutes & Accounts

• Approved minutes of the October 8, 2025 meeting.

• Authorized payments: cheques #25650–#25692 totaling $143,006.79, plus payroll EFTs of $5,000.

Plain‑language note: These payments cover routine town expenses, payroll, and operational costs.

Correspondence

• SK Recycles – Phase 2 EPR Transition Engagement Session: Council received notice of provincial consultations on Saskatchewan’s move to a full Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling system.

Plain‑language note: Under EPR, producers—not municipalities — will take on responsibility for recycling costs. The transition will expand accepted materials and standardize recycling across the province.

Key Decisions

• Council approved the quote for a new rescue unit, including a 2026 Ford F550 ($95,553 + $699 admin), a custom box from ITB Ltd ($257,635), a $2,000 down payment, and applicable taxes. The total project cost is approximately $400,000, with the Town responsible for 25% of that amount.

Plain‑language note: A rescue unit is a specialized vehicle used by the Fire Department to carry equipment and personnel for emergency response. This purchase ensures the department has updated equipment to meet operational needs.

• CHIF Grant Application: Council authorized Associated Engineering to submit a grant under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF).

Plain‑language note: If successful, Gull Lake will contribute 26.66% of project costs through reserves and borrowing, with the remainder funded by higher levels of government. The application positions Gull Lake to modernize its water systems and ensure capacity for future housing and growth.

• Soil Sampling Agreement: Authorized Parsons to drill boreholes and collect soil samples adjacent to Lot 9, Block W, Plan 80SC09663.

Plain‑language note: A soil sampling agreement allows engineers to test the ground by drilling and collecting samples. This provides the Town with accurate information about soil conditions before moving ahead with development or infrastructure work, ensuring the land is safe and suitable for future use.

• Recreation Complex Lease: Approved agreement with the Gull Lake & Area Recreation Complex Board. (Mayor Zanidean declared conflict of interest and recused himself; Deputy Mayor Haithwaite assumed the Chair.)

  
  

Well Rehabilitation: Council approved the rehabilitation project for well PW2‑2010 at the original tender submitted by Beckie Hydrogeologists Ltd.

Plain‑language note: Well rehabilitation is the process of cleaning and repairing an existing municipal water well so it can continue to deliver safe, reliable water. This extends the life of the well, improves water flow, and helps ensure Gull Lake’s water supply remains dependable without the higher cost of drilling a new well.

• Property Title Proceedings: Council authorized the Administrator to begin title proceedings on multiple lots across Blocks 3, 6, 23, 27, 30, 37, 38, 50, 51, 54, 56, 57, and 62.

Plain‑language note: This process applies when property taxes remain unpaid for an extended period. The Town can apply to take legal ownership of the property. Once the title is secured, the Council will determine next steps for those properties.

Adjournment

Council adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Next Steps / What Residents Can Expect

• Fire Department Rescue Unit: Delivery timelines and in‑service dates will be confirmed by the Fire Department once finalized.

• CHIF Grant Application: Updates will be shared when the federal‑provincial review process is complete and funding decisions are announced.

• Soil Sampling Agreement: Engineers will conduct borehole drilling and soil testing near Lot 9, Block W. Results will guide future development or infrastructure planning.

• Well Rehabilitation: Work on well PW2‑2010 will proceed under Beckie Hydrogeologists Ltd. Project timelines and outcomes will be reported once rehabilitation is complete.

• Property Title Proceedings: Legal steps are underway. Once proceedings conclude, Council will determine next steps for those properties.

Stay Connected

• Council Meetings: Second and fourth Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers. Agendas are not publicly shared in advance, so residents are encouraged to call ahead if planning to attend and want information about the meeting before arriving: (306) 672‑3361.

• Community Voice: Residents are encouraged to share input with Council or the Town Administrator.

• Updates: Follow Gull Lake Events for council news and community highlights.

Engagement

Have questions or feedback? Leave a comment below, contact the Town Office, or speak directly with the Mayor or a Councillor — your voice helps shape Gull Lake’s future.

Gull Lake Events

For the complete official record, you can view the Town of Gull Lake Council minutes in PDF format [here].

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