By STEPHAN BURNETT, Weyburn Review Editor
Following City Council's Monday evening meeting Mayor Don Schlosser said Westfair Foods Ltd., known to many consumers as the Superstore and OK Economy, may soon be building a 50,000 sq. ft. store in Weyburn.
Schlosser declined to state the deal with Westfair was finalized, but at the same time, he added city administration was "cautiously optimistic."
"Negotiations are taking place right now with Westfair Foods, based out of Vancouver, for a parcel of land for the building of a new 50,000-square-foot store," said the mayor.
An option will be taken out on property west of the Department of Highways building on Souris Avenue west of Government Road, said Schlosser.
Mayor Schlosser also quelled rumours that a noodle factory, separate from the pasta plant, might be locating near the city. The mayor confirmed he had shown the old distillery site to an individual representing investors from Saskatoon interested in a noodle factory, but he added at this point in time, it was premature to speculate anything might arise from the meeting.
At the same time, Schlosser added administration is continuing its efforts to put a package together for the Prairie Pasta Producers.
"We hope to have a package together to present to the Prairie Pasta Producers very soon, and we're hoping the province will a part of it." Schlosser added the proposal should be finalized some time between by March 15 and April 1.
Mayor Don Schlosser said he was very disappointed that there wasn't an infrastructure program introduced during the federal budget. At the same time however, the mayor said SUMA was attempting to work out a deal with the province on infrastructure.
During Monday night's regularly scheduled meeting of City Council, fire Chief Dennis Pilon provided Councillors with the fire department's 1998 annual report.
In his written message to Mayor Don Schlosser and City Council, Pilon reported the numer of calls was down in 1998 "due in large part to a better understanding of carbon monoxide detectors by homeowners as well as better-quality detectors.
"Public education continues to be at the forefront of our daily operations. This is seen in our regular visits to the schools, our inspection program and the willingness of our staff to deal with the public openly to help prevent fire from occurring," states fire Chief Pilon in a letter Council Chambers.
The annual report also shows emergency operations decreased in 1998 to 93 responses from 1997's all-time high of 140 responses. A ten-year comparison of emergency operations shows a continual increase in total responses over the past ten years with a significant drop in 1998.
Not since 1995 has Weyburn and surrounding area seen less fires over the period of a year. In 1998 there were 42 fires while in 1995, there were 41 fires.
"We suffered four major fires during 1998. These include the loss of the four barns at the exhibition grounds, the loss of Eddie's Neighbourhood Bar and Grill, and two dwellings, one of which was subsequently torn down," Pilon indicated.
While overall, the number of fires were down, the dollar loss figure due to fire in 1998 is relatively high. The dollars loss figure for 1998 stands at $999,462.
"The high loss figure for 1998 is attributable to the loss of Eddie's Restaurant. One large loss quickly boosts the loss figure to what seems like an unreal figure and does not portray the efficiency of the Fire Department. We are working with the Fire Commissioner's Office to get new figures which will state the value of property saved. This will be more meaningful in determining the effectiveness of the Fire Department against the cost of operation," states the report.
Councillor Marlene Nedelcov announced the tourism committee met on Feb. 9 and that 122 planters for the Business in Bloom program have been applied for.
Councillor Bill Rudachyk announced the Weyburn Board of Police Commissioners took another look at providing a loading zone for Canada Post and Saskatchewan Property Management Corparation on the east side of Weyburn Square Mall and have agreed to the request which was provided with council's wider approval later in the meeting.
Councillor Ray Hamm announced the facilities committee will hold a public meeting on March 24 at the Legion with regard to looking for input from the public on future plans for the Colosseum.
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