The City of Weyburn's facilities committee will look into the possibility of using solar panels as an energy source for the Leisure Centre and for lights at Elk Park.

The proposal was earlier raised to the city when council was considering how to use a Centennial grant, to help offset the high costs of running the indoor pool by using solar energy.

The city eventually decided to go with a boardwalk proposal for the Riverfront Market area between Government Road and Third Street. This is now being developed by Public Works and Engineering departments.

In the meantime, the facilities committee will look into the idea of solar panels for the pool, noting some other communities have been trying it. Chair Ray Hamm said an energy audit of the Leisure Centre may be needed, and a company specializing in solar energy has been invited to visit Weyburn.

Later the proposal was expanded to include lights for Elk Park, which were requested to help prevent vandalism of the park, located on Douglas Road near Zabel Bay.

Mayor Don Schlosser and other council members have been receiving reports of youths congregating in the park after dark.

The initial proposal was for one light, with a quote from SaskPower of $2,181 to install and about $12 a month thereafter to operate. Mayor Schlosser said while this hasn't been budgeted for, it wouldn't take much vandalizing at the park to cause more than that amount in damages to the playground equipment

"I've been by there and have seen some of the gatherings," added Coun. Rob Stephanson, and asked if solar-power might work for a light or two in that park.

The request for the Elk Park lights was tabled, to give engineer Blaine Frank time to further investigate if this would be feasible.

In other city council business:

The Weyburn Ag Society realized proceeds of $3,700 from its recent dinner theatre presentation, and the society should also realize over $9,000 from a GST rebate coming to them, with all monies to go towards the grandstand project, said Coun. Dick Michel.

The Royal Bank Cup organizing committee is meeting on a weekly basis now, said Coun. Rob Stephanson; the committee is starting a home-stay program, similar to what the Roughriders did for the last Grey Cup held in Regina. The committee is asking city residents who have a room or space available in their home to let the committee know, to help accommodate visitors for the national junior hockey championship. Also, the need for volunteers is an ongoing request, and tickets are selling fast for the week-long event, with expectations the whole week will be sold out.

The blockage of intersections by trains has been improving, said city manager Bob Smith; complaints are still received, but they are far fewer in number than they used to be. He noted a number is posted at rail crossings for motorists to call if a train is sitting still for more than five minutes.