Council received a request from Quota International of Estevan for a permit for what would be the second annual Winter Parade. The first event was held in December of 2011.

This year’s parade is set for Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. According to the information provided to the media, awards will be given for best float, best theme representation, best horse(s), best music and best youth.

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In a letter from Shelly Toth of the South East Cornerstone School Division, it was noted the City Clerk Judy Pilloud has been appointed to the position of associate returning officer for the City of Estevan and subdivisions for the school board elections on Oct. 24.

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In his regular report city manager Jim Puffalt announced that Bruce Balcom has been hired as the new public works manager. He was expected to start work this past Tuesday.

Puffalt said Balcom has extensive experience in maintenance of water, wastewater and public works.
Originally from Ontario, Balcom was most recently a district maintenance superintendent for the Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation and managed three provincial parks for the organization. Prior to his entry into public works, Balcom was in the Canadian Armed Forces.

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The building permit report for May was presented at the meeting and it showed that the construction pace in 2012 is lagging well behind 2011.

Through May, the City has issued 51 permits which had a combined total value of just over $17 million. At the same point last year, the City had issued 62 permits which had a value of almost $24 million.

May 2012 was also well off of the pace set last year. There were 24 permits issued in the month with a combined value of $5.25 million. In 2011, the 21 permits issued came in at over $10 million.

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Council gave first reading to a rezoning bylaw which will ultimately clear the way for Phase 3 of the Dominion Heights subdivision.

As was previously reported in The Mercury, council agreed to sell 24 acres of land to Trimount Developments for the creation of the new neighborhood.

According to the information provided, the subdivision will be comprised of 35 single family lots, 18 lots for duplexes, over 30 townhouses and four four-storey condominiums. 

As part of the agreement, Trimount must also provide a piece of land for a new fire hall.