A Recent Email

Below is an email I received Friday from a regular writer. This person is very thoughtful and helpful with some good insights. I am sharing her letter and my responses to her questions below; I will not share this person's name but am publishing it with permission. My responses begin with Reply and are italicized.


Dear Mayor Enns-Wind,


How are you? I finally managed to sit down and catch up on your blog tonight. I've been meaning to take a look at it but life is busy as usual.

 As always, I truly enjoy reading it and finding out what you and council have been doing. You always do a fantastic job with your notes and I am one that appreciates the transparency.

 I only have a few questions in regards to the Regional Planning Summit that you attended. First, if Kindersley is looking at the possibility of a Regional water line and waste water treatment facility, I assume it would be built under a P3 model as this type of infrastructure is incredibly expensive. Would the Regional water line and waste water treatment plant work like the cities, whereas a portion of the the recycled waste water would be sold to industry and another portion would be returned to the river ecosystem?

Reply: it is too early to tell at this point. During our most recent Regional Landfill meeting with our regional neighbours I mentioned the need for increased capacity for our water treatment and waste water for the first time. The water that comes out of our taps and flushes our toilets is pumped 55 kms; returning a portion to the South Saskatchewan River would be a challenge. As a result we have to be as efficient, effective and economical with our water as possible. Further, though we have seen healthy levels of rainfall in recent years, this is also an area that experiences drought. As a result we need to plan for a variety of contingencies.

 Also, I noticed that regional cooperation would help to get needed infrastructure within the region, but was there much talk about environmental infrastructure in preparation for climate change? Ex. "Weather events (floods, fires etc.)". I am wondering as I am not unfamiliar with conversations about infrastructure on a regional level (roads, waste disposal centers, water). I understand the approach to Regional water lines in regards to preparing for climate change and how it can affect a regions economic growth but wonder why environmental (Green Infrastructure-http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/index.cfm) isn't being addressed or if it is, it is not being addressed publicly.

Reply: currently the provincial Ministry of Environment is revising the code for a variety of infrastructure ranging from solid waste to waste water. The new approach, in general, is outcome based with an environment of finding solutions defined by what can't be done rather than what can be done. At this time I think this is a good approach because it allows for some innovative solutions incorporating what the EPA is suggesting per your link. The province has been educating leaders through public forums. Since October I have seen the presentation twice: once through SUMA and then again with the West Central Municipal Government Committee. After the legislation is approved you will likely see more dialogue about what would work best year. The awkwardness is that we are working between two pieces of legislation with one from 1986 and the other this year.

Reply: one more point; I mentioned in an early response that we need to prepare for both flood and drought due to the cyclical weather patterns in west central SK. As we move forward we will be mindful of this challenge.

Reply: another point; the Municipal Act is a constraining piece of legislation that defines what we can do. This is in contrast to the City Act which defines what can't be done.

 On a final note, I think it is wonderful that you were able to speak with George Cuff and talk with him as well. George Cuff did a report of XXXXX a few years ago and was brutally scrutinized by the Mayor of XXXXX and some council members. I remember thinking how unfortunate it was that they did not take his suggestions and criticism well. I, personally, took the time to read the report and was very impressed with his ability to see problems and potential problems, expose them and then provide ideas for remediation. I was happy to read in your blog that you mentioned him as prolific, I couldn't agree more.

Reply: George is insightful and his books are on my desk as well as some Councillors' desks and in the Town Administration library. Recently we engaged Koenig and Associates to conduct an organizational effectiveness review of the Corporation of the Town of Kindersley. As part of the review Council was also reviewed. If I recall correctly the first draft of the report will be delivered November 14th. I am looking forward to learning how we can be more effective to meet the challenges and opportunities Kindersley is facing.

Thank you for continually taking the time to keep me informed through your blog. It is a wonderful tool and I appreciate it.

Take care,