MLA Musings - Greg Lawrence

Written by Greg Lawrence on Friday, 14 December 2012

  From the desk of Greg Lawrence, Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA...

Completed Re-Hab of Kingsway Dam

More than $110,000 of rehabilitation work on Kingsway Dam in Moose Jaw is now complete. The work was done as part of the Water Security Agency's 10-year infrastructure renewal plan.

"Following unprecedented flooding in 2010 and 2011, we made a commitment to renew government-owned water management infrastructure," Minister responsible for Water Security Agency Ken Cheveldayoff said. "The rehabilitation of dams will ensure Saskatchewan communities can move forward and have the benefit of a better quality of life."

Constructed in 1948, the Kingsway Dam is owned and operated by the Water Security Agency and was in need of repairs after high flows in 2011 damaged portions of the structure. The dam is located on the Moose Jaw River and manages water flows for Connor Park, an important recreational area for our city.

"Thousands of people from Moose Jaw and surrounding area utilize Connor Park," Wakamow Valley Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer Margaret Moran said. "It's extremely important to have ongoing investments in the park infrastructure so users can enjoy recreational activities. The Kingsway Dam is also central to preserving the environment and existence of nature within Wakamow Valley."

After the flooding in 2010 and 2011, the Water Security Agency reviewed the water management structures and developed a 10-year infrastructure renewal plan. This plan includes repairing damage as a result of flooding and upgrading structures to ensure they remain safe and effective for future decades.

The Water Security Agency was created to lead implementation of the 25-Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan. It will improve water management capacity and service to individuals, businesses and communities across Saskatchewan. This new agency brings together, for the first time, all of the major responsibilities related to water quality and quantity.

Christmas Season Upon Us

That festive feeling is upon us with Christmas parties and Christmas concerts at schools and churches in full swing. We are all busy running from this store to get that gift to getting organized for either travel to be with family or hosting a houseful here at home. It’s incredibly easy to get lost in the frenzy of this time of year and forget to slow down and appreciate the blessings we’ve each been given.

I truly hope you take a few minutes each day to reflect….take a moment to be grateful, as we each have so much to be grateful for. Marj and I have had a remarkable year as I’ve settled into my role as the MLA for Moose Jaw Wakamow, she’s started a new business. We’ve moved, we’ve travelled, enjoyed many events at Mosaic Place, we’ve gotten to know many more fellow Moose Javians, and the year isn’t over yet!

Marj and I wish you a very merry Christmas. Rejoice in the spirit of Christmas with family, friends and colleagues and may the New Year be filled with blessings to you and yours.