The Weyburn Review
through
BE READY, MAKE A PLAN
Emergency Preparedness Week is May 3 to 9
Submitted
The City of Weyburn is encouraging residents to take simple, practical steps to understand local risks, make a plan and prepare for unexpected situations.
Emergency Preparedness Week, an annual Canada-wide campaign, is held May 3 to 9, and encourages everyone to understand the hazards in their local area to help prepare for emergencies. This year’s theme, ‘Be Prepared. Know Your Risks’ is a reminder that being informed and prepared helps people, families, businesses and communities respond better and recover faster.
“Emergencies don’t come with notice, but preparation gives us a head start,” said City of Weyburn Safey Coordinator Abby Kradovill. “In Weyburn, that means understanding local risks and making sure your household has a plan and an emergency kit in place before they’re needed.”
Although emergencies are unpredictable, preparing for emergencies doesn’t have to be complicated. The City of Weyburn encourages the community to take time this week to:
• Know the risks: Different emergencies can happen in Saskatchewan, such as floods, severe storms, winter weather, and wildfires.
Knowing which risks are most likely in your area helps you prepare ahead of time.
• Make a plan: Having a family emergency plan ensures everyone knows what to do, where to go and how to stay in touch during an emergency. Planning in advance helps reduce stress and keeps everyone safer.
• Build a kit: Learn how to prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies. An emergency kit provides the supplies your household needs to take care of yourselves for at least 72 hours. Having food, water and essential items ready means you’re prepared if help can’t arrive right away.
• Sign up for Weyburn Alerts: The City’s notification system sends real-time alerts about emergencies. Signing up ensures you receive important information on what to do, where to go and what to expect.
For more on regional hazards and handling emergency situations, check out the Prepare for an Emergency guide from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency: www. saskpublicsafety.ca/at-home/emergency-preparedness-at-home.
Canadian Red Cross also has more information on building an emergency kit: www. redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-anddisasters-in-canada/emergency-preparedness/ get-an-emergency-kit.
The City of Weyburn is also encouraging residents to put preparedness into action. Residents can enter to win a 72-hour emergency kit at the Public Works and Emergency Services Open House on May 20.
‘MARKET ON THE FARM’ IS BACK
A popular local event is back for another year of seasonal and curated products by local vendors at the Market on the Farm. The first market of the season will be held Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Shop, enjoy community, amazing live music and delicious food from Wayne’s Wiener Wagon. Facetastic Faces will also be on site, with face painting and temporary ink.
Future Market dates are June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5 and October 3. To participate as a vendor or for more information, contact Alissa Bjorn at weyburnmarketonthefarm@gmail. com. The venue is located just five minutes outside of Weyburn. Head 6 km west on Hwy. 39 and turn north of RR 2152. Watch for signage to find the location, and follow Weyburn Market on the Farm on Facebook for updates.
PARADE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Registration is now open for the annual Weyburn Chamber of Commerce Summer Parade, to be held July 2 at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate summer with this beloved community tradition that brings downtown Weyburn to life with colourful floats from local businesses and community groups along with classic vehicles and plenty of hometown spirit.
The parade is a fun, familyfriendly event welcoming spectators of all ages to line the streets, cheer on participants, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re showcasing your organization or coming out to watch, the Weyburn Chamber Summer Parade is the perfect way to kick off the season and celebrate everything that makes our community special.
To register your float, go to www.weyburnchamber.com.
The first arrests for the Youth Centre’s Jail and Bail fundraiser on May 1 went
processing, had their mug shots taken and were placed into a jail cell.
Pictured, l-r, RCMP Const. Jim Bjorklund, arrestee Mason Richaud, Youth Centre volunteer Susan Adderley and arrestee Quinn Langer.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Five ‘Women of Distinction’ awarded at YF Wives gala
Five Women of Distinction were presented with awards in their respective categories at the YF Wives fourth annual gala ceremony on Friday night at McKenna Hall.
The evening began with opening remarks from the YF Wives along with the event’s sponsor - Weyburn Credit Union, followed by grace. A meal served by members of the Weyburn Young Fellows Club began a fantastic evening with Keynote Speaker, Dr. Keely Shaw introduced by Danielle Wahl of Prairie Sky Co-op.
For the awards, two of the categories had one nominee. The Weyburn Credit Union Workplace Excellence Award went to Jennelle Wimmer, presented by Tana Torkelson of the Credit Union.
The YF Wives Community Service Award went to Krista Hubic,
presented by YF Wives past president Laila Bader and club member, Dallen Hodgkin.
The Weyburn Oilwomen Young Woman of Distinction had four nominees and was won by Jenica Whitrow, presented by Lori McIntosh and Abby Kradovill of the Weyburn Oilwomen.
The Access Communications Exceptional Entrepreneur award had three nominees, and the winner was Jo Beach. The award was presented by Ron Irvine of Access Communications.
A new award, Legacy in Arts and Culture was added this year, with two nominees. Marley Brown was the winner with the award presented by WAC members Amy Charmichael and Ira Patel.
There were no nominees in the Influential Women in Agriculture category.
Nominees of the Women of Distinction awards gathered onstage at McKenna Hall on May 1. Pictured, l-r: Emily Edwards, Britney Fisher, Krista Hubic, Christina Stewart (representing Jo Beach), Jennelle Wimmer, Marley Brown, Jenica Whitrow and Mikayla Edy-Lizuck. Missing from the photo is Regan Lanning.
Weyburn proclaims Mental Health Week
Sara Parks SaskToday.ca
On the 75th anniversary of the first Mental Health Week in Canada, the City of Weyburn has officially proclaimed May 4-10 as Mental Health Week,
WORLD’S BEST MOMS A
with local events running through to May 11.
“Mental health is more than the absence of illness, it is about finding balance in every part of our lives,” said Mayor Jeff Richards. “As we often say, there is no health without mental health.”
Mental Health Week was first established by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in 1951. This year’s milestone anniversary carries the national theme Come Together Canada: Stronger Connections, Better Mental Health.
“I would encourage all citizens to take part in
the events and activities throughout the week to learn and support one another and to help build a community where mental health is valued and protected,” said Richards.
According to CMHA data, approximately 17 per cent of Canadian youth, 13 per cent of adults and 10 per cent of seniors experience frequent loneliness.
In Saskatchewan, 12 per cent of residents report the same.
“In Weyburn here, that translates to almost about 1,400 residents,” said Tasha Collins CMHA Weyburn program director, who accepted the proclamation on
behalf of the organization. Social connection plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being,” said Collins. “From May 4 to 11, CMHA invites individuals in Weyburn and area to come together. This theme encourages small, everyday acts of connection and reminds us that we all play a role in supporting mental health through positive relationships.” There is a Mayor’s Luncheon on May 5 focusing on managing stress. There is also a Managing Stress and Agriculture Workshop on May 6, and a used book sale on May 6 and 7.
Weyburn City Council proclaimed May 4 to 10 as Mental Health Week. Pictured, l-r, CMHA - Weyburn Program Director Tasha Collins, Mayor Jeff Richards, CMHA Weyburn Board of Directors chair, Sara Lawrence.
Photo courtesy of City of Weyburn
Photo courtesy of Jessica Hunter Photography
Community News
Weyburn City Council approves Pharmasave’s seasonal patio proposal
Sara Parks SaskToday.ca
Weyburn city council approved a seasonal patio for Pharmasave on Third Street NE, despite concerns from nearby business owners worried about losing downtown parking spaces.
The approved discretionary use permit allows an eight-by-24-foot removable patio in the parking lane directly in front of their store at 30 Third Street NE, operating annually May 1 to September 30. Conditions include maintaining a 1.8-metre clear sidewalk, installing concrete barriers, and carrying $2 million in liability insurance.
“I would much rather be dealing with the problem of so many people going downtown to enjoy the outside atmosphere and patios and whatnot – no parking – than no people going downtown,” said Councillor Ryan Janke.
The permit, approved at council’s April 27 meeting, requires the site to be cleared for parking outside the approved season. The
business is also responsible for all utility work, maintenance, and any damage to municipal infrastructure at its sole expense.
Several nearby business owners raised concerns after receiving notices on April 7. Barry Carson, speaking on behalf of the Grub Shack at the Metro Centre, told council the patio would take up two parking stalls.
“With that patio going in, it takes up two stalls, which is basically 80 vehicles a day that can’t park downtown,” said Carson. He suggested the city explore improving the former Soo Hotel property for additional parking and install bike racks near the patio.
Major Jeff Richards said that’s definitely something the Planning and Development Department could work on. He added that there was a previous traffic study done suggesting the city has nearby available parking capacity in existing lots.
“I think there is potential and there is an oppor-
tunity,” said Richards.
Planning and development co-ordinator SharaLee Malcolm told council approximately four businesses had responded with concerns. She said that the city has two-hour parking downtown and additional parking spaces east and west of Third Street.
Councillor Kellie Sidloski asked how conversations with concerned business owners had gone.
Malcolm said they were reassured that two-hour parking limits and nearby lots should help offset the impact.
Sidloski said she supported the patio.
“It creates a great feeling downtown so if there is a way to solve concerns or build on it, then I think that it is a good addition.”
Councillor Laura Morrissette asked if the patio will replace Pharmasave’s previous practice of placing tables and chairs on the sidewalk, leaving the walkway clear.
Malcolm said the sidewalk will remain clear,
Day of Mourning remembers lives lost to workplace illness, injuries
Canada marked the National Day of Mourning pn April 29. Provincially, flags at all government buildings were lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset.
In 2025, 27 workplace fatality claims were accepted by the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board.
“We remember the workers who lost their lives, were injured, or became ill because of workplace injury or illness,” said Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Ken Cheveldayoff. “To protect workers,
safety must be the top priority because every worker deserves to return home safely.”
“Behind every workplace fatality is a family, a friend, a colleague and a community that carries that loss,” said Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board Chairperson, Gord Dobrowolsky. “The National Day of Mourning is a reminder that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to protect workers so everyone can come home safely at the end of the workday.”
April 28 was first declared as the National Day
of Mourning by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984. The day is now annually observed across Canada as a way to pay tribute to individuals killed, injured or stricken with illness in the workplace.
In 2023, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, a partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, released the 2023-2028 Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy to help prevent and reduce serious workplace injuries and fatalities.
BBBS Summer Camp registration now open
Registration has opened for two summer programs offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters Weyburn. Camp I.G.N.I.T.E. is a summer day camp designed to Inspire, Grow, Nourish, Imagine, Thrive, and Empower youth through hands-on learning, positive mentorship, and lots of fun. This five-day camp will run July 13 to 17 and August 10 to 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Each day will be active, engaging, and packed with exciting opportunities for your child to connect, learn, and thrive, and is geared towards femaleidentifying youth ages 1014 years old.
through active play, balanced eating, and meaningful conversations. Each session combines fun physical activities with learning opportunities that support life skills, communication, and socialemotional well-being. It will run August 24 to 28, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with the primary location at the Weyburn Ag Society Forge and Anvil building and is geared towards male-identifying youth ages 10-14 years old.
with all seating moved to the patio.
Game On! is a group mentoring program focused on helping youth build healthy habits
Variations Choir celebrated ‘Moms, Memories and Music’ with family-themed songs at Grace United Church on May 3.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Izzy and Livia dressed up for Fictional Character Day at St. Michael School on April 30.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Agriculture, Oil & Business
Weyburn Council awards $1.4M in asphalt rehabilitation work
Submitted
The City of Weyburn has awarded approximately $1.4 million in contracted asphalt rehabilitation work to support roadway improvements across the community this construction season.
City Council awarded the contract to Genco Asphalt Inc. at its regular meeting on April 27. The work is part of the city’s annual Infrastructure Revitalization Program (IRP), which supports a planned, coordinated approach to renewing roads, sidewalks and curbs while supporting long-term infrastructure sustainability.
“Streets continue to be a priority for the City of Weyburn,” said Mayor Jeff Richards. “Through the IRP, Council is focused on making responsible investments that
address priority areas, support safer travel and extend the life of Weyburn’s road network.”
Contracted paving work is scheduled to begin in May, weather permitting.
In addition, city crews are continuing regular asphalt maintenance operations during the spring and summer. This includes pothole patching, localized roadway repairs and a comprehensive crack sealing program.
Since February, crews have placed 56 tonnes of asphalt on roadways across Weyburn, as part of planned maintenance work prioritized by major thoroughfares, connector streets and other locations presenting safety risks.
“Spring conditions determine when asphalt work can begin, but our crews are already completing
repairs where conditions allow,” said Director of Engineering Renee Cugnet. “As temperatures stabilize and road conditions dry, residents can expect consistent asphalt patching by our crews throughout the summer and construction season.”
The city recognizes construction season can create delays and disruptions and appreciates residents’ patience as this work is completed.
These short-term impacts support longer-term improvements to roadway safety, condition and reliability across Weyburn.
For updates on construction activities and roadway maintenance, residents are encouraged to register for Weyburn Alerts (weyburn.ca/weyburn-alerts) and visit the City’s website for further information.
Council gives first reading to 2026 mill rate bylaw
SaskToday
Weyburn city council gave first reading to two bylaws on April 27 to set the mill rate and taxation rates for 2026.
These bylaws will implement the tax changes council approved in December, when the 2026 operating and capital budget increased the municipal tax levy by 10.71 per cent through a 6.1 per cent rise to the mill rate and base tax, along with a new $100 recreation levy applied to every property.
Director of Finance
Laura Missal told council during its regular meeting April 27 that the 2026 budget includes the creation of a $100 recreation levy, applied to every “property door” in the city. With 5,404 doors assessed, the levy is expected to generate $540,400 in revenue for recreation facilities.
Missal said the levy is
part of council’s long-term strategy to support recreation infrastructure without disproportionately increasing mill rates. The 2026 assessment roll includes a reclassification of 106 properties, shifting them from condominium status to multi-family. This change required adjustments to mill rate factors to ensure fairness and consistency with 2025 taxation levels.
Administration is proposing a uniform mill rate of 11.516 mills for 2026. For a typical Weyburn home that paid $2,500 in property taxes last year, the proposed 2026 mill rate and the new $100 recreation levy would bring the estimated bill to about $2,737. That works out to an increase of about $237 for the average homeowner. Both bylaws return to council on May 11 for second and third readings.
Const. Lisa Robertson of the Weyburn Police Service, left, spoke to Radville students about the fines young drivers would receive for drinking under the influence during a career fair and open house at the Southeast College on April 28.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Major road improvements were made to King Street during the 2025 construction season.
Photo courtesy of City of Weyburn
Editorial & Opinion
Weyburn police investigate theft, driving offences and complaints
The Weyburn Police Service responded to 106 calls for service during the week of April 26 to May 3, 2026. The following are notable incidents from that period: Theft
Police received a report of a stolen older-style boat and trailer from the Circle 6 parking lot on April 27. The boat is described as a silver and red fishing boat equipped with a 25hp Evinrude motor (ID: 1-G-2643). The trailer is a Shorland bearing Saskatchewan licence plate 642MRQ. The investigation is ongoing.
Police received a report of theft at the Weyburn General Hospital on April 29, where two individuals stole computer monitors. Surveillance footage showed the suspects checking in at admitting before wandering off and removing the monitors from the facility. Police later located an adult male and female at a residence in Weyburn. Both individuals, who reside in Indian Head, were arrested and charged accordingly. The stolen monitors were recovered.
Driving Offences
Weyburn Police are observing an increase in individuals operating vehicles without a valid driver’s license, including repeat offenders driving with learner’s permits outside permitted conditions. In addition to tickets, continued noncompliance may result in further consequences through SGI. Police may also
impound vehicles, which will only be released to the registered owner with a properly licensed driver.
Police are also noting an increase in motorists failing to stop for school buses when red lights and stop arms are activated. Numerous tickets have been issued, aided by onboard bus camera systems used to identify offending vehicles.
Traffic Collision Involving Pedestrian
An adult female driver turning left at an intersection failed to yield to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk on May 1, striking a nine-year-old boy. The child sustained minor scrapes and bruises and was assessed and cleared by EMS. The driver was issued a ticket for failing to yield to a pedestrian.
Noise Complaints
With warmer weather, police have responded to an increase in noise complaints related to outdoor gatherings and parties. Residents are reminded to be mindful of their neighbors when hosting events. Police appreciate the cooperation of residents who complied with requests to reduce noise levels.
Anyone with information regarding these or any other criminal matters is encouraged to contact the Weyburn Police Service at (306) 848-3250, the local RCMP detachment at 310-RCMP (7267), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
MEET OUR STAFF
Publisher/Sales Manager: Andrea Corrigan • acorrigan@sasktel.net
Production Supervisor/Sales: Leslie Coulter • lcoulter@sasktel.net
Accounting/Circulation: Debbie Stuart • dstuart@sasktel.net
Reporter/Production Assistant: Sabrina Kraft • skraft@sasktel.net
Commercial Print Department: acorrigan@sasktel.net
FROM THE SIDELINES: This Jack knew stuff
Norm Park/ SaskToday.ca
As a kid I felt privileged to have two uncles named Jack, one on each side of the family. Jack on the Park side flew Lancaster bombers in WWII and lived to talk a little about it, but also to give flying lessons to others as well as serve a community as an Air Cadet leader, jeweller and goldsmith.
Jack Hall, also donned a uniform and ended up spending most of his time training guys who were going to drop bombs on enemy targets. But that’s about all they sort of had in common. Both were remarkable men.
Today though, I focus on uncle Jack Hall. You have to take my Jacks one at a time I’m afraid due to restricted keyboard wanderings.
Uncle Jack went back to teaching after the war and moved into administration, but then decided to try a private business so he moved on to a bulk oil and small service station business in Indian Head. He later left that and spent a few more years as the town clerk, just to mix things up a bit.
Uncle Jack could be a bit of an entertainer. When the mood suited, he could gather a small audience and recite poetry like you’ve never heard before because he would often add his own verbal interpretations. He could ramble on with some classic poem we were all supposed to know, like Horatio at the Bridge.
Well, our hero Horatio (Horatius) glanced askance … Askance being a small village on his side of the bridge that required some additional guys with spears. As Jack noted, the Tuscans were probably just running low on hot dogs and needed to get across that bridge to replenish the grocery list.
We, early teenagers, literally rolled on the floor with laughter as this former English educator slaughtered the classics in fine style. Interpretation of poetic verses Uncle Jack style was precious and hilarious.
This was a guy who I discovered also carried a prescient mind. He excelled at thinking beyond, at least in my books.
For example, I recall having a discussion with him just a few days after the successful completion of the world’s first heart transplant by Dr. Christiaan Barnard.
Of course I paraphrase in my quotes, but his diatribe went something like this: “Well, that’s good news, science and medicine have reached another level. Now I wonder what’s next? How many other organs will be rescued and re-used? I’m guessing that eventually it will become a business and it could get ugly?”
“How so Uncle Jack?”
“Well, after they run out of generous donors who will connect through proper channels, how long will it be before the harvest of human organs will take place? Who will be the poor people that will be willing to sell their kidney or liver because they are hungry? Who will receive the organs? I’m guessing it will be the rich, not the average Joe. Take it a step further, how long will it be before the poor people might be killed, so that organs can be harvested? Ugly, but not out of the realm of possibility seeing as how the rich rule, not governments.”
As we have seen, the medical world in-
volving organ transplants has evolved and often includes animal specimens rather than human. That may have slowed the trend he envisioned but we have all heard stories of rich people in medical need paying for implants and skipping the line and poor people often doing the giving in exchange for cash, as he predicted. How can the medical ethics part of this scenario handle the threats this can bring?
On another theme, while on the golf course or in the club house, after we finished talking about the game, he would turn my attention to another potential “what if?”
In his assessments, the next dominant country scenario would probably unfold sometime in the mid- 21st century. This discussion occurred in the mid 1970s.
The Romans, Greeks, other European countries all had their turn with the domination game that was now resting on the shoulders of the United States, and probably still does, but to a lesser degree lately.
In Uncle Jack’s assessment the next dominant nation to surface, after an earlier false start a few centuries back, would be China. He based his forecast on a few simple facts. The Chinese populations are generally well educated, communist or not communist. This country boasts of a population well over 1.2 billion.
“Of course it’s ridiculous to think about this in this way, but, they could board boats, cruisers, planes and yachts and simply overrun North America if they really wanted to do it that way,” he said with a sad chuckle. It would be costly in terms of lost lives, but the overall point he was making was that China’s superior brain gains, population, military might and steadfast resolve, would make it the next great nation and we here in North America won’t have much of a say in the matter having given up on the dominance game years earlier by running up huge national debts and running out of democratic resolve to fix the larger problems.
Yikes!
And so it went with Uncle Jack. There never needed to be a small chat or dull visit if you wanted to engage him in a discussion regarding other subjects such as money (and yes, he saw crypto bitcoins coming), housing, democracy vs. autocracy or any other topic, he was willing to engage with a smile and no temper, just facts, fun and some forward thoughts.
Jack died decades ago. He liked his cigarettes. Enough said.
Our last visit was via an old-fashioned landline phone. He suggested we have a quiet Saturday visit. He was now on an oxygen unit and mobility was limited. Unfortunately I was unable to arrange it due to work commitments and assignments, but we promised to do it soon.
A couple of weeks later I received a call from one of his many friends. Jack had died. His wife Velma, another interesting personality had died a few years earlier. When and where will the funeral be held? I inquired.
“No funeral, no goodbye, you know how Jack was.”
Yep, that was Jack. Gone without a goodbye, but not totally forgotten, at least for now.
Sports & Leisure
Paislee Besharah, forward with the U15 Weyburn Young Fellows team pushed past the defensive line of a Moose Jaw team during a game at Tom Zandee Sports Arena on April 25. A number of Weyburn teams were featured during the day in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Weyburn Lacrosse Assocation.
Estevan Motor Speedway opens ‘26 season
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Estevan Motor Speedway (EMS) delivered racing excitement during its season-opening program May 2.
Seventy-eight drivers were entered between the five divisions, with the largest class being the stock cars with 23 entries. Kayden Hjorteland took the early lead, but was passed by Brendon LaBatte a few laps in. Labatte held the advantage until Kyle Scholpp passed him.
A late-race caution flag bunched the field together, but Scholpp held the lead once racing resumed. After the feature, there was some confusion as to whether
Scholpp or Chase Davidson was the winner, and Davidson was even the first to enter victory lane, but Scholpp was declared the victor.
Labatte was second, Davidson was third and Hjorteland came in fourth.
It was a good night for the Scholpps, as Kody Scholpp won the modified feature. After some early caution flags, the final 17 of 25 laps were contested under green flag racing.
Kody Scholpp took the lead prior to the final caution, and then held off Travis Hagen for top spot.
Gabriel Deschamps was third and Marcus Tomlinson was fourth.
Pat Smith won the hobby stock feature. Smith started
from the pole position and held the lead early on. Diezel Raynard passed Smith for the lead, but the move was negated by a caution flag moments later.
Once green flag racing resumed, Raynard used the high line to pass Smith again, and built his lead over the ensuring laps, but he went too high coming in Turn 2 with a few laps remaining and Smith retook the lead. Riley Mann then passed Smith late in the feature, but much like Raynard, he went too high in Turn 2, allowing Smith to move into top spot once again.
After the race, Smith said his vehicle was experienced steering problems in the feature.
Mann finished second, Cash Saxon was third and Brody Singleton was fourth.
Stan Tomlinson won the sport modified feature, holding off Keenan Glasser for the victory. Leevi Runge was third and Dustyn Mayer was fourth.
Hudson Mann captured the checkered flag in the slingshot division, which is for young drivers. Eli Turnbull was second, followed by Jase Skjerdal in third and Dane Skjerdal in fourth.
The Schlopps and Mann were track champions in their respective classes last year.
The next regular program at the track is May 16 at 3 p.m.
Community groups receive charitable gaming grants
Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) provided more than $3.4 million in charitable gaming grants in the fourth quarter of 2025-26, benefiting more than 1,500 groups and organizations across the province.
“Our government is proud of the charitable spirit of Saskatchewan people, and charitable gaming grants are one of the ways we support charities and nonprofit groups across the province,” said Jeremy Harrison said, Minister responsible for LGS.
“These gaming grants go to groups engaged in a diverse range of activities, including arts, culture and sport, hospital foundations, service clubs and more.”
There was $65,006.75 awarded to Weyburn groups and organizations.
• Canadian Mental Health Association (Weyburn branch) received $266.04.
• Colour My World Child Care received $2,500.
• Little Discoveries Early Learning Co-operative received $748.
• Nickle Lake Regional Park received $210.
• Royal Canadian Legion (Weyburn branch) received $2,927.70.
• Southeast College Education Foundation received $101.25.
• Sunrise Early Learning and Teen Parent Support Centre received $3,497.29.
• Weyburn U11 AtoMc Blue hockey team received $400.73.
• Weyburn U13 Canadian Tire Gold Wings hockey team received $803.88.
• Weyburn U15 Creekside Gold Wings hockey team received $375.
• Weyburn U16AA Agriterra Wings hockey team received $1,805.63.
• Weyburn Cooperative Playschool received $61.25.
• Weyburn U18 AAA Gold Wings hockey team received $213.13.
• Weyburn Gymnastics Club received $2,069.19.
• Weyburn Humane Society received $8,755.33.
• Weyburn Oilwomen Association received $283.49.
• Weyburn U13 AA Young Fellows hockey team received $1,506.88.
• Weyburn U15 Co-op Wings hockey team received $318.75.
• Weyburn U15 Creekside Carwash Gold Wings hockey team received $445.
• Weyburn Wrestling Club received $531.88.
• WeyStrong received $533.75.
This latest round of charitable gaming grants went to more than 280 Saskatchewan communities, across all four corners of the province with $714,350 distributed to groups in Saskatoon and $885,481 to groups in Regina.
These quarterly grants are paid to groups and organizations in good standing that conduct licensed charitable gaming activities such as bingos, raffles, breakopen ticket sales, Texas hold ‘em poker tournaments and Monte Carlo events. The grants are equal to 25 per cent of the net revenue raised by each charitable event, to a maximum of $100,000 per group or organization annually.
The amount of each grant paid by LGS to each charity is calculated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) based on financial reports and other information submitted by the group or organization.
• Weyburn and District Junior Hockey Association received $36,651.69.
Riders CEO Reynolds on CFL changes: ‘We’re in the attention economy’
Brad Brown
SaskToday.ca
Your granddaddy’s CFL this is not. At this point next year it may barely resemble even your older sister’s CFL, and Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds is here for all of it.
The CFL announced April 28 that, starting in 2027, the regular season will begin on Victoria Day weekend and end on Thanksgiving weekend, shifting the entire schedule ahead three weeks.
In addition, playoffs will be expanded to eight teams and adopt something similar to the Page playoff system
used in curling.
These announcements followed other significant changes announced in September that will see field sizes, end zone sizes and the location of the goal posts shifted, among other tweaks to the game.
“There’s a number of folks who are concerned with the potential impact of the rule changes and then there are a number of folks that are excited by them and understand that the league needs to evolve,” Reynolds told media at a recent business luncheon in Saskatoon.
“We’re in the attention economy and so you need to be able to have a product
that’s relevant and can grab attention nowadays. As we know that’s hard to do.”
The first round of the new playoff format will pit the top two teams from each division against each other, with the winner receiving a bye to the semifinals while the losers will be forced to play a quarterfinal match.
Additionally, the fifthplace team will play the eighth seed while the sixthplace team will play the seventh seed.
The winners of those two games will advance to quarterfinals while the losers are eliminated.
All seeding for playoffs will be done on the basis of
regular season standings regardless of divisional status, and all teams will be re-seeded after each round, rather than having a straight-ahead bracket. (In other words, the highest-seeded remaining team will always play the lowest-seeded remaining team throughout playoffs.)
The format also opens up the prospect of two teams from the same division playing for the Grey Cup, which would be a first in CFL history if it came to be.
“(CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston) has been tasked with growing the league. He’s looking at how do we grow revenue? How do we move this league for-
ward? That’s what you’re seeing,” Reynolds told reporters Tuesday. “It’s an effort by the league to move this league forward, make sure it’s successful and grows.
“This, we believe, will do that. It’s not just gate, it’s sponsorship revenue from a league perspective, so there’s lots of revenue sources. There’s more potential to host home playoff games, which is good for business.”
As for the schedule, despite the unpredictability of Saskatchewan weather –well, pretty much any time of year – Reynolds is in favour of that as well.
“We’re a big proponent
of shifting the season up,” he told media Tuesday. “I think you have to recognize the trends that are out there in terms of, certainly that the home experience is really good, and in terms of the television, your ability in the season to watch the games at home and make that choice. Obviously with the weather that much better earlier in the season it’ll help to fill stadiums.
“And yeah obviously Saskatchewan weather you don’t know what you’re going to get, whether it’s going to be 26 degrees or you’re going to get a snowstorm so logistically we’ll have to be prepared for all of that.”
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
&
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE:
Organic & conventional:
Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.
For Sale - Misc
Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!
PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS 44 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association's Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.
Construction complete on new Weyburn General Hospital
Steven Wilson SaskToday.ca
The physical build of the new Weyburn General Hospital is officially complete, marking the end of a multi-year project to bring enhanced, centralized health care to the region.
The provincial government announced on April 29 that construction on the new facility has wrapped up, clearing the way for the Saskatchewan Health Authority to begin outfitting the building.
The provincial government first announced funding to begin planning the new hospital in 2015. The specific site for the facility along Fifth Avenue North, and the formal announcement that construction would proceed, were made in 2020.
The project, spearheaded by Wright Construction Western Inc., broke ground in June 2023. Crews reached the 30 per cent completion mark in spring 2024 and steadily advanced over the last two years to finish the exterior and interior phases.
SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Sean Wilson called the facility a “long-term investment in dependable public infrastructure” that will serve residents for decades.
With construction finished, the Saskatchewan Health Authority is now entering the activation phase. Over the coming months, teams will move in furniture, fixtures and medical equipment while preparing staff for the transition and continuity of care.
“Our government stands by its promise to put patients first and I look forward to opening day, where residents will have convenient access to all their health-care needs,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said in a statement.
When it opens later this year, the 35-bed facility will consolidate several services under one roof. It
includes 25 acute care beds, 10 inpatient mental health beds, an EMS ambulance garage, ambulatory care and a heliport for safer patient transport. It will also house workspaces for social work, allied health and the
hospital foundation.
The provincial government invested more than $134 million into the facility’s development. Meanwhile, the community contributed to furnishing the building, with addi -
tional capital costs, including furniture and medical equipment, funded through donations to the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation.
Foundation board chair
Jeff Hayward called the
100 per cent completion mark an “extraordinary milestone” for the city.
“This facility is the result of years of commitment, collaboration, and generosity from countless individuals, businesses, and partners who believed in this vision,” Hayward said. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is expected to announce an official opening date later this year once the facility is fully equipped and staffed.
Construction has wrapped up on the new Weyburn General Hospital and the Saskatchewan
begun outfitting the new facility.
Catholic Education Week to be celebrated in Holy Family schools
Submitted Board members with the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division were informed about important celebrations set for Catholic Education Week, during a recent meeting.
Catholic Education Week (May 10 – May 17, 2026) Holy Family RCSSD will celebrate the significant contribution that Catholic Education has made to the community, to the province and to Canada during the week of May 10-17. The theme this year for Catholic Education Week is “Catholic Education: Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness”.
Catholic Education Week is marked by special activities at all grade levels, including prayer celebrations and service activities.
ASSESSMENT ROLL 2026 VILLAGE OF HEWARD
Notice is hereby given that the Assessment Roll for the Village of Heward for the year 2026 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the Assessor from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. on following days: Tuesday to Thursday, May 15, 2026 to June 15, 2026.
A Bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and The Assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person who wishes to appeal his or her assessment is required to file his or her Notice of Appeal with Nicole Hoskins, The Secretary of The Board of Revision, Box 149, Meota, SK. S0M 1X0 by the 15th day of June, 2026.
Dated this 1st day of May, 2026.
Z. Slater, Assessor
Service Awards Banquet
Holy Family’s Staff Service Awards banquet will be held at McKenna Hall in Weyburn on Friday, May 8, 2026 to recognize staff who have provided dedicated years of service, as well as those who are retiring this year.
Toonies for Tuition
Toonies for Tuition Day was officially recognized on April 30. Holy Family RCSSD’s collective efforts led the school division to be recognized as the 2025 National Toonies for Tuition School Division Fundraiser Winner. This national initiative is vital in supporting
Catholic education across Canada. The Holy Family schools have planned fundraiser activities for this year as well. Central Office staff, Board Members and community priests are invited to participate in the second annual Bake it Forward event on April 29, held at the Division
Regional Board Engagement Meetings
This year the Saskatchewan School Board Association (SSBA) will be hosting four Regional Board Engagement meetings to connect with all boards across the province. The location for Holy
Family Board and Director to attend is in Moose Jaw on June 1, 2026.
Ministry of Education Business Plan
The 2026-27 Ministry of Education Business Plan was shared.
Education Property Tax – Mill Rates
The board adopted the provincial education property tax mill rates as set by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for the 2026 taxation year.
Unrestricted Reserves
The board approved the use of $430,162 from unrestricted surplus to cover the duplicated revenue in
the 2025/26 Budget. Preliminary Budget Discussion Management discussed the 2026-27 Holy Family preliminary budget. Holy Family Theme Development for 2026-27 The Coordinator of Religion and Instruction, Agnes Garrioch, provided the 2026-27 divisional theme logo: Shine Your Light. Director of Education Report
The Director shared his report highlighting his involvement and participation in the school division this past month.
Health Authority has now
Photo courtesy of Weyburn Hospital Foundation
Attendees at RONA Weyburn’s 2026 Spring Home Show entered a raffle at the RBC Weyburn booth while attending the event held at Exhibition Hall on April 30. Over 40 vendors showcased the latest home improvement products and services.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review