‘Noah’s Ark’ to return to Mainprize Regional Park
SaskToday.ca
Thirty-five years after the original Mainprize Regional Park was flooded to make way for Rafferty Reservoir, a cherished piece of the old park’s history is returning.
A new version of “Noah’s Ark”, a favourite feature of the original park near Midale, will be installed and officially unveiled on June 27 at 11:30 a.m. The Dr. Mainprize Park Foundation Inc., which made the announcement in a news release, is leading the project as a tribute to the park’s namesake, Dr. William Mainprize.
The new ark, handcrafted by Greg Rideout of GWR Creations in Weyburn, will be unveiled alongside a special monument honouring Mainprize.
After the ceremony, people are encouraged to remain for a noon screening of the special edition of
the Mainprize documentary, directed by Jack Hilkewich, at Pederson Place. A meet and greet will follow with Hilkewich and author Mary Lou Rosengren, who wrote the companion book for the documentary.
The Johner Brothers are slated to perform at a cabaret at 9 p.m.
Activities will resume June 28 with a free pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. and a beach church service hosted by Midale Baptist Church, assisted by members of Midale’s Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
The press release notes visitors are invited to help fill the ark by bringing one or two toys or stuffed animals.
The new ark will feature windows so children can peer inside, recreating the charm of the original. The Dr. Mainprize Monument includes a QR code that links
to the full history of Mainprize and the park that bears his name.
Funding for the monument was provided by the Mainprize documentary group, with installation supported by the Dr. Mainprize Park Foundation.
Established in 2024, the foundation works to enhance the park through special events, improvements and community initiatives. The foundation will also host a dinner with live and silent auctions on Sept. 12.
“Bringing back the Noah’s Ark is about honouring our past while creating new memories for future generations,” said the press release. “We invite the community to join us in celebrating this special piece of local history.”
For more information, visit the Dr. Mainprize Park Foundation website.
Families watch as children play a game of bumper soccer during the Party in the Park hosted by the City of Weyburn on June 18.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn
COMMUNITY
Wheatland Senior Centre game results
A number of games were held at the Wheatland Senior Centre.
In Spades held on June 15, Mildred Sandiford placed first, Stan Hubick finished second and Heather Carter took third.
Playing Trump Whist on June 15, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson won first, Jannette Tonn and Marjorie McLeod placed second and Janet van Winkoope and Gladys Lokken finished third.
In Kaiser on June 16, Eva Morley and Marlene Szczecinski won first, Elaine Frasz and Jeanne Molnar placed second and Jean Knibbs and Jean Fahlman finished third.
During Canasta on June 17, Trina Maas won first, Marlene Szczecinski placed second, Janet van Winkoop took third, Shirley Cherpin placed fourth and Kathy Carson finished fifth.
In Hi-Low Whist held on June 17, Brenda Paul
and Dave Frayn won first, Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson took second, Janet van Winkoop and Emily Zyla placed third.
During Thursday Cribbage on June 18, Ruth Boren and Garnet Bartlett placed first, Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson finished second and Sheila Wendel and Brodie Wendel took third.
In Contract Bridge on June 19, Jean Fahlman won first, Jeannie Molnar won second and Erskine Sandiford placed second.
A Crib Tournament was held Saturday, June 13 with 10 tables in play. David Marcotte and Anita Frederick took first place, Ruth Boren and Garnet Bartlett placed second, with Rod Mus and Diane Mus following in third place. The next tournament will be held in September.
The month end supper will be held June 26, and the menu has changed to a turkey dinner.
Olha Matiusheva, right, demonstrated
gem to the end of a suncatcher while
program.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Proposed 45.0m Communications Tower Site SK9070 Talmage
Located at SE Sec 15 Twp 10 Rge 12 W 2 Extension 0
Xplore Inc. has proposed a 45.0m tall lite duty steel lattice-style communication tower and related radio equipment on privately owned property at SE ¼ 15-010-012 W2M, in the RM of Fillmore. The proposed structure will enhance internet/data coverage and capacity for the area northeast of Talmage and the surrounding areas.
The geographic coordinates for the proposed site are as follows: Latitude: 49.814222 & Longitude: -103.549417. The facility is proposed on the south side of the property, approximately 10km NE of Talmage, and will occupy a ground area of approximately 3m x 3m.
THIS NOTICE serves as an invitation to any interested members of the public to submit comments/ questions to the individuals listed below by July 26th, 2026
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the approval of this site and its design is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Government of Canada through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). For more information on the federal process pertaining to these installations please contact the local ISED office at: spectrumsaskatoon-saskatoonspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca
FB CONNECT: RM OF FILLMORE:
Sarah Duncan Administrator Suite 200, 1290 – 91 Street SW PO Box 130
Edmonton, AB T6X 0P2
Tel: (587) 894-0773
Fax: (888) 622-4939
Email: sduncan@forbesbrosltd.ca
SITE LOCATION MAP (not to scale)
Fillmore SK S0G 1N0
Tel: (306) 722-3251
Email: rm96@sasktel.net
some face tattoos they received during
on June 18.
SaskToday
With health cards set to expire at the end of 2026, eHealth is reminding Saskatchewan residents to make sure their address and family information on file are up to date to ensure they
receive their new health card stickers this fall.
2026 is a health card renewal year and preparations are underway. eHealth will begin mailing out renewal stickers to anyone currently eligible for Saskatchewan
health coverage starting mid-September. If your address or other personal information has changed, Health Registries needs to know. It is easy to provide updates online at ehealthsask.ca. Let eHealth know if you have had any changes in the last three years, such as: • new address • changes in your family (e.g. marriage, divorce, addition or removal of dependents)
If you have moved and already used Express Address and have chosen to update your health card, no action is required.
Renewal stickers will extend current health card and service coverage until December 31, 2029; put them on your card as soon as they arrive. If your health card expires, you could be billed for medical services.
to Maria Barranco and Diana Tovar how to attach a large
teaching the Weyburn Public Library’s Caring Saturday
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Aspen Montreuil, Janette Neisson and Theresa Walkowski showed off
the Credit Union Community Barbecue
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
EDITORIAL
Column: Reasons why your bank account is always empty
Nick Kossovan/SaskToday.ca
My closets, storage locker, kitchen drawers, bookcases, car trunk and the nooks of my condo are overflowing with things I don’t need. They’re also evidence of a much larger problem. For nearly a century, we’ve been trained to confuse wanting with needing, and the result is a culture drowning in clutter, debt and dissatisfaction.
Most of the items crowding my shelves once promised to improve my life in some way. Instead, they now sit unused, reminders of purchases that felt essential at the time but quickly became irrelevant. My living space has become a museum of dead intentions.
Rewind to the 1920s and you’ll find the moment when modern consumer culture began transforming needs into wants. Over the better part of a century, we’ve been encouraged to see consumption not as an occasional necessity but as a way of life. The result is an economy that increasingly depends on people buying more than they need, more often than they should and sometimes with money they don’t have.
By the early 20th century, industrial production had become a victim of its own success. Factories were producing furniture, clothes and automobiles faster than consumers needed to replace them. Corporate leaders faced an uncomfortable reality: if products lasted too long, future sales would slow.
To keep production lines moving, businesses increasingly focused on creating desire rather than simply meeting demand. The challenge became finding ways to persuade people to buy based on aspiration rather than necessity. The concept of “enough” wasn’t good for business.
If modern consumerism has a Ground Zero, it’s the work of Sigmund Freud’s nephew Edward Bernays, often called the father of public relations. Bernays didn’t simply promote products. He applied his uncle’s theories about human behaviour to marketing and helped pioneer a new approach to persuasion.
Before Bernays, advertising largely focused on product features and prices. Bernays recognized that people often made decisions for emotional reasons and then justified them rationally afterward. Instead of selling products, he sold identity, status and belonging. The lesson was profound: if a product could be linked to freedom, success, attractiveness or social acceptance, people could be persuaded to buy almost anything.
In 1929, the American Tobacco Company hired Bernays to help expand cigarette sales among women. At the time, public smoking by women was widely frowned upon. Bernays didn’t market cigarettes based on taste or quality. He linked smoking to female independence and empowerment in what became known as the “Torches of Freedom” campaign.
Bernays helped demonstrate the power of linking products to identity. After the Second
World War, those lessons would be applied on a much larger scale.
Western economies faced a new challenge. Governments and businesses needed to maintain growth, create jobs and avoid slipping back into depression. Consumption increasingly became viewed not simply as an economic activity but as a civic virtue.
The battlefields were replaced by shopping malls. Home ownership, automobiles, household appliances and endless product upgrades became symbols of prosperity and the good life.
In 1955, retail analyst Victor Lebow summarized this new philosophy in the Journal of Retailing:
“Our enormously productive economy … demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction, our ego satisfaction, in consumption.”
Few statements better capture the mindset that would shape the next 70 years.
Planned obsolescence, the deliberate design of products to wear out or become outdated, became a central business strategy. General Motors helped pioneer the practice through annual model changes that encouraged consumers to replace perfectly functional vehicles.
Over time, our relationship with possessions changed. We stopped viewing many purchases as tools and increasingly began viewing them as extensions of identity. Marketing convinced us that our current selves were somehow incomplete and that fulfilment was only one purchase away.
Everyone wants to be who they’re not.
Advertising rarely sells products anymore. It sells identities. Buy this product and you’ll become healthier, more successful, more attractive, more adventurous or more fulfilled. The product often matters less than the story attached to it.
You aren’t simply buying hiking gear. You’re buying the image of a rugged explorer. You aren’t simply buying kitchen equipment. You’re buying the identity of someone who cooks gourmet meals.
A few generations ago, buying a major item required planning, saving and patience. There was a “middle distance” between desire and ownership. Today, online shopping has largely eliminated it. The dopamine hit now comes less from owning something than from acquiring it. By the time the package arrives, many consumers have already shifted their attention to the next purchase.
As a result, many of us no longer truly own our possessions. We cycle through them. They arrive, briefly satisfy us and then quietly migrate to closets, garages, storage units and donation bins.
That cycle comes with a cost. Many households are still making payments on products that have long since lost their appeal or value.
Continued on SaskToday.ca
Exploring Kootney Bay
By Trudy and Dale Buxton, Publishers of The
We have left Nelson, British Columbia and are headed for the small community of Balfour.
For centuries, First Nations people harvested wild huckleberries and fished in the Kootney Creek. Eastern civilization didn’t come to the area until the late 1800’s, when one civil engineer named Charles Busk established a general store and laid out the townsite in its present-day location. The town was most likely named after Arthur Balfour, who served as the British Prime Minister. Today, Balfour is most known for the longest free ferry which provides a 35-minute crossing between Balfour and Kootney Bay.
Charles Busk in the early days of the community had acquired a 200-acre parcel which featured many fruit trees and plants in the area. The vision was to make Balfour the fruit growing capital of the Kootney’s.
Despite the smaller population of around 500 people, Balfour has a very vibrate tourist trade, and is a major hub for world-class fishing in the area. If you like to golf, Balfour is the home to a very nice championship course which features 18-holes and fantastic views of Kootney Lake.
We continue our way along the shore of Kootney Lake. What a fantastic drive, the scenery is spectacular! You have to watch out for animals on the road but overall, it was a very nice drive.
We arrive in Kaslo, current day population just over 1,000.
Kaslo was started in the late 1800’s. The name varies depending on who you talk too, but many believe it comes from the First Nations people which translates it into a place where the blackberries grow, which are plentiful in the area.
The boom for Kaslo came during the Silver Rush in the late 1800’s. The booming town at the time was in the neighbourhood of 3,000 people, many looking for their fortunes in mining silver. The community was incorporated in 1893.
After the boom, Kaslo transitioned into a forestry and tourism community. Known as the Switzerland of the America’s with the beautiful backdrops of the Kootney Lake among the views of the mountains.
Kaslo is recognized as a hub for backcountry skiing and cat-skiing [cat-skiing, like heli-skiing, relies on skiers being transported by a snowcat grooming machine] and many other wintertime activities. Kaslo is also recognized as an arts community, featuring an annual jazz festival.
It is home to the SS Moyie, the oldest intact passenger sternwheel in the world. Built in 1898 this sternwheeler used to transport people up and down the Kootney Lake until it was retired in 1957. It is now placed as a national historic site on the shores of Kaslo.
During the Second World War, Kaslo was selected as a Japanese internment site. In 1941, around 1,000 Japanese Canadians were moved to the Langham Cultural Centre, which was built back 1896, first serving as a boarding house, then hospital. This cultural centre was later transitioned into an award-winning arts venue, gallery and museum.
What a great place to visit. When travelling in their downtown you find lots of places to eat and shop - this is definitely a tourist destination, winter and summer. Stay tuned next week as we make our way through the mountains on our way to New Denver.
Independent
Saskatchewan gov’t announces support for short-line railways
Shaynee Modien SaskToday.ca
A trio of short-line rails in southeast Saskatchewan are among those to receive funding from the provincial government.
Saskatchewan Highways Minister Kim Gartner announced new funding during an event held at the Cantuar Hall, about 20 kilometres northwest of Swift Current, on June 18.
Long Creek Railroad, which runs west of Estevan, will receive $45,000. Red Coat Road & Rail in the Ogema area will get $46,052. And the Stewart Southern Railway, which runs from southwest of Regina to Stoughton, will receive $52,860
“Short line railways play an important role in our export-based economy,” Gartner said. “They get Saskatchewan’s food, fuel and fertilizer on their journey to markets around the world.”
Gartner said the province’s export-driven econ-
omy depends on a strong transportation network.
“A strong economy enables our provincial government to invest in the programs and services residents need and deserve. Transportation plays a pivotal role in that, which is why our government continues investing in short line railway infrastructure.”
The province is allocating $1 million in funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year through the Short Line Railway Improvement Program. The program provides grants covering up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, including track upgrades, bridge maintenance and improved crossing safety.
Fourteen provincially regulated short line railways operate more than 2,100 kilometres of track in Saskatchewan. Gardner said those railways handled more than 30,000 loaded railcars in 2025 — the equivalent of between 60,000 and 90,000 truckloads.
“Moving bulk commodities by rail helps reduce wear and tear on Saskatchewan highways,” she said.
Funding is distributed based on track mileage and is reviewed annually through the provincial budget process.
Among this year’s other allocations, Great Sandhills Railway, which operates in the Swift Current-toLeader area, will receive $78,088. Big Sky Rail, operating in the Delisle, Eston and Elrose region, will receive $162,584. Great Western Railway, serving the Assiniboia, Shaunavon and Coronach areas, will receive $242,675.
Representatives of the three companies were in attendance, along with representatives of the Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association.
Perry Pellerin, CEO of Great Sandhills Railway Ltd., said provincial support has been critical to the railway’s growth.
“This railway started 17
years ago with a meeting in a basement and a decision to move forward,” he said. “With help from the provincial government, including an earlier no-interest loan program, we were able to get started. Without that support, we wouldn’t be here.”
Pellerin said the railway has grown significantly, from seven employees moving about 3,000 railcars annually to handling approximately 26,000 railcars in 2025.
“It is very remarkable. We thank the province and are putting the funding to good use.”
Aaron Wenzel, general manager of Great Sandhills, said the program supports long-term partnerships between industry and government.
“Short lines are local. A lot of what we generate goes right back into the communities we operate in,” he said. “Today we have 45 employees, and our customer base has
grown significantly.”
Wenzel said the funding will be used primarily for track upgrades, including replacing ties across the network.
Andrew Glastetter, general manager of Great Western Railway and president of the association, said the funding helps operators maintain and improve infrastructure.
“It allows us to strengthen our track programs and better support the supply chain, including handling heavier loads and improving overall efficiency,” he said.
Kent Affleck, CEO of Mobil Grain, which operates Big Sky Rail and Last Mountain Railway, said the funding will go toward capital improvements, including rail ties and infrastructure upgrades.
“We’re very appreciative of the province’s support,” he said.
Rachel McKenzie, director of communications and government relations with the Western Canadian
Fido’s bids farewell
Seven years ago, CindyAnn Boehm saw a need and implemented her vision to provide local pups with a place to learn, grow and play. Fido’s Place Doggy Daycare and Training Centre was born from Boehm’s vision in 2019, filling a much needed void for dog owners that needed a place to leave their furry friends during the work day and be assured that they were well cared for.
Pampering her four-footed clients with grooming services was another priority for Boehm. The grooming room was a busy place, making sure each client could put their best paw forward. Playtime and behaviour training were part of daily routine at Fido’s.
The Doggy Daycare provided a safe, fun and enriching environment for countless dogs while building lasting relationships with their families.
Earlier this month, Boehm announced that she would be closing the doors of Fido’s Place, as she moves into retirement.
“What began as a dream, quickly grew into a thriving community of dog lovers and the support received over the years has been deeply appreciated”, said Boehm.
The final day of operation for both Doggy Daycare and grooming services will be Friday, June 26, 2026.
As part of the closure process, Fido’s Place will be holding a public liquidation sale to sell the remaining business assets, equipment, supplies, and décor. The sale will run from Wednesday, July 8 to Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. The sale may end earlier depending on inventory. Customers have been given first opportunity to purchase so inventory will change daily and vary throughout the sale.
“We would like to sincerely thank our customers, staff, families, friends, and community for their sup-
LIQUIDATION SALE
Short Line Railway Association, said the province’s continued investment helps strengthen supply chains.
“There are more than 2,000 kilometres of short line track in Saskatchewan, connecting about 150 communities,” she said. “Short lines provide flexible, costeffective service, especially for smaller customers, and help move Saskatchewan exports to global markets.”
Representatives from Swift Current were also in attendance, including Corla Rokochy, CEO of the Swift Current Chamber of Commerce, and Darcy Congdon, director of community development with the City of Swift Current. Congdon said rail access remains a key factor in economic development.
“Having rail access is very valuable when attracting new business and industry,” he said. “It supports growth not only in Swift Current but across the surrounding rural region.”
port over the years. Fido’s Place would not have been possible without the love, encouragement, and sacrifices of our families, who stood behind us every step of the way. It has been an incredible journey filled with wagging tails, happy memories, and friendships that we will always cherish. We are grateful for every dog and family who trusted us to be a part of their lives”, said Boehm.
If you are interested in contacting CindyAnn regarding any of the inventory she has available, she can be reached at 306-861-0829.
Downtown Weyburn was a hub of activity during the Show and Shine on June 20, hosted by the Soo Line Cruisers Club.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
SPORTS
General Manager of The Sixty-Seven RM of Weyburn Golf Course, Krystle Fedoretz, acknowledged the top three golfers in the men’s division of the Crocus Open held over the weekend. Pictured l-r, Fedoretz, Logan Chernoff, Darien Herlick and Tyler Mryglod.
Chernoff/Hallberg win 2026 Crocus Open
The Weyburn Crocus Men’s Open was held June 20 and 21 at The SixtySeven RM of Weyburn Golf Course with 47 golfers attending.
In the men’s division, Logan Chernoff finished first with a two-day score of 142. Tyler Mryglod finished second with 144 followed by Darien Herlick with 144.
In the senior men’s division, Rick Hallberg carded a two-day score of 144. Ron
Swan finished second with 152 followed by Bryan Dew with a 156.
In the men’s horse race competition, Gerhard Groenewald finished first with Nolan Rohatyn taking second and Logan Chernoff finishing third.
In the senior men’s horse race competition, Rick Hallberg took first place followed by Paul Grimes in second and Ron Swan in third.
SJHL releases 2026/27 regular game schedule
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League has officially released its schedule for the 2026-27 season, with just 88 days remaining until opening night.
The new campaign will begin on Friday, September 18th with a five-game slate featuring all ten SJHL teams. Each club will play a 56-game regular season schedule as they battle for
playoff positioning and the Canterra Seeds Cup.
The defending league champion Flin Flon Bombers will open their home schedule during SJHL Hall of Fame Induction Weekend on September 25.
The league’s full schedule and team-by-team schedules are now available through the SJHL website.
The top three golfers in the senior men’s division of the Crocus Open held at The Sixty-Seven RM of Weyburn Golf Course were recognized by General Manager, Krystle Fedoretz. Pictured l-r, Fedoretz, Rick Hallberg, Ron Swan and Bryan Dew.
Beavers rained out, drop game to Regina, win vs. Saskatoon
Randy Palmer SaskToday.ca Rain interrupted the game between the Weyburn Beavers and Moose Jaw at Tom Laing Park on Monday night. Weyburn held a 4-2 lead before a heavy downpour forced the game to be suspended. A makeup date has not yet been announced.
Regina 11, Weyburn 2
June 20
The Red Sox got off to a fast start with two runs in the first and three in the second and then tacked on three more in the third to make
things all but academic. Will Togher went 3-for5 with two runs and an RBI for Regina, while Daniel Castellanos was 2-for4 with three RBI. Justin Simard went 2-for-6 with a triple, two runs and two RBI, Mason Taforya 3-for5 with two runs and Lance Anderson 2-for-5 with a pair of triples and a run. Samuel Jackson started for Regina and allowed two runs on five hits while striking out seven, Zander Oudie-Senger finished things off, giving up two hits in the final four innings
and also striking out seven.
Will Sevier hit a solo home run for Weyburn, Ryan Dauphinee scored their other run.
Josh Pritchard was the losing pitcher after allowing eight runs, seven earned, on 10 hits over 3 ⅔ innings.
Weyburn 10, Saskatoon 7
June 18
The Beavers put together a couple of comebacks in Saskatoon, the first of which came when the Berries opened with a five-run first inning, only for Wey-
burn to rally back with five of their own in the third.
Single runs in the fourth and fifth saw Saskatoon go ahead 7-5, but Weyburn came right back with a pair in the sixth and added the go-ahead and insurance runs in the eighth before finishing off with one more in the ninth.
Ryan Dauphinee had the big hit on the night for the Beavers, hitting a single into right field that plated Robert Gurney and Hugh Montogmery to give Weyburn the lead for good.
Dauphinee ended up
3-for-5 with three RBI while Trevor Dale hit a three-run home in the third and ended up 2-for-5 with a pair of runs. Joe Madill also knocked in a pair, Hugh Montgomery scored two runs.
Will Seiver had a tough start for Weyburn on the mound, with only one of his five runs allowed in the first being earned. Keaton Husband went the next four innings and allowed a pair of runs as Weyburn got back into it, Gunner Ferguson tossed a clean sixth and seventh while striking out six.
and
Gael
are
Upcoming games The
Then the Beavers head out on their annual road trip to Alberta on Saturday.
Zach Raichel picked up the win after pitching a scoreless eighth,
Jackson Sheehy had a shutout ninth to land the save.
Salinas and Aidan Marien each scored a pair of runs for Saskatoon, Nick Cote knocked in a pair, Ethan Murdoch was 2-for4 with a double and run scored..
Saskatoon Berries
at Tom Laing Park on Friday, June 26.
Weyburn Razorbacks forward Andrew Charlton, right, attempted to score during the last regular season game for the team, at the Tom Zandee Sports Arena on June 21.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Happy Birthday, Canada!
Canada
Day celebrations set for Weyburn, regional parks on July 1
The City of Weyburn will be celebrating Canada Day with activities planned for Wednesday, July 1.
A flag ceremony will be held at the Weyburn Leisure Centre at 10 a.m., featuring the Legion Colour Guard, with greetings from dignitaries.
A birthday cake will be served at 11 a.m. Bouncy houses, supplied by Seitz’s Rentals, along with family games will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A barbecue will be served from 11:30 a.m. to
1:30 p.m., with hot dogs and other goodies available for purchase. The barbecue will be hosted by SE Advocates. A free swim at the Leisure Centre will also be held on July 1, from 12 noon to 4 p.m., sponsored by the City of Weyburn. Fireworks, courtesy of the City of Weyburn, will top off the day at the exhibition grounds. The display is set to start at dusk (approximately 10:30 p.m.).
Campers and families enjoying the summer at Nickle Lark and Main -
We will be closed Wednesday, July 1.
prize Park will be able to participate in many activities for Canada Day. Nickle Lake Nickle Lake’s Canada Day celebrations kick off at 10 a.m. with a bike parade.
Throughout the day, celebrations will include a farmer’s market, Canada Day crafts and a Show and Shine car show which will fill the park with something for everyone. There will be a foam
party from 1 to 2 p.m. and a slow-pitch tournament throughout the afternoon on diamond one.
The park is holding a site decorating contest, with cash prizes.
Mainprize Regional Park
A jam-packed weekend of fun, entertainment, food and community spirit will be held on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 in addition to Canada Events on Wednesday, July 1
at Mainprize Regional Park, hosted by the Dr. Mainprize Foundation.
The official unveiling of the new Noah’s Ark will be held on Saturday, June 27 at 11:30 a.m.
A cabaret featuring the Johner Brothers will be held at Pedersen Place on Saturday evening at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $25 and $30 at the door. There will be a food truck on site.
A free pancake breakfast will be held at Ped -
ersen Place on Sunday, June 28 from 8 to 11 p.m.
It will include pancakes, sausages, coffee and community spirit. Donations are welcome.
For family fun on Canada Day, there will be a craft and tradeshow at Pedersen Place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with family activities throughout the day. A hot dog roast will be held at 4 p.m., and the festivities will conclude with a grand fireworks show at dusk.
1. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s freshwater is in Ontario.
2. Saskatchewan has approximately 20 per cent of Canada’s agricultural land.
3. New Glasgow, Nova
Scotia, is known as the Tuna Capital of the World.
4. The West Edmonton Mall in Alberta receives around 30 million visitors annually.
5. The Bay of Fundy in
Brunswick has the highest tides in the
The people of Halifax, Nova Scotia, are called Halifanians.
The largest ski resort in North America is in British Columbia.
Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s youngest province.
The first national museum built outside of Ottawa is in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Quebec City is the only fortified city in Canada.
The smallest desert in the world is in the Yukon.
Great Slave Lake, the deepest lake in Canada, is in New Brunswick.
Inuit people make up 99 per cent of the population of Nunavut.
Tourism Saskatchewan launches ExploreSask photo contest
Submitted Tourism Saskatchewan’s annual ExploreSask Photo Contest is officially underway and is accepting entries.
Enter photographs or videos of your favourite Saskatchewan adventures for a chance to win great prizes. The contest runs until September 15, 2026.
The six contest categories are:
People & Places – Portraits of Saskatchewan people from all walks of life enjoying indoor or outdoor activities, and places that portray the community spirit and liveliness of Saskatchewan cities and towns, cityscapes, local attractions and urban life.
Prairie – Scenic photos from prairie regions; hidden treasures such as valleys, hills and badlands; other natural features displaying the province’s diverse geography in any season.
Wildlife – Images that showcase Saskatchewan’s beautiful wild animals, birds and insects.
Winter – Scenes of winter in Saskatchewan, from outdoor activities to wild snowy landscapes.
Woods & Water – Photography that features Saskatchewan’s abundant lakes and rivers, as well as Saskatchewan’s diverse forests and trees, from lodgepole pine and aspen groves in the south to the
honoured his retirement with a custom song on June 16. Manning walked down memory lane as he visited classrooms during the afternoon.
northern boreal forests. Video – Submit an edited piece or single shot video (60 seconds maximum) of Saskatchewan wildlife, people, places and landscapes. For complete contest rules and to submit your entry, visit TourismSaskatchewan.com/PhotoContest or call Tourism Saskatchewan toll-free at 1-877-237-2273. The deadline for entries is September 15, 2026.
Assiniboia Park Elementary School principal Dan Manning, left, applauded after the students and staff
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Estevan Arts Council awards summer scholarships
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Estevan Arts Council (EAC) recognized some talented young artists June 19 when it presented its annual summer camp scholarships.
More than a dozen $100 awards were handed out.
Melanie Young, the chairwoman of the EAC’s scholarship committee, was pleased to see the different types of camps students will attend.
This year’s recipients were:
• Kaylee Bowey, Souris Valley Theatre camp;
• Lilo Dittman, acting camp;
• Taylor Ellis, Drewitz School of Dance camp;
• Harper and Harrison Eskra, Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party;
• Mahaley Fonstad, International Music Camp;
• Maxwell Froese, Explore Immersion program;
• Emma and Maddie Grobbink, Drewitz School of Dance camp;
• Eli and Lily Robock, Build It camp at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum;
• Sarah and Tayla Sinclair, Estevan Recreational Dance Club and summer art classes; and
• Hannah Vanstone, EAGM camps.
B.C. city approves statue that honours famed Estevan coach
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The effort to build a statue honouring the late Ernie (Punch) McLean in New Westminster, B.C., has cleared another hurdle.
Earlier this month, New Westminster’s city council voted 4-3 in favour of placing a statue of McLean in front of the city’s Queen’s Park Arena. McLean is from Estevan originally and coached the Estevan Bruins for several seasons until the club relocated to New Westminster in 1971.
The New Westminster Bruins won the Memorial Cup national major junior hockey championship in
1977 and 1978, and also won the Western Hockey League title in 1976 and 1979.
Patrick Singh, who is the chairman of the Ernie (Punch) McLean Legacy Foundation, which is working to build the statue, said there had been a long-standing bylaw in New Westminster to no longer build statues.
The society had already announced plans to have a statue honouring McLean prior to his death while travelling in northern B.C. on May 8.
Singh said the council vote came after a lot of work by the society and a
lot of anxiety among the tribute group’s members.
“We were really worried,” said Singh. “This was a huge step.”
He noted that shortly after a May 5 press conference when the statue plans were announced, the mayor of New Westminster announced the motion would be put forward to city council.
New Westminster Coun. Daniel Fontaine, who is also a member of Hockey Canada’s board of directors, also supported the board, Singh said.
“There’s still a lot of work to go, but this is probably the largest hurdle
... that we have to overcome in order to proceed, and we’re just happy that council was able to vote 4-3 in favour,” said Singh.
Now the focus has shifted to fundraising, which Singh said is at the “starting line”. The group is a non-profit society, and it has received some donations, but it’s not eligible to write tax receipts for donations, so it is in the process of partnering with some larger charities that can help.
“Once we partner up with a charity and we’re able to give tax receipts for larger donations, then we’ll really be on our
way,” he said. People can click here to support the foundation.
Singh said the statue has an estimated cost of $80,00-$100,000, but they recognize metal prices are rising. A well-known person in B.C.’s Lower Mainland has stepped forward to say he wants to do the project for the committee and as a tribute to McLean.
Once fundraising starts, he expects it will take about 10 months for the statue to be in place. He would like to have it erected by next spring when the Bruins celebrate the 50th anniversary of their first Memorial Cup title.
Singh said support remains strong in the Estevan area.
“It’s a strong, tight-knit community, and I think a lot of success that Ernie had was due to the fact that he was raised with those values from Estevan, so I feel like we do owe a debt of gratitude from Estevan.”
McLean never forgot Estevan, Singh said, and always noted his Saskatchewan roots when talking about his achievements.
A celebration of life for McLean will be held July 9 at Queen’s Park arena. The service will begin at 11 a.m.
Progress Pride flag raised at Estevan City Hall during Pride Month
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
A Pride march, flagraising ceremony, picnic and drag show were all part of Pride Month activities in Estevan on June 21.
The march began in front of Blond Beauty in the 1200-block of Fourth Street and made its way down to city hall. From there, the crowd listened to a few speeches and watched as the Progress Pride flag was raised.
Councillor Kirsten Walliser, who was one of the members of city council in attendance, said she was “moved to tears” on her way to the events because when she grew up in Estevan, an event like this was not possible.
Sometimes it feels like nothing is changing, she said, and to have Pride Month in June, a Pride Week in Estevan and a flag-raising event is a testament to shifts that have occurred.
“People are recognizing the value of Pride and that everybody in our community has that inherent self-worth and that value, and I am so thankful to all of you for coming out to celebrate that today,” Walliser said.
Stryx Dubowski, who is the chairperson of the board for Trans Sask, was “immensely happy” to be at the event. Ten years ago, Dubowski noted the Pride Flag flew in front of city hall for the first time.
Dubowski wanted to see the Progress Pride flag so a community could eventually be built to come together and celebrate each other.
“I am immensely proud to see such an amazing turnout for today,” said Dubowski.
Trans Sask helped Dubowski create something like this a decade ago, and Dubowski thanked everyone for showing up for the LG -
BTQ+ community.
“I am immensely proud today to be born and raised in Estevan, and you all should be too,” said Dubowski.
Lilac Colibaba, who MCed the flag raising, also praised the turnout, noting people came from all over. Participants represented different genders and orientations.
“That’s what pride is about – to celebrate our uniqueness,” Colibaba said. “I’m just so happy to be here, I can’t believe this.”
Colibaba was pleased to see the event didn’t have any negativity, either.
After the flag raising, many of the crowd members walked down to the gazebo at the intersection of First Street and 14th Avenue for a picnic and a drag show.
The flag-raising, picnic and drag show were held earlier than scheduled because of rain in the Es -
tevan area that began in the early afternoon. Still, dozens of people attended the different events. Many of them donned rainbowthemed attire.
Other events that have been held in Estevan during Pride Month. The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum will host screen printing June 22 and but -
ton making the following day. Both events will start at 6:30 p.m.
A social was held earlier in the month at the Estevan Public Library.
Students and Estevan Arts Council representatives gather for a group photo.
Photo by David Willberg/SaskToday.ca
Direct to Smelter - Precious Metals Roadshow comes to Estevan
Voyager Gold will be coming to Estevan during a roadshow making its way through Saskatchewan. You can bring your gold, silver & coins to the Estevan Legion # 60 between 9am and 4pm June 28th & 29th. No appointment is required.
The President of Voy-
ager Gold is Ethan Semple, a precious metals buyer. Semple’s family roots grow deep in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Semple comes from several generations of gold, with his first taste coming during a Boy Scouts gold panning trip at the Hope Recreational
Panning Area in BC.
“Gold buying and testing was happening on my kitchen table all through out my life,” Semple chuckles. “My father was an avid gold panner and precious metals buyer, so it comes second nature to me.”
After getting a formal education and spend-
ing a few years in the rat race and the birth of his first child, Semple decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a precious metals buyer as well with the hope that one day he might provide her with a yard to run around in.
Recent increases in gold prices have lead to
many people becoming “gold buyers.” “Voyager Gold provides a service that is personal and informative, making sure the client understands everything that is going on from testing to quoting,” Semple says. “Voyager Gold deals directly with the smelter, cutting out the middle man. This enables us to pass those savings on to the client, unlike other gold buyers offering pennies on the dollar.”
“We use a variety of tools and tests to analyze your items including magnetic sweeps, hallmark identification, as well as various purity tests,” Semple explains. “We even have experience with some collectible coins and bills where we look at numismatic value. In any event we’re always happy to take a look and offer some insight.”
“Over half the world’s annual gold harvest comes from recycled gold. Energy costs are about $500 to mine a new ounce of gold, where recycled gold is about $10 per ounce. That prevents a lot of diesel from being burned.” Gold and silver purchased at the show and later melted goes back into the market without incurring that environmental cost.
“People bring in all sorts of items, but most often its broken or forgotten jewellery from the back of the jewellery box or even dental gold. Often times folks are surprised by how much value was just sitting there,” Semple says. “Voyager Gold provides a quick and low pressure environment. We do everything right in front of your eyes and provide an offer with absolutely no pressure, no obligation, and no appointment necessary.”
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Weyburn Legion plans centennial celebration for July
In celebration of the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th Anniversary, the Weyburn Legion will be holding an Open House on July 17.
To mark this milestone, the Weyburn Legion is hosting a 24-hour Open House with an Honour Guard. The branch will be holding a variety of events including children’s activities thanks to the Wey -
burn Public Library and volunteers from the Weyburn Credit Union. Food, music, movies, history and a chance for you to contribute as well through our Don’t Forget to Remember initiative.
During the 24-hour period, members of the public are invited to Stand On Guard For Thee by Standing On Guard for them. As a tribute to
all our veterans, pledge forms are available to pick up at the Legion or from any executive member for those wishing to support the Honour Guard.
Since 1926, the Legion has been the leading organization delivering programs to our Veterans and our communities. The Royal Canadian Legion is Canada’s largest Veteran and community support organization formed in 1926 following the unity of various World War I Veterans’ organizations. The Legion was founded with the clear purpose
of service to the Nation through three distinct channels: care of Veterans and their families; keeping alive public memory of the sacrifices of Canadians in the cause of world peace and thus providing a deterrent to future conflicts; promotion of unity, of thought and of effort among all Canadians leading to the development of a greater Nation.
Our mission is to serve Veterans, which includes serving military and RCMP members and their families; to promote Re -
Agribition reports excellent 2025 show, questions linger regarding capacity for 2026
Ryan Young SaskToday.ca
Based on a number of statistics, the most recent Canadian Western Agribition was the best on in recent memory.
During Agribition’s Annual General Meeting, CEO Shaun Kindopp shared a number of highlights from the 2025 edition of the show.
Among them was the international representation, as over 700 guests from 76 countries visited Agribition, including 56 Mexican cattle producers. The international delegations contributed to $280-thousand 600 in purchases of Canadian genetics.
Kindopp says travelling abroad has been a focus in recent years to build those relationships.
Overall attendance was 151,037 and Kindopp notes increases in attendance for other events happening at the show, including Maple Leaf Circuit Finals Rodeo which saw a total of 24,000 come through the doors.
“Our Indigenous Agriculture Summit attendance was up, our rodeo attendance was up, our attendance through the gate was up, so everything measurable that had an attendance tied to it was up this year.” he said, adding the rodeo was 400 tickets “away from being four consecutive sellouts”.
“Everything surrounding Agribition for the past couple of years has really been climbing...we can’t do that without people buying tickets and coming and supporting us.”
Hotel occupancy during the event was up across the board.
During the event, there were 15,537 estimated room nights, the average week long occupancy at participating Regina Hotel Association hotels was 86.2 per cent with the peak being Friday at 92.1 per cent and Wednesday and Thursday were over 90 per cent.
“It’s something we’re proud of, as again, it happens during a tourism offseason, so the importance
of Agribition of when it happens and what it does for both Tourism Regina and Tourism Saskatchewan is incredibly significant.”
Kindopp said.
A study from Praxis Consulting Inc. on the 2025 event showed Agribition created $151.3 million in economic activity.
Regarding ticket sales for the rodeo, Kindopp said they decided to delay the ticket launch until after Labour Day, knowing Regina is a “last-minute town”, and it worked out, resulting in the highest rodeo tickets sold for a third straight year.
Kindopp also noted the 5 year agreement with the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association to keep the Maple Leaf Finals Rodeo at Agribition.
On the education side, over 16 thousand kids went through the education pavilion during the week and the introduction of the sensory hour was a success, reaching capacity. Kindopp said they’re looking at expanding sensory hour for this year’s event.
For the third straight year, the trade show grew
as the number of exhibitors increased 13.4 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024, and up 20.5 per cent since 2023.
“Last year was the first year that we’ve sold out our trade show since the (Bunge International Trade Centre) was built. And they’re already ahead of that pace for this year, so again, the trade show’s been one that people are continuing to circle on their trade show map of ones that they need to be at, not want to be at. It’s fantastic.”
There was also a yearover-year increase in sponsorships and Agribition turned a profit in 2025.
Kindopp says their social media presence also saw substantial growth.
Followers increased 13.5 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year and nearly 30 per cent since 2023. Impressions on their platforms were 10.5 million, up 75 per cent from 2024.
Plans for this year
What to expect for the 2026 edition of Canadian Western Agribition, especially with the deal between Brandt and the City
TOWN OF MIDALE
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Under the provisions of the Tax Enforcement Act, the Town of Midale offers for sale the following property in the Town of Midale.
Lot 13, Block 11, Plan ET994, Ext 0. - 414 Eisenhower St.
The property will be sold as is.
Tender requirements:
• Bidders are required to review the complete Public Tender Documents for information regarding the conditions of sale and purchaser’s responsibilities regarding the property condition.
• Public Tender Documents are available at townofmidale. com/news/updates or by contacting the Town Office by email at townofmidaleadmin@sasktel.net
• Tenders must be submitted in prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit of at least 20% of the tender amount
• The deposit shall be made by way of certified cheque, bank draft or money order payable to the Town of Midale.
• The successful bidder(s) will have 30 days to provide payment in full to complete the purchase.
• The deposit will be forfeited if the successful bidder does not finalize the agreement within 30 days.
• The highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.
• Tender closes at 4 p.m. on July 13, 2026.
• Tender opening will take place at the regular meeting of council July 14, 2026.
membrance; and to serve our communities and our country.
General meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month except
for July and August. Legion membership is open to anyone who supports the aims and goals of the Royal Canadian Legion.
of Regina being finalized, was also covered during the meeting.
Brandt Sports & Entertainment Group, which is part of the Brandt Group of Companies, agreed to purchase seven facilities at REAL District from the City of Regina. It includes the Brandt Centre, Queensbury Centre, AgEx Building, Canada Centre Buildingwhere the Agribition office is located - Stockman’s Arena and Cattle Barn along with the surrounding parking lots and land.
Weyburn Legion - 1938
Ava Anderson Claudia Wall Haylee Scrupps Kade Martel