The City of Yorkton might be seen as a model of what is facing municipalities across this country, and that is a need for infrastructure upgrades.
Much of urban Canada was built decades ago, and in Saskatchewan at least, there was little impact from growth to pressure things.
Things are different now.
While there may be concerns with the eventual drag on world commodity prices because of American economic lethargy, and European uncertainty, but at present the ripples of a boom are still moving through the local economy.
Yorkton Mayor Bob Maloney got it right when he stated, "the boom Yorkton's been experiencing is certainly not bottoming out," when he spoke at the regular monthly luncheon of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce held at the Painted Hand Casino.
But a boom comes with costs.
As a community grows it faces a dual cost, on one hand it must continue to deal with renewal.
We are all aware that sidewalks and asphalt, water lines and sewer pipes need to be replaced.
In many cases that infrastructure is remaining functional beyond its anticipated life expectancy, but the bonus years of operation will not go on forever.
And such work is costly.
The first project Maloney spoke of at the Chamber luncheon was a complete replacement of Broadway Street from Seventh Avenue to the Gallagher Centre.
"It could be the second biggest project in the City's history," sad Maloney, the biggest being the recently completed water treatment plant.
The Broadway project is estimated to be $30 million, and could be higher pending the condition of subsurface elements such as storm sewer lines.
In Yorkton we are still looking at renewal periods of more than a half century on infrastructure such as those mentioned, and that remains concerning, even in good times.
And then there are the pressures brought on by growth.
The City will be investing $20 million plus, in water trunk lines and related infrastructure to accommodate expected residential and commercial growth on the east side of Yorkton.
"We have to do this," said Maloney, adding as it is now there is not the capacity to handle growth. " If we want to encourage business it's something we have to do."
Growth was part of the cost of the recent Gallagher Centre expansion, fire hall, and water treatment plant, all projects which not only serve the city today, but prepare it to meet the growth expected ahead.
The good news locally is that recent Councils have managed the growth and renewal well, at least in terms of carrying out major projects, and more importantly managing the money.
Of course continued growth requires more housing and business subdivisions, and growing services.
Managing that growth will remain vital to our city's future.
