YORKTON - The City of Yorkton will be a long-term partner with the Yorkton Lions Club in holding its annual Wonders of Winter project.
At its regular meeting of Yorkton Council voted unanimously to extend the campground lease with the Yorkton Lions Club for the Wonders of Winter event for five years, (through the 2029 holiday season), and further that the costs associated to power and snow removal be sponsored on an annual basis through the Legislative Grants Account.
Don Reed of the Lions Club had made the request for the extension earlier in the meeting.
Reed said while “we were hoping it would be a bit bigger,” and that after year one the group “probably have a thousand different improvements we want to do,” the Lions see great potential in the event as a tourist draw for Yorkton.
For background, Taylor Morrison, Director of Recreation & Community Services, with the city explained that “At the Nov 6, 2023 Regular Council meeting, the Yorkton Lions Club presented their vision of an annual Christmas lights festival occurring in the City Campground. This event is based off of the success of Saskatoon’s annual “Enchanted Forest” event. The Lions Club requested the City sponsor the event by providing free access to the campground area and also covering the costs associated to snow removal and power for the light displays.”
“Unfortunately the event was not able to proceed for the 2023 holiday season, however planning continued and the event did occur over the 2024 holiday season.”
Morrison said the city did incur a cost in being a sponsor.
The total cost to the City for the last year’s event was $5,407.97.
The following costs are directly related to the campground sponsorship:
*Power Billing $854.70
*Snow Removal $1,260.00
An additional $3,293.28 was spent on some electrical work, materials, and repairs to the main entry gate, however are one-time costs which are not anticipated for future years.
“Power consumption costs are relatively low, as the event utilizes LED lighting throughout their displays. Snow removal costs will vary each year depending on snowfall, but would continue to be tracked on an annual basis to inform future events and potential sponsorships,” said Morrison.
Councillor Randy Goulden said she and her family enjoyed the drive through the displays adding “it is something families can do together at a relatively low cost.”
“My family loved it,” echoed Coun. Quinn Haider. “I loved the event.”
“I thought it was a great event,” agreed Coun. Dustin Brears, who added if he “had a crystal ball” he would say “it’s going to improved year after year.”a
