CARIEVALE - Every year, the RM of Argyle aims to have an evening to express its appreciation for its ratepayers and bring them up to date with what is going on in their municipality. This year the meeting took place March 29 at the Carievale Hall.
The formalities began at 5:30 p.m. After supper was served, five people spoke. Cannington MLA and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison talked about the latest provincial budget, focusing specifically on agricultural-related issues. He also addressed concerns about the recent American and Chinese tariffs on Canadian goods.
Bob Moulding, the director of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities’ Division 1, and Steven Donald, director of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan’s Division 1, added their thoughts about the tariffs, and provided information about their respective association's lobbying efforts with the federal government.
Sgt. Michel Chateauneuf of the RCMP’s Carnduff detachment spoke about criminal activity in the area, and provided statistics regarding driving while impaired and break and enter offences.
RM of Argyle Reeve John Ryckman gave a recap of what the municipality had accomplished in 2024 and unveiled its plans for 2025. As well, since 2025 is a reassessment year, he spoke of initiatives that the RM planned to take to ensure that property taxes would be controlled in light of the escalating value of land.
Following the speeches, all five speakers fielded questions from the 90 people who were in attendance. One of the concerns was the status of the two health care facilities in the area , Redvers and Oxbow, and services they were providing.
Once the formal part of the evening was finished, many of the ratepayers were in no rush to leave. Time was taken to catch up on friendships, as well as talk about matters that came out of the speeches and the question-and-answer time.
