By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
After conducting a community survey in 2023 that polled residents about what they would like to see happen in the community over the next four years, the Town of Aberdeen has contracted a Saskatchewan firm to assist with implementing a four-year strategic plan that realizes those desires.
According to a news release from the Town of Aberdeen, council approved the contract with Prairie Rising Municipal Consulting back in September.
The release notes that Prairie Rising Consulting has assisted “dozens of municipalities of all sizes across the prairies” in strengthening strategy and moving projects forward.
As per their contract, Prairie Rising will work alongside Town staff to implement the refreshed 2024 to 2028 Strategic Plan.
As stated on the town’s website, the plan was informed by a total of 131 survey responses collected from residents in 2023, as well as the input from 26 participants in a Think Tank session.
The strategic plan calls for several goals to be achieved in 2027: servicing 25 residential lots on 5th Avenue, at an estimated cost of $1.1 million; launching a pavement levy for the purpose of designing a street-by-street paving program that begins with Main Street; designing a community trail, led by the Parks and Recreation Board; and working with a developer to build a 10-bedroom assisted living home.
A session led by Prairie Rising on October 2 then set four clear priorities to move forward on the Strategic Plan.
“Residents told us what they want for Aberdeen, from paved streets and walking trails to a livelier Main Street,” said Town of Aberdeen Mayor Ryan White.
“Council has a plan. What a town our size often lacks is the staff time to carry it out, and that is what this contract adds. Aberdeen is a community where small-town charm lives strong without compromising on amenities. We have added the necessary space to our water and waste water infrastructure and now it’s time to grow and welcome more new families to our beautiful community.”
White’s comments allude to the fact that Aberdeen has a new reservoir and pumphouse, which cost $4.4 million. While federal and provincial grants covered about $2.5 million, the town has to pay for the remaining $1.9 million.
Prairie Rising will also help manage the town’s new residential development, survey local businesses about their needs and plans, build a new town website (aberdeen.ca) for 2027 and mentor town staff so their skills stay in Aberdeen after their contract comes to a close.
The first phase of the project is a Business Retention and Expansion Survey. Prairie Rising will be contacting local businesses to complete a survey that will help inform necessary improvements and incentives to improve the town’s market-readiness.
“Aberdeen has already done the hard part, gathering so much valuable information on the direction the community wants to head,” said Jim Puffalt of Prairie Rising Municipal Consulting.
“Our job now is to help the Town focus their energy into new homes, stronger local businesses, enhancing community amenities and a website that tells Aberdeen’s story to people looking for an incredible place to live.”
The refreshed Strategic Plan is available for viewing on www.aberdeen.ca/strategic-plan.
Residents with further questions can also call the Aberdeen municipal office at 306-253-4311 or e-mail townaberdeen@sasktel.net.