(Photo courtesy/City of Melfort)

By Ben Tompkins

Strategic Plan

City of Melfort seeking community feedback on proposed strategic plan

Jul 3, 2025 | 4:44 PM

The City of Melfort has developed a proposed strategic plan for the years 2026-2029.

Currently, the plan is just a draft, and before it becomes official, the city is looking for feedback from its community members.

“The strategic plan is about shaping Melfort’s future, and that future belongs to the people who live here. We believe it’s essential to involve the community to ensure the plan reflects their priorities, values, and vision. By gathering feedback, we build a plan that is both relevant and supported by those it impacts the most,” said Director of Corporate Services Lydia Steffen.

“Transparency builds trust. Residents have a right to know where the city is heading and how decisions are made. A transparent process ensures we’re accountable and that the plan truly serves the people of Melfort. It also helps us correct course when needed, based on community input… the strategic plan is only as strong as the community behind it. We encourage everyone to stay engaged.”

The proposed strategic plan outlines a framework to guide decision-making and resource allocation over the next five years.

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It is meant to emphasize economic growth, community development, environmental stewardship, enhanced infrastructure, and improved municipal services.

“This strategic plan serves as a roadmap to guide Council decisions and align our resources with the community’s priorities. The key goals reflect what we’ve heard from residents so far, such as improving infrastructure, enhancing recreational spaces, and supporting economic growth. However, we also recognize that input often comes from a small portion of the population. That’s why it’s so important to make all residents aware that we want to hear from them. This is a real opportunity for everyone to have a voice in shaping the future of our city.”

Steffen added, “Many of the goals are realistic. That said, a strategic plan should also be aspirational. We’ve included a mix of achievable short-term actions and long-term ambitions. The plan is designed to be flexible and adaptive, so we can track progress and recalibrate when needed… it articulates a clear vision of Melfort. Through the goals and values we’ve laid out, it reflects both who we are today and what we aspire to be in the future.”

Those interested in reviewing the plan and asking questions or submitting feedback are asked to do so on the city’s website. To view the strategic plan draft, click here.

“We’re looking for a broad range of feedback, from general thoughts about the city’s direction to specific suggestions on individual goals or priorities. We welcome both praise and constructive criticism. This is the community’s plan, and we want to make sure it reflects a wide variety of voices… we anticipate receiving questions related to the funding of initiatives, projected timelines, and opportunities for resident involvement. We also expect inquiries about how the plan addresses key issues that matter most to the community.”

Steffen concluded, “The strategic plan outlines our main priorities, but it is not the only guiding document we rely on. We also have complementary strategies that will continue to evolve alongside this plan. It’s important to recognize that the City will sometimes need to pivot our focus in response to unforeseen circumstances, which can shift time and funding away from planned initiatives. This is why ongoing community dialogue is essential, to ensure the plan remains relevant and responsive to both long-term goals and immediate needs.”

The strategic plan has four different sets of main goal groups, which include: Infrastructure Modernization & Public Safety, Community Well-being & Green Spaces, Sustainable Growth & Economic Development, and Governance, Technology & Public Engagement.

Feedback and/or questions submitted outside the form will not be considered. It is also asked that it be done by July 25th of this year.

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