(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Melfort council

Council proclaims May 22 ‘Melfort Mustangs Day’; Arts & Cultural Hub Working Group set

May 14, 2024 | 12:00 PM

City council in Melfort has recognized the efforts of their local Junior A hockey team.

Council approved a proclamation making May 22 ‘Melfort Mustangs Day’, as the team continues its quest for the Centennial Cup in Oakville, Ont.

Councillor Tara Muntain put forth the request to include the proclamation at Monday night’s council meeting.

She told northeastNOW that the team has battled hard to make Melfort proud.

“These athletes volunteer countless hours in our community. They’ve visited local establishments, they’ve spent time with our youth, they’ve been at the school, they’ve been at the library,” Muntain explained. “What a great way to honour these gentlemen that have come to our city.”

FSIN

Chief Bobby Cameron re-elected for fourth term as FSIN Chief

Oct 31, 2024

Economy

Economy stalled in August, Q3 growth looks to fall short of Bank of Canada estimates

Oct 31, 2024

Take a break

Hawks hope hiatus helps to turn season around

Oct 30, 2024

She believes establishing May 22 as Melfort Mustang Day is a wonderful way to recognize what the team and the players mean to the city.

Muntain said the Mustang Board of Directors also deserves to be lauded.

The players spend a lot of time helping out with many organizations and youth, and Muntain said the players get as much out of doing so as do the children.

She is the proud billet mom of two Mustangs players, Mathieu Pigeon and David Rioux. The restaurant she and her husband own, TJ’s Pizza, is also a proud sponsor of the Mustangs.

Council has also agreed to the Terms of Reference for the Arts and Cultural Hub Working Group.

Councillor Muntain, Mayor Glenn George, Karen Eckhart of Melfort Arts Council, Laura Lawrence of Youth Matter Canada, and Members-at-Large Richelle Rogers and Donna Ponath have been named to the working group.

Muntain said it’s great the city can work together with community groups to use city-owned facilities. The objective of the working group is “to determine what is needed for the Melfort Arts Council (MAC), as an umbrella arts organization, to become a civic partner and administer an Arts and Cultural Hub at the Historic Post Office (HPO).”

The idea was brought forth at a council meeting earlier this year, and council expressed interest in exploring the possibilities. Muntain said the idea is still in its infancy, but it’s important that the working group has people from different backgrounds with different ideas that can be explored. Despite those differences, Muntain said they all have one thing in common.

“All of them love our community.”

Muntain said she was impressed with the passion expressed by Eckhart and Lawrence during their presentation to council.

“They have a passion for being able to work together and utilize the Historic Post Office and beautify it and be able to work together as partners with the city, I think that’s great,” explained Muntain.

The inclusion of Donna Ponath as a member-at-large is also exciting, Muntain said, as she has a vast history with the Historic Post Office. During her time as a city councillor, Ponath was the original chair of the Preservation and Rehabilitation Committee, and Muntain said Ponath’s experience with the rehabilitation of the HPO will be invaluable.

—

Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK