Touching base with Nipawin Mayor Marlon Zacharias

Zacharias said a town of around 4,000 to 5,000 people like Nipawin can quickly become upwards of 15,000 when surrounding villages and rural municipalities band together towards a common goal.

“That’s a far more attractive environment for economic development, and it makes it easier for us to be heard on a provincial and national level.”

He said the increase in revenue sharing announced at SUMA was also welcomed, as it added approximately $120,000 to Nipawin’s coffers. The town will take some time to decide how that money will be spent.

Two long-time Town of Nipawin employees were also honoured at the SUMA meetings. Lydell Shatula was celebrated for his 20 years with the town, while retiring Chief Administrative Officer Michele Sorensen was honoured for her 27 years working in the town office. Both received Meritorious Service Awards for their long-time contributions.

(Image Credit: Town of Nipawin/Facebook)

“It was just a great opportunity for them to be honoured at the SUMA President’s Gala,” Zacharias said.

Sorensen’s retirement will take effect later this week, while her replacement, David Gillan, started earlier this month. Zacharias said Gillan hit the ground running, with just four days in the office before he was busy making the rounds during the SUMA convention.

“He’s been a great addition to the team; I look forward to working with him for the next few years for sure,” Zacharias said.

According to Zacharias, Gillan’s experience as a CFO and in municipal administration, along with experience as mayor of North Battleford, gives him a unique perspective from both sides. He said that’s a major strength and believes that will help Nipawin going forward.

Something that is not helping Nipawin – or anyone else for that matter – is the late spring. Zacharias said the Town is about a month behind on a lot of their spring projects. He joked that this time last year the Town had been using street sweepers, and that won’t be happening anytime soon.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Touching base with Nipawin Mayor Marlon Zacharias

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