Mayor of Delia David Sisley took some time to share with the Mail some of the projects it has been working on in 2019 and what it is looking forward to in the coming year.
The Village of Delia had an exciting 2019 with several great developments.
In 2019 the village finished up its water supply project. The village undertook expanding its water storage reservoir and pump house to secure its supply of water if there was a major event. It secured funds from the provincial and federal government as well as Starland County.
The village also undertook a major paving project, replacing the sidewalks on Main Street. It will be completed in 2020.
“It has really helped make things look better, neater and less dangerous,” said Sisley.
Last year the campground also registered for online booking, which is streamlining reservations.
One item that has topped the list for Delia last year and will likely be a focus for years to come is the new Delia School. In March of 2018, the government announced the replacement of the school.
This project is much more than the school, it will also create a community hub with the Delia Library, multipurpose learning space and upgrade the athletic area for the community to use. The Delia school enhancement society has been very successful in raising funds for the project, and the village itself chipped in $100,000 to get the ball rolling.
“The community now has the opportunity to get involved by helping the contractors while they are here,” said Sisley this could mean giving crews a space to recreate and make their stay comfortable.
In 2019 a development permit was taken out and they are hoping that construction will begin shortly.
“They just finished choosing a colour scheme for the school and by February 27 we hope to have the final design set and the schedule for construction,” said Sisley.
The Village ended the year with its Light up the Night event in downtown Delia. This was organized by its tourism economic development committee and it was an evening to remember with all kinds of fun and activities.
“It was the first one we tried and it was a pretty good success,” said Sisley. He adds they are looking at adding more events to bolster community spirit and attract people.
Come this year they are looking at installing an off-leash dog park with water. He said this will be for residents as well as travellers who are looking for a place to pull over and let their dog have a break.
“When we get it completed, we are going to have some signs saying we have this available for people that are travelling, as well as for people who are staying at the campground,” said Sisley.
