The Saskatchewan budget released Wednesday did not included major changes for municipalities.
“There was nothing that really struck me,” said Yorkton Mayor Bob Maloney.
While the municipality will see no major changes in terms of funding, or programming, Maloney said he was pleased to see additional dollars in support of mental health. He noted that in discussions with the RCMP he has been told “the vast majority they are dealing with have mental health or addictions issues.”
While noted “the devil is in the details” Maloney said an organization such as SIGN, which provides a lot of programming in the area of mental health, could see additional funding once details are released.
Maloney said the best news is that the provincial budget is showing a slim surplus on its overall budget.
“I’m very pleased that they’re balanced. I think balancing the budget is very important,” he said.
Prior to the release of the budget Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan leader Ken Grey made a stop in Yorkton calling on the provincial government to move forward with a new hospital for the city and region.
Funding for Yorkton facility was not included in the budget released Wednesday.
“From what I read in the budget Prince Albert is getting a hospital, Weyburn is getting a hospital,” said Maloney.
Maloney added he has been led to believe a new hospital in Yorkton was always expected to come after those facilities in Prince Albert and Weyburn.
“You can read into this we’re not looking at a new hospital (in Yorkton) in the near future,” he said.
That said, Maloney did recognize the local need for a new facility.
“Our hospital has been here for a long time,” he said, adding “upgrades are needed in many areas.”
