The City of Yorkton will be introducing spring weight restrictions this year.
Mayor Mitch Hippsley says it was an item that needed to be addressed by council.
“The heavy vehicles that occupy that are the ones that beat it up, and they don’t mean to but it happens, so if we tell that they just can’t go on that road until it dries up then we won’t have to spend taxpayer dollars on repairing roads like that,” said Hippsley.
The weight restrictions will apply to gravel roads in and around the city, and signs will be posted when the restrictions are in effect.
Improvements to Smith Street
The second phase of improvements to Smith Street will take place this year.
Mayor Hippsley says improvements are being done from 2nd to Myrtle Avenue.
“We’re re-doing any of the curbs and sidewalks that require (fixing), as well as the road itself,” he said. “It’s a much needed corridor for traffic.”
Despite the improvements and potential road closures, the city does not foresee a disruption to services from the fire hall.
Amendment to Urban Forestry Bylaw
An amendment to the city of Yorkton’s urban forestry bylaw.
Hippsley notes that certain trees will no longer be permitted to be planted in the city.
They include the black ash, green ash and Manchurian ash trees.
“The biggest reason is, of course we love trees, but you’d hate to plant a tree and then 22 years from now when it’s basically starting to mature and look beautiful, some insect attacks it, and then we have to cut that beautiful tree down. We’d rather pick a type of species of tree that is less vulnerable to mother nature.” explained the Mayor of the decision to ban these trees.