Burstall truck fill station back in service

By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice

BURSTALL—The Town of Burstall's popular water truck fill station is back in operation following the completion of repairs associated with the community's water tank project.

In a phone call with Your West Central Voice on June 30, Mayor Colleen Bodnarchuk confirmed the truck fill station has reopened. She said the facility is heavily used but had been closed while work was underway on the water tank.

Bodnarchuk said the truck fill station was probably one of the most missed services affected by the project. The town tried to give farmers advance notice of the closure so they would not be caught off guard. She added that several vendors also rely on the station regularly.

The mayor noted the truck fill station generates good revenue for the town.

Water restrictions return to normal

Bodnarchuk said that with the water tank project completed, Burstall has returned to its normal Level 1 water restrictions. Residents are reminded that watering is limited to lawns and gardens, with no watering permitted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Following completion of the project, the town gradually began refilling facilities such as the municipal swimming pool to minimize stress on the water infrastructure.

Street sweeping completed

The mayor confirmed annual street sweeping has been completed. She said removing winter sand, gravel and debris helps prevent material from entering the stormwater drainage system.

Bodnarchuk added that Burstall's streets are well maintained.

Road and sidewalk improvements planned

Residents can expect street and sidewalk work to continue this summer.

The mayor said contractors will be carrying out crack sealing to prevent moisture from damaging road infrastructure.

Sidewalk improvements are also planned. Contractors have already inspected the community and identified sidewalks requiring attention. Bodnarchuk said the town has a three-year plan for sidewalk maintenance.

While concrete work is expensive, she noted uneven sidewalks present safety hazards and must be addressed. Some repairs involve grinding down raised concrete sections, while others require lifting and levelling sidewalk panels.

Off-leash dog park approved

Council has approved the development of an off-leash dog park using a former ball diamond.

Bodnarchuk said the Burstall and District Lions Club has played a major role in moving the project forward by installing fencing and completing other work. The town will be responsible for mowing the grass and providing signage and waste bags.

She said additional features, such as agility obstacles, could be considered in the future. While the park may open later this summer, no official opening date has been set.

Fire extinguishers serviced

The town recently completed its annual servicing of all fire extinguishers.

Bodnarchuk noted that although fire extinguishers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, they still require regular inspections. The annual servicing is usually completed each June at the fire hall.

Bottle collection relocated

The community's recycling container used to raise funds for the swimming pool has been moved behind the town shop.

Although the pool occasionally organizes bottle drives, residents can drop off recyclable containers at the collection bin throughout the year.

Canada Day celebration

Bodnarchuk said the community was looking forward to its Canada Day celebration, held June 30, featuring local band the Kangaroo Rats.

She said the group is well known in the Burstall area and performs a wide variety of music.