Macklin to develop multi-functional space

By Joan Janzen

Earlier this summer, the communities of Denzil, Luseland, Wilkie and Macklin received a total amount of $222,402 from a grant through Western Diversification Canada. The funding is aimed to help Saskatchewan communities access resources needed to expand or upgrade operations, which is exactly what the town of Macklin intends to do.

The community of Macklin plans to use the $120,000 which they received to demolish two old, abandoned buildings and create a beautiful green space. The space will be multi-functional, suitable for farmers’ markets, community gatherings and other events on Main Street.

Plans include the construction of vendor and public gathering areas, landscaping and site remediation. The Town of Macklin has partnered with the Macklin Chamber of Commerce. Two individuals have been appointed to oversee the project and operational guidelines.

Kim Gartner, CAO, Town of Macklin, said the demolition of the two dilapidated buildings started on Monday, August 29th, with the work being done by In The Hole Backhoe Services, a local company.

“Currently, there is no local market operating, and area producers have to travel to outside communities to sell their product,” Gartner noted. “This is a joint project between the Town of Macklin and the Macklin Chamber of Commerce. The project committee will transition to an operational committee that will oversee the future operations.”

Two abandoned buildings which have been demolished to make room for a multi functional green space.

PHOTOS COURTESY TOWN OF MACKLIN