FACTS: City under boil water order
At the end of this story we've provided links about the boil water order as well as information on how to use the water safely durig the order.
By Andrew de Souza
paNOW Staff
The Prince Albert Parkland Health region has placed an emergency boil water advisory after the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in public water was confirmed today.
“The precautionary boil water advisory has been elevated to an emergency boil water order and that is a result of some of the investigation and testing that has been done,” said medical health officer Dr. James Irvine.
“The investigation detected giardia in the drinking water.”
Tests conducted at the River Street reservoir on Feb. 4 and 5 and completed today by the ministry of environment found a concentration of giardia cysts, or eggs, at 1.5 organisms per 100 gallons of water.
Irvine said the conditions that giardia is found in are the same for cryptosporidium so it was included in the advisory, but a smaller concentration of that was found.
He also added that tests for bacteria, such as E. Coli and other coliforms had come back negative for their presence.
“We’re basing our decision on the small number of giardia cysts found in the water, not bacteria,” Irvine said.
He said the number was well below danger levels and comparable to the concentrations found in nature, but it was a precautionary measure the health region was ready to take.
“Giardia is very common in surface water througout the world and it is a common organism and is probably to most common parasite picked up by humans,” he said.
Why the wait
According to Andy Busse, environmental protection officer with the ministry said the reason it took so long to have the emergency order put in place was the time it took to conduct the test.
The city had to transport 1000 gallons of filtered water, which took about 9 hours to collect, send it to a lab which would then take up to ten hours to test.
Busse said water coming directly out of the plant and into the reservoir was meeting ministry standards and had been since Friday night.
“The samples from Feb. 4 and 5 both had positive samples for giardia,” he said.
“The water treatment facility has been working phenomenally well. Basically since late Friday night, it’s been making excellent water and in that respect the water treatment plant is operating properly.”
Irvine confirmed that the issue wasn’t water being produced, but water that had already entered into the system.
Little danger to the public
Irvine said the vast majority of adults would be unaffected by such a concentration of the parasite in the water.
He said in communities where giardia had been problematic, the concentration had been four or five times higher before the water utilities even noticed, so the current actions were very proactive.
Irvine said the earliest people could begin to show symptoms would be three days, with most people taking between one and two weeks for anything to appear, if it ever did at all.
He said people with compromised immune systems were whom should be most cautious about boiling their water.
Two weeks to flush system
City manager Robert Cotterill said the system would still take about two weeks to flush. However, he said the bigger issue was having enough water in the reservoirs to flush out the system and still maintain enough pressure to fight fires.
He said a consultant specializing in flushing distribution systems had been retained and was drafting a proposal on the best way to flush the system.
Rural users may have longer wait
Ken Danger, manager of the Prince Albert Rural Water Utility explained that the system for rural homes was directly connected to the Prince Albert system and so would be flushed at the same time.
He said the problem was that the rural system had a slightly different design where lines do not always terminate at a fire hydrant.
Danger said because of that, it would take longer to clean the system and remove the advisory for the 1100 or so homes on the rural system.
Water reduction still encouraged
Cotterill said water reduction was still needed because the flushing the system would be hampered only by the availability of water in the reservoirs.
Copies of the order are currently being hand delivered to all homes and business in the city on yellow paper.
Nipawin Chrysler Dodge wins “best place to buy a boat in Saskatchewan”
By Rebecca Friesen/Nipawin Journal
When Nipawin Chrysler Dodge received a phone call last October stating that they had won "Best Place to buy a Boat in Saskatchewan" they didn't pay much attention to it.
Then they received a copy of the magazine and a certificate stating it and it became very real and exciting.
Ivan Stankowski, manager at the dealership stated that "It was overwhelming and gratifying to win the award. It's not often a small businesses is recognized or receives an award of distinction. It's really all the employees that deserve the award."
Stankowski went on to talk about that they sell boats from their dealership all over Western Canada and that they are in the top five Lund dealers in all of Canada for sales volume.
They also carry the model "for fisherman by fisherman" which helps fisherman get what they want and need out of a boat and it's equipment.
Another thing Stankowski says contributes to their high boat sales t the great fishing in the area. Lots of people from out of town have cabins in the area and buy boats from here so when they go back to their homes for a week or two they can drop their boat off to have it fixed, detailed, and tuned up.
They also don't have to worry about traveling long distances with their boats and the customer service offered at Nipawin Chrysler Dodge is excellent.
Pretty much all of the employees at the dealership are into fishing including the sales representatives, the parts and labour employees and the mechanics. This helps to understand the buyers needs and to help fulfill them.
One of their biggest sellers right now is their pontoon boats and they carry the G3 Sun-catcher Pontoon boat built by Yamaha.
They also carry and sell fishing accessories such as life jackets, rain suits, fishing GPS and lots more.
This is not the first award Nipawin Chrysler Dodge has won this season. They also won an award from The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association - Diamond in the Snow Award for most outstanding dealer of the year.
This dealership has a lot to offer and excited to receive yet another award thanks to their customer service and sales team.
Wild Bill's Pizza named best pizza in Saskatchewan
By Rebecca Friesen/Nipawin Journal
Wild's Bill's Pizza in Nipawin was named "Best Pizza in Saskatchewan" this year and owner Kelly Wilkie had nothing but good comments to say.
When the publisher of Prairie's North magazine called and told them about their accomplishment he said, "At first I was shocked and surprised because we are a businesses in a small town competing with many other bigger companies, but any recognition is good and this was a great accomplishment."
They received a certificate that they hung up in the store and they are very excited to receive such an award.
Wild Bill's is in its twentieth year of business and they currently employ 10 people.
Wikie says the reason they probably won is due to their great tasting sauce and the way they cook the pizza dough.
The business offers take-out and deliveries for a large variety of pizza's.
Wilkie also wanted to send out a huge thanks to all his customers for the support over the past 20 years as well as the votes they received in order to win this award.
He says it would not be the same without them.
They also have a website which has all their information, coupons, and a full menu list which you can check out at
Renovations pay off!
By Rebecca Friesen
This past Saturday held the grand re-opening of the Nipawin Centennial Arena. It was held to inform the public about the costs, time and efforts that went in to the renovations of the arena.
The day started off with free public skating at noon and all children and students were able to receive a free hamburger and pop.
There was also a ceremonial ribbon cutting, which involved Mayor Lawrence Rospad, Dave Trann, MLA, Fred Bradshaw and MP, Randy Hoback.
Each person took their turns giving a speech and talking about the renovations and how far the arena has come. They also talked about how much money, and time was donated by the local and provincial governments.
Shortly after the ribbon cutting there was an atom game between Carrot River and Nipawin and a girl's hockey game following that.
The evening brought in lots of entertainment with the Hawks game, figure skaters and children's scrimmage during the first and second intermissions.
The day was exciting and entertaining as well as informative for all who attended.
Hoback talks about economy
By Melissa Mangelsen/Nipawin Journal
MP for the Prince Albert Constituency, Randy Hoback, was in Nipawin, Jan. 27, meeting with business owners and constituents.
Hoback takes every opportunity he has to come back to the area and hear concerns from constituents, but he said this time it has been fairly quiet.
“I've mostly met with business owners, there were some concerns regarding labour shortages, but for the most part business is going strong, and there's a really positive atmosphere,” he said.
He noted that there was a trend regarding immigration concerns as well as agriculture concerns.
“I think it's really important to get back to Nipawin and the area. I have Cindy Murphy here who keeps a finger on the pulse. She has been very well received and people are appreciating the office here in Nipawin,” he said.
Hoback was back in Ottawa on Monday, where the government is facing issues regarding the economy as well as wrapping up the long gun registry dissolution and work with the youth justice act.
“Our main focus is the budget and what's happening in Europe. We're keeping an eye on what originates in Europe, it could sideswipe us.”
The economy in Saskatchewan continues to be strong due mainly to the resource and agriculture sectors. Canada as a whole, is leading all the other G8 countries.
“Saskatchewan is positioned well in light of the rest of the world,” he said.
Doctor shortages is an ongoing issue in Saskatchewan, and Hoback said the provincial and federal governments will be increasing funding to help recruit doctors.
Hoback has had an excellent working relationship with Nipawin and council.
“Lawrence [Rospad] is great to work with,” he said.
The big issue in Nipawin has been the cost of the Water Treatment Plant, which will see Nipawin's utility bills soar.
“We're going to do what we can to help with that, but right now there just isn't any money there,” said Hoback.
“It would have been nice to have this project under the stimulus, but that money is gone. It's pretty tough to find any funding right now, it's like flipping stones. If this was brought forward in 2008 it would have been a perfect fit for stimulus spending,” said Hoback.
When the idea of stimulus dollars was brought forth to Nipawin, at the time, there was no priority list in place for Nipawin.
“We asked communities at that time if they had any projects for the next five years and for whatever reason, this never came up. It was a rare opportunity [stimulus funding]. It doesn't matter about the past, what's done is done, we just have to move forward,” said Hoback.
Hoback was in Nipawin for the Chamber's President's Dinner, which was held in the evening of Jan. 27. He received a business recognition certificate at the dinner for relocating his MP office to downtown Nipawin for better accessibility.
Hoback will be back in Nipawin this weekend, to help celebrate the grand re-opening of the Centennial Arena. The project was done under the federal government's stimulus spending.
Reflecting on a Successful Dust Up Season One
By Melissa Mangelsen/Nipawin Journal
Travis Karle was at the Nipawin and District President’s Dinner, Jan. 27, to talk about his time with the series Dust Up.
Karle, who is a local crop dusting pilot, was apprehensive when approached about the idea to do this show. He didn’t want to bring a bad name to aerial spraying and wasn’t sure how having cameras mounted all over his plane would affect his concentration while out spraying.
In total, four cameras were mounted to his plane and were rolling all the time.
“Crop dusting is a dangerous job, there’s power lines, mechanical failure, etc,” he said.
A few issues arose from having the camera’s mounted, including a broken window and that Karle almost ran into a camera man who was standing in the middle of the runway. Karle believes that because he wasn’t a negative person on TV it has since helped his business. He has moved into a larger plan, and if the camera crews return to Nipawin for Dust Up season 2, he said he would be ready to go.
Terry Mialkowsky and Shannon Jardine were also in attendance to talk about the success of the show. The world premier of Dust Up was held at the Nipawin Evergreen Centre, and since then, has received national coverage. Dust Up became a Critics Pick in must see TV on the Globe and Mail.
“This has really exposed the town, community and farming,” said Jardine. “It’s important to tell these stories and learn about each other.”
The documentary helped express a better understanding as to how dangerous and difficult crop dusting is.
Dust Up became one of History TV’s most expensive shows, with $300,000 being spent in Nipawin. The money spent in Nipawin was on crews, various fees, hotels and meals. Dust Up has recently spread to Discovery Channel TV, and is being seen globally in places such as South Africa, Australia and Finland.
Jardine hopes the next step for Dust Up will be the release of the DVDs for the series.
“We hope to have bonus features on the DVD, there was so much film taken, and it was heartbreaking to have to cut it out,” she said.
Chamber of Commerce Hands Out Business Awards
By Melissa Mangelsen/Nipawin Journal
The ABEX Award Program, for members of the Nipawin and District Chamber of Commerce has become the most significant Chamber event of the year.
Jan. 27, the ABEX Awards were given to Chamber member businesses in the Agriculture Industry, Service Industry, Retail Industry as well as the Heritage Award.
The awards go to the business that demonstrates leadership and success, in terms of: Customer Service, Community Support and/or involvement, and innovation or diversity and taking into account the relative size of the business.
The Agriculture Award was presented to Pierlot & Sons Ltd. The award goes to the business that demonstrates exceptional performance in providing quality services in the industry based on wholesale and retail trade, distribution, product, service and innovation through diversification.
The Pierlot machinery business in Nipawin had its early beginnings in Pontrilas, through the industrious undertakings of its founder, Fritz Pierlot. The business was moved to Nipawin in 1956. The Pierlot family has enjoyed their partnership with their community and farmers in the surrounding areas since the 1930s, through their farming and dealership ventures. Accepting the award was Blair Pierlot.
The Service Industry Recognition went to Northern Greens Resort. The award went to a business that demonstrated exceptional performance in providing quality service in the form of wholesale and retail trade. Construction for Northern Greens Resort began in 2000, with the resort officially opening in May of 2001. A considerable amount of time was spent educating the entire province that Nipawin is a tourism and recreational destination. Northern Greens Resort has become a major player in the tourism industry in the northeast.
Owner of the Northern Greens Resort, Kathy Palidwar, humbly contributes her success to many people. She is quick to identify her support people, such as her immediate and extended family. The future of Northern Greens Resort is a bright one. Northern Greens Resort “the hub of hospitality in Nipawin” shows every sign of even greater success in the future. Owner Kathy Palidwar accepted the award.
Nipawin Florist was the winner of the Retail Award, which was given to a business that demonstrated exceptional performance in providing quality services in the industry based on wholesale and retail trade, product and customer service.
Nipawin Florist was purchased by Theresa Chalus in January 2007, along with her husband Rod. Theresa’s intention was to create a “feel good space” for customers to escape and have access to a variety of quality products not usually available in such a small community. Nipawin Florist has flourished with expanded product lines, offering dedicated floral arranging and a wide range of women’s accessories. The shop enjoys and avid and devoted following both locally and nationally. Theresa was unable to attend the awards, as she was in Toronto attending the CGTA Toronto Gift Show. Accepting the award was Nipawin Florist’s head floral designer, Joanne Gamble.
The Heritage Award was presented to ACE Electric Ltd. It is given to recognize a cornerstone business that has demonstrated excellence over an extended period of time, while contributing to the economic well being of the community.
ACE Electric Ltd., was incorporated in February 1952, by Robert Arnold and William Brockman. In 1986 the company was purchased by Trevor and Deanna Arnold, and they ran the company until 2001, when Jason and Denisa Volke purchased the company. ACE has always been a family orientated company. They currently employ two journeymen, one apprentice and one office staff. They’ve been in business for the past 60 years and look forward to continuing service in Nipawin and area. Accepting the award was Jason Volke, owner.
Prairie Women cruise through Nipawin
By Rebecca Friesen
Prairie Women on Snowmobiles rode through town on Monday night and stopped in at the Evergreen for supper and spent the night at the Kingfisher before heading off on their journey again Tuesday morning.
The group is a non-profit organization and the do this every year. Each year the group consists of ten core volunteer snowmobilers who travel across Saskatchewan, approximately 1,800 m and taking eight days.
Volunteers are what makes this work for the girls. The riders, the pit crew, the drivers, and the resource team. It wouldn't work without them.
The 11 riders started their trip in Humboldt and are continuing on to finish in Warman. The goal is to raise money for breast cancer and breast cancer research.
Along they way they stopped at many cities and towns in hopes of raising money and awareness for the number one cancer in women and the number two cancer killer among women.
Statistics are that one in nine women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life and the girls hope to put a stop to that.
Each women told their story on why they were riding. Some were riding because cancer had personally affected their families and others were riding just because it's for a great cause combining awareness for breast cancer and what they love to do, snowmobile.
This year’s riders consisted of : Andrea Lehoux from Meadow Lake, Colette LeBlanc from Saskatoon, Crystal Paulson from Wadena, Jackie Toggweiler from Lakeland, Kelli Hayward from in between Martensville and Warman, Lisa Zunti from Warman, Mallory Sittler from Landis, Natelle Nordick from Engelfeld, Rosalie Vanderbuhs from Engelfeld, Tracy Schwebius from Wilkie and an alternate rider Terri Ferguson from Star City.
Every year the group of women changes according to who is available and where the trip takes them.
If you would like to see who rode this year and get to know a little bit about them you can go online and check out the Prairie Women on Snowmobiles website atwww.prairiewomen.ca. Through this website you can also follow the girls on their trails and donate to their cause as well.
The organization was started in 2000 and since then the group of core girls, secondary riders, and core riders have managed to raise over 1.6 million dollars.
The evening also had a silent auction set up at the back where all the proceeds went towards breast cancer. There was a Choko Jacket, a “trail of Hope” picture and a package put together by the Evergreen Centre consisting of a snuggie, golf balls and other stuff.
The Royal Purple in Nipawin presented the girls with a check for $200 and so did the Nipawin Elks. The Nipawin Twin Lake Trail Blazers presented the girls with a check for $140 which was what supper cost and they picked up the bill and another check for $100 as a donation. The Melfort snowmobile Club also donated a check for $500 and the girls were all very happy to see that what they were doing was actually working and raising awareness.
Together the girls hope to raise awareness and put an end, or at least find a cure for breast cancer.
A Thank You from Lois Leblanc
As the winner of the 2011 Nipawin Big Win, I would like to thank all the businessess who supported this exciting project. What a wonderful way to promote community spirit. Nipawin truly is a terrific community to call home. Keep up the good work! Hector and I would again like to thank you
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