MOOSE JAW — The Government of Saskatchewan announced recently that it was no longer collecting the federal carbon tax, a decision that could save Moose Jaw hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Coun. Patrick Boyle, a frequent critic of the federal government’s carbon levy, raised the topic during city council’s recent regular meeting. He asked city administration what effect the province’s decision would have on the municipality’s budget and how much in savings the city could see since it paid roughly $600,000 annually.
In response, finance director Brian Acker said, “Effective April 1, Saskatchewan is a carbon tax-free province. If that is the case, based upon our estimate we did earlier this year, that would save the city about $360,000. And that would be across all of our various funds.”
That news pleased Boyle, who noted that council would have to discuss where to allocate those savings.
Potholes
Boyle also inquired about pothole repairs and when administration expected the asphalt plant to begin producing hot mix. Moreover, he wondered whether city hall had received its new asphalt recycling machine and infrared heater since he was anxious to see them in action and interested in their productivity.
Bevan Harlton, director of operations, replied that the recycling machine arrived in March, while public works crews assessed the vehicle and have laid down 28 tonnes of hot mix since March.
“We’ve had it out for a number of days (and) it’s performing well. From our mechanics, the feedback is it’s very simple, which is great to hear,” he said.
“I was wondering what it would look like to keep that thing functioning … and the early reports are that it’s very promising in terms of keeping it in service and on the roads.”
The role of this piece of equipment is to provide hot mix asphalt during cold weather, while its level of service is independent of the asphalt plant, Harlton continued. Normally, the plant comes online in late April or early May and runs until winter starts.
“The limits with the use of that machine may be resources, just depending upon snow events or whatever else we have going on,” he added. “But specific to that equipment, that allows us to put down hot mix at any time of year.”
The next regular council meeting is Monday, April 28.
