Welcome to part two of our Year in Review with the City of Humboldt and Humboldt Mayor Michael Behiel. 

Mayor Behiel recognized the need for increased housing in the city. Given developments with BHP and other operations. He noted that housing starts are promising with 15 new single unit dwellings, four commercial or multi-unit dwellings, and one new government institutional dwelling which amounts to just over $6 million worth of building permits in the year.  

“If you factor in renovations that people are doing to make things more attractive, we come in at about $9 million of investment in the city this past year.”  

Community and Leisure Services continued its work on Centennial Park and the recreation facilities attached. Work is progressing on the concession and washroom facility along with an outdoor rink and a multi-court sports platform. Discussion in budget deliberations included bringing lighting in as soon as possible to make the grounds night accessible and safe.  

Light renovations also went on at City Hall to make the space more attractive and usable. Structural repairs were necessary in some areas, Behiel noted.  

Behiel also lauded the efforts of Discovery Ford in putting on the PBR Rodeo event.  

“This is a great underscoring of the belief in doing business locally and giving to the community. We were happy to help them as much as we could and partner with them. Those profits were turned back to community-based groups. It’s outstanding that we had a private business willing to take that under their wing and say let’s do something to make Humboldt more enjoyable and progressive.” 

The first-time combination of Canada Day and the Summer Sizzler was deemed a success. The move allowed the City to bring back a midway. Planning is under way for a bigger and better event next year. Behiel recognized other important events such as the Filipino Festival on the Uniplex grounds this summer. The Festival returned in an expanded format, and the event drew a large crowd from a number of communities.  

“They had great food and great entertainment, and the organizers are talking about expanding once again to a multicultural event that would span an entire weekend, which I’m very excited about. I’d like to see something like a ‘Folk Fest’ in the city of Humboldt to highlight all the cultures and inclusivity that we have.”  

Behiel was also proud to see Humboldt selected as the host of the 3rd Annual Saskatchewan International Film Festival. Films were screened at Reel Attractions here in Humboldt through the efforts of owners Mike and Shannon Yager. He noted the event has expanded greatly over the last couple of years. Behiel is hopeful the event will return at some point, once again bringing international recognition to the city. He was also pleased to see the Philippine’s Trade Commission and Consul General in the city, again earmarking the importance of the Filipino community as part of the city and region’s makeup. 

Other milestones by Humboldt institutions were the 50th anniversaries of Futuristic Industries and Carlton Trail College, Behiel noted. 

“These are two amazing institutions that do amazing things for our city. I was fortunate to be able to attend the celebration of Futuristic Industries, and I was astounded to learn of all the things that had occurred over their 50 years. Look at the reward we’ve reaped over 50 years and continue to reap.” 

He commented on Carlton Trail College’s expansion from its relatively small beginnings to expansive teaching facilities offering trades and professional training in a network of communities. 

“On behalf of myself and my family, City Council and City administration I'd like to wish everybody a very merry holiday season. I hope that you were able to enjoy time with family and friends. Stay safe and stay well. We wish everybody all the best in the coming year because we believe the city of Humboldt and its residents are going to fantastic new year.”