Eastend residents will get an opportunity to have a say in the future of their community during a public meeting this week.

The gathering is part of an initiative by local municipal leaders that is aimed at helping ensure the town’s continued growth and long-term prosperity.
Eastend has hired the engineering firm Scheffer Andrew Engineers to assist in the development of the plan.
Company spokesman Kent Snyder says the public will have a chance to view a first draft of the 20 to 50 year plan during an open house from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Hall Tea Room on Wednesday, Nov. 24.
Town administrator Deb Lewis and two company planners will be available during the event to answer questions and take in community input.
“We will have a number of poster boards setup where they (the public) can walk through at their leisure, read the information, and see what’s being proposed,” said Snyder.
The official community plan is a high level document, which all communities in Saskatchewan are obligated to complete.

Serving as a guide for housing, industrial and commercial property, environmental concerns, and economic development, the plan provides sustainability 20 to 50 years into the future.
“It’s not a specific proposal for development,” says Snyder, “When someone comes in for development, or someone has an idea, the town can then judge it according to this plan to see if it meets the town’s long-term vision.”
The engineering company, a civil engineering firm based out of Edmonton, is also responsible for the creation of the town of Maple Creek’s official community plan.
“The most important purpose is to inform the community of what’s being proposed, and to get input if they have suggestions or concerns about what’s being proposed,” explained Snyder of the public meeting.
Participants will be asked to complete a survey at the open house for engineers to gauge public interest.
Once that is complete, a revised plan will be circulated between various provincial and municipal bodies.
According to Snyder, a public hearing will likely take place in late February or March. At that time there will be another chance for the public to voice their concerns. Ultimately, the town will consider the plan and decide whether or not it should be adopted.