YORTON – The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting July 27 with Jeremy Cockrill, Minister of Highways.
Cockrill leads the discussion about Grain Millers Drive and how it needs to be upgraded and indicated that his Ministry recognizes that businesses along that road have made major investments and that the road services a “major hub that means economic growth across the province.”
In addition to the several Chamber Directors present at the meeting, MLAs Greg Ottenbreit, Terry Dennis, Warren Kaeding and Travis Keisig were in attendance. Randy Trost, Reeve of the RM of Orkney and several Councillors were in attendance; as was Mitch Hippsley, Mayor of Yorkton and several City Councillors.
Representatives from Fedorowich Construction, Grain Millers Canada, Louis Dreyfus Company, Richardson and Yorkton Concrete were also present.
As the meeting drew to a close, Minister Cockrill indicated his Ministry is committed to working towards finding a solution for Grain Millers Drive.
Vanessa Andres, President of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, was happy with the tone of the meeting.
“The Chamber appreciates that Mr. Cockrill came to Yorkton to see the road himself and to meet with the stakeholders”, said Andres, adding, “I believe there is a real desire by all the stakeholders to ensure work is undertaken to make Grain Millers Drive a road that can safely accommodate the heavy volume of traffic.”
In March, the Chamber brokered a meeting between the RM of Orkney and the City of Yorkton and businesses. Following that meeting, representatives of the stakeholders signed two letters prepared by the Chamber and sent to Minister Cockrill. One letter outlined the need for repairs and paving of Grain Millers Drive; while the second letter urged the Ministry of Highways to install traffic lights at the intersection of Grain Millers Drive and Highway #9.
In response to the letters, Minister Cockrill committed to a meeting this summer with the Chamber and the stakeholders.
