Mask wearing is expected to be with us for some time but the COVID vaccine rollout along with various infrastructure projects are among the things MLA Joe Hargrave is looking forward to in 2021.( Government of Saskatchewan) 

By Glenn Hicks

looking ahead

Hope and the Future: Hargrave eyes various projects and hockey in 2021

Dec 30, 2020 | 8:00 AM

The COVID-19 pandemic makes 2020 a year many may prefer to forget but there is hope for the future. We’ve decided to make that the focus of our series of end-of-year stories.

MLA for Prince Albert, Carlton Joe Hargrave, says the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine isn’t the only positive for locals to look forward to in the new year.

He expects progress on some key development and infrastructure projects.

“I’m so happy to see the work starting over at the [site of the] aquatic centre and new arena complex,” he told paNOW. “[Also], it looks like construction on the hospice will start first thing in the spring, that’s been a big personal thing for me. And I’m optimistic we’ll see things moving on the ground for the Victoria Hospital construction.”

Hargrave was recently appointed minister of highways and noted some long-awaited improvements are coming for motorists.

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“The much, much needed passing lanes are going north to Christopher Lake on Highway 2 and west on Highway 3 out toward Shellbrook. Both those roads have been so dangerous… and I’m really looking forward to those passing lanes coming to fruition,” he said.

While there has been no further mention of the large new forestry manufacturing production facility under negotiation since the pre-election pronouncements made by Mayor Greg Dionne, Hargrave seems of the opinion that something big is in the offing.

“I’m really positive about what’s going on in the forestry industry and what I’m hearing and seeing. Boy, that could be really exciting if that takes off in 2021,” he said.

And Hargrave was keen to add another item to what will be on many people’s wish list for 2021.

“I’m looking forward to the Prince Albert Raiders playing hockey again. I’ve really missed going to the games… they’re a key fabric of Prince Albert and we need them back playing so we can have them and keep them for the long term. We’re not a big finance team, we’re a small community team… dollars are going to be tight and I encourage everyone to really support the Raiders in any way they can.”

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow