‘Challenging’ is what Mayor Darryl Jackson of Souris-Glenwood calls 2021.

“There were a lot of challenges even to have meetings for a while there, until enough people got vaccinated that we could afford to meet together again,” explains Jackson. 

Jackson shares his concern of what’s coming after the Christmas get-togethers, but staying vigilant is at the top of the priority list.”

“Certainly, people are getting tired of wearing masks, but I don’t see the end in sight for that.  I think we’ve got to continue to be very diligent in sanitizing hands, and wearing masks, and maybe even keeping our distance.”

The local businesses have continued to adapt fairly well in the town of Souris, with customers keeping the phone lines busy for restaurant pick-ups and deliveries.  He shares the difficulty in securing staff while the pandemic restrictions continue and the covid numbers increase.  “You really have to wait until this covid thing is over because you’ve got to go out and find pretty much new staff.”

“I think all-in-all we survived.  It’s certainly been tough.”

On the construction side of things Jackson says it was pretty quiet in 2021.   “I think the price of lumber, concrete and steel, all those prices were up.  I think that kind of put the ‘kybosh’ on a lot of plans.”

The return of sporting activities was a welcome relief.  “It certainly been good for the kids, in particular!  Of course, having activities in the rink, you have our canteen and pay some bills that otherwise the municipality has to come good for.”

“So, yes, for the sake of the kids I’m very glad that we were able to start the season, now it’s still unknown how this new variant is going to affect things.”