On a typical summer day in Beaver Flat, Sask., numerous boats set sail into Lake Diefenbaker, creating a picturesque scene. However, the council overseeing the resort village is facing a change in leadership.
Mayor Bill Bresett expressed disappointment as the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations announced that the Resort Village of Beaver Flat, located about 177 kilometers southwest of Saskatoon, will merge with the Rural Municipality of Excelsior No. 166 effective Jan. 1, 2027.
According to the ministry, Beaver Flat was found non-compliant in areas such as education property tax remittance, submission of audited financial statements, and having a qualified administrator. Despite being informed of these issues in December 2023 and given until Jan. 1, 2026 to rectify them, the village failed to meet the requirements, leading to the restructuring.
Mayor Bresett attributed the village’s compliance issues to a previous administrator’s lapses in financial reporting. He emphasized that the village is now up to date with all obligations and hopes for a favorable resolution with the ministry.
Beaver Flat, which had 82 residents in the 2021 census, boasts 145 cabins, with only a fraction occupied year-round. Established in the late ’60s as the Goodwin Subdivision before becoming a municipality in 1981, the village has a rich history of community development.
Longtime resident Kevin Unger expressed dismay over the restructuring, highlighting the village’s achievements in infrastructure development, such as constructing a boat launch, road paving, and water system installations. He voiced concerns about potential neglect under the provincial government’s oversight.
The RM of Excelsior administrator, Dianne Hahn, assured that the transition would be smooth and residents should not experience significant changes. The RM plans to retain the village’s maintenance worker and hopes the volunteer network remains active.
Mayor Bresett, however, expressed skepticism about the future volunteer involvement post-restructuring, fearing a decline once resources shift to the RM. He mentioned ongoing efforts to explore options to prevent the merger but acknowledged uncertainties in halting the process.
Despite attempts to contact Minister Eric Schmalz regarding the issue, both Mayor Bresett and Unger have faced unreturned calls. Unger conveyed a strong message urging the government to refrain from interfering with the village’s affairs.
The upcoming RM of Excelsior council election, scheduled for November, will determine representation for the area currently occupied by Beaver Flat residents. As summer draws to a close, Beaver Flat’s status as a resort village may be nearing its end.
As the village’s fate hangs in the balance, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that preserves its autonomy and unique identity.
