The city of Dryden is highlighting its successes in 2023.

A year-end report identifies several accomplishments, including the completion of many infrastructure projects.

Chief Administrative Officer, Roger Nesbitt, says an updated assessment management plan tells them there is more work to do.

“That updated asset management plan is showing that the infrastructure deficit is growing and has grown to the tune of roughly $300 million for our small community,” says Nesbitt.

“That’s substantial. So, through 2024 and beyond, we really need to look at investing further in our infrastructure to try and get a handle on that deficit.”

Nesbitt puts town staff at the forefront of helping the town achieve many objectives in 2023.

“Our organization is really nothing without our employees. Our employees are the ones who provide the services to our residents. Our employees are the ones that man our front counters. They’re the ones that run our equipment. They’re the ones that manage our facilities and really keep the community thriving and moving forward.”

Nesbitt says they are working to have a safer workplace for employees.

The city has strived to become injury-free each year but has not been able to achieve that goal for several years.

Nesbitt says the city has also done a lot in the areas of communications, diversity and inclusion.

One significant meeting took place last November.

“There was a historic meeting held in Dryden where neighbouring First Nation community leadership from Eagle Lake, Wabagoon Lake, Lac Seul and Wabasgang met with our municipal leaders to discuss common interests, challenges and priorities that we all face. One outcome of the meeting was an agreement to host further meetings,” says Nesbitt.

The next meeting is planned for Wabigoon Lake later this month.