If you've ever wanted to share your thoughts on how Estevan should evolve, now is your chance. The City has rolled out a series of short surveys in which residents can have their say on a variety of topics.   

"We take that data," explained Richard Neufeld, Estevan's Land Development Manager, "and we use that as part of the background we need to formulate our land use policy going forward."

The surveys went online today and will continue over the course of the summer. 

"Each one will be out for about three weeks and then the next one comes out."

"It helps inform us as to what the community is looking for going down the future. What kind of community do they want Estevan to be the way it's developed land-use wise."

"The first survey is fairly general on community identity and vision but the ones following are more specific. For example, one will be on parks and playgrounds, another will be on infill housing, that sort of thing."

"We've got some prizes. each survey has a $50 draw and they are for different businesses around town. So the winner would get a gift certificate for a restaurant or something like that, depending on which survey it is."

"We have one at our utility desk. So if a person comes in and pays a utility bill, they can fill it out. They're all online on our website. And we're going to have another one permanently mounted by the info desk at the Leisure Centre."

Neufeld adds that there will also Open Houses closer to the fall. As well, he will be visiting farmers markets and seniors homes to answer questions.

"I'm a Hillview Manor this week to talk to residents there. And I'm always available if a group wants to meet with me, I'll make myself available."

"I'm hoping to get a good handle on the views of residents of the City as to where they stand on certain subjects. For example, infill housing, if a person bulldozes a lot with an old house on it, and built a new house on it, what kind of house is acceptable? How many of them are acceptable before you change the character of your community?"

"How much development should we be concentrating on improving our existing parks or should we be looking at building new parks? What kind of priority should we put on building a trail network through the City?"

"I'm hoping we get a lot of feedback because if we do, this will probably set the standard for when we do surveys or inquires on other subjects."