M.L. public works manager wins provincial award

Mar 29, 2018 | 1:00 PM

Mike Morrant, the public works manager for the City of Meadow Lake, said he loves his job because it’s something new every day and he gets to interact with good people.

The 15-year veteran of the department became the manager about five years ago, and at a recent conference for professionals in the field, he was honoured with the Public Works Person of the Year title. The award, which is given by the Saskatchewan Public Works Association (SPWA), recognizes outstanding service.

Morrant said he was surprised and humbled, as he simply attended this year’s event in Moose Jaw this year to participate in the learning sessions and take in the tradeshow.

“I got down there and I didn’t have a clue,” he said. “I was just standing around watching the awards given out and they called my name. It’s amazing.”

He and his regular staff of 10 maintain everything on – and under – the city’s roads, including snow removal, water mains, pothole fixing, paving, and many things in between.

“I’ve got a good crew, and enjoy working for the city,” Morrant said.

Andrew Stevenson, past-president of the SPWA and the current president of the Canadian Public Works Association, said the award celebrates a dedicated group of workers.

“You definitely can see that in Mike and how he runs the city and how he operates,” Stevenson said. “He has a commitment to the community to make it better. Public works people are often unsung heroes and Mike echoes that.”

He said there is a selection committee for the honour, usually comprised of executive members of the SPWA, which includes a mix of public works professionals and private industry representatives. This year, the group felt it was Morrant’s time to be recognized.

“Mike truly is dedicated to his job and the profession,” Stevenson said. “It’s about him want to move the community forward, and he’s spent a lot of years doing that. It’s much appreciated by us that he’s able to promote public works in a good light.”

Meadow Lake City Manager Diana Burton said the entire city staff and council were pleased to hear of Morrant’s recent recognition.

“All of us at the city are very proud of Mike,” she said. “He is a wonderful co-worker. The work that the public works crews do can be very unforgiving sometimes. They get down and do some do some dirty work and do some things that are very visible to the public, so I think any time we can recognize them with accolades, it’s a great thing.”

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath