Village of Hussar looks ahead with new projects, growth plans for 2026
By Fernando Moreno-Prado Times Contributor
The Village of Hussar entered the new year with optimism and a sense of looking to the future. They are following through with some projects after months of preliminary planning.
“Our long-term plans are to grow as much as our small boundaries will let us,” said Mayor Les Shultz over an email.
The village has received a “much needed” grant according to the mayor, for the means to scope underground pipes to determine if they are liable for lining in lieu of digging them out and replacing them, which Shultz explains is one third of the cost. Some of the scoping has been done, but more planning is needed. Shultz assures that the council is hoping to have everything in place to do the next project this year.
The previous year was “rather quiet but exciting,” said Shultz. The council now consists of himself, Coralee Schindel (deputy mayor) and Michelle Plante (councillor) after the stepdown of former councillor, Tim Frank, who served the community for 15 years.
The highlights of 2025 were the Hussar Summer Daze in June that consisted of a “wonderful parade,” a car show, baseball games, and Kid Zone fun. The Light Up the Night event was held in December at the local campground and was a huge success, recounts Shultz. Proceeds were donated to the Hussar Crisis Recovery Fund as reported in the Drumheller Mail.
The village has seen growing commercial and residential interest. New houses have been built and moved into the village, in addition to a couple of new businesses. Shultz lays out how the village is currently subdividing six new lots along 1st Avenue, located on old school grounds. However, the lots are still being processed and are not for sale yet. An appraisal was done on a commercial lot in the “heart of downtown” and is currently for sale.
“We have some land also along the old rail line that we intend to subdivide into commercial lots as well,” said Shultz.
Local residents can look forward to a spring Open House meeting. It will serve as an opportunity for community members to give their thoughts on upcoming plans such as the addition of a spray or water park to the Hussar Campground.
The mayor assures that the Hussar Arena “is in full swing” for hockey events on most nights and weekends, and reminds that the curling bonspiels have begun.
“The future looks bright for the Village of Hussar, but it’s a lot of hard work,” said Shultz. He points out that it relies on coordinated efforts “from all the community groups and their volunteers down to village council and CAO to keep things running to the best of our ability.”