Town Council
Message from the Mayor
2007 - A Memorable Year!
Mayor Louise Krewusik
As I think back on the initiatives and accomplishments of the past twelve months, I am truly impressed and gratified by the strides that have taken place and by the many positive changes in our community.
Our 20/20 Vision and Strategic Plan was unquestionably the single-most important piece of work by our Council and staff, and very clearly steered our course and directed our work in 2007. A number of major and visible improvements have occurred as a direct result of that visionary document.
The Town of Grande Cache Community Beautification Project took shape, utilizing the services of EDS Consulting Group and with input and insight from the Community Beautification Committee. Following extensive review from many citizens, Phase I was approved and put into action. The result has seen major changes to our downtown area, Highway 40 corridors, parks and playgrounds, trails and the newly developed Central Park. With the generous assistance of local industry, exciting improvements have occurred and the stage has been set for further developments in all of these areas.
To address ongoing issues regarding the shortage of affordable housing and rental accommodations in the town, the Mayor’s Task Force on Affordable Housing was created in 2007. This group, comprised of representatives from local businesses and organizations, is charged with the responsibility of assessing the local situation, determining needs and priorities and then making recommendations to Council. Pursuing provincial grant dollars is a necessary priority and those opportunities must be pursued.
Recreational programming was of high priority last year, and enjoyed successes in a number of areas. Innovative and energetic staff were successful in addressing the needs and wishes of many sectors of the population, with programs designed for all ages and user groups. The portable movie screen has been a big hit, as have unique activities themed around holidays and celebrations. Playground and trail re-development is high priority for the Recreation Department, and improvements will continue into next year.
Deathfest 2007 must be viewed as one of the Town’s major accomplishments this past year. Partnering with the Canadian Death Race, Town staff and volunteers planned, organized and carried out a host of events and activities designed to enhance the August long-weekend experience for residents and visitors alike. It proved to be an exciting and enjoyable success and much positive feedback has been received from inside and outside the community. Huge thanks must go to everyone involved in this monumental undertaking.
Land development was a major activity, with Stage VI extension being completed over the summer, resulting in spectacular view lots coming available for purchase. Council is currently in negotiations with the province to acquire all land within the corporate limits to facilitate future growth and expansion. In addition to this initiative of Council, private developers have acquired commercial and industrial parcels of land, which will be serviced, subdivided and marketed.
Total development permits issued for 2007 were $7.5 million, with over half of that being in residential construction.
Implementation of the Town of Grande Cache Smoking By-Law in June made our community one of a handful in the province, ensuring a smoke-free environment in all public places. With some opposition in the early stages of discussion, the by-law became law in June with barely a ripple. In fact, Council has received a great deal of support and commendation from the public for its action on this controversial topic.
We are also very proud of the excellent working relationships and partnerships we have maintained with our industrial and business partners, and commit to working together to ensure long-term economic sustainability for our Town’s future. We also value the many opportunities being explored with our Aboriginal neighbours and envision exciting tourism opportunities incorporating our traditional cultural heritage.
All indications are pointing to a New Year that will be as challenging and successful as this past one.
Your new Council for the Town of Grande Cache has recently completed a review of the Strategic Plan and a priority-setting exercise, which identified the key areas of focus and needs for the next three years.
Of highest priority is the planning process for the development of a community multiplex facility. A process has been established to obtain professional expertise and community involvement and input into the construction of this vital component of community activity and programming.
Housing, recycling and a 40th Anniversary Community Celebration were the other key areas for research and planning, and we anticipate great work from our staff as they put together plans to address these initiatives.
Improvements to Highway 40 - South are always utmost on our minds and lobbying efforts will continue to bring about changes to this transportation route. We know we can count on the support of citizens, business and industry, neighbouring municipalities and political leaders, as we push forward on this important task.
To accomplish all of this daunting work requires that we maintain frequent, two-way dialogue and communication with all of our stakeholders, and as such, we will continue with our marketing and communication planning.
To facilitate our growth and development as a world class destination, we are currently developing a community driven Strategic Marketing Plan. This plan will carry us through to 2011 with a renewed focus on maximizing efforts to expand and improve the market readiness and marketing capacity of Grande Cache. Identifying our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats will allow us to progress as a community on a clear direct path.
I sincerely hope that all citizens of the Town of Grande Cache will experience pride and feel part of our many successes in the past year. I also encourage you to become actively involved in planning our community’s future through community engagement opportunities.
Together we can move toward our Vision of:
“.. a vibrant and progressive mountain community that achieves excellence by embracing:
- cultural diversity
- safe and healthy neighbourhoods
- leading edge environmental stewardship and a sustainable diversified economy.”
On behalf of Councillors, Administration and Staff of the Town of Grande Cache, it is my honor and pleasure to wish each of you a successful, healthy and prosperous New Year.