Thursday, December 1, 2011

Town of Killam Mayor’s Message for Christmas Newsletter 2011


The Town of Killam Christmas Newsletter is out, but in case you do not receive a copy, I have published my message here.  

We have a great community & I am proud of the people in it & their desire to make it a better place.

Here it is -



This last newsletter of the year is my opportunity to update you on what’s been happening in and around Killam.

We were very pleased to celebrate the grand opening of the Flagstaff Regional Aquatic Centre at the Killam Agriplex in February.  This was a major project with several challenges and delays, and to have it open and seeing large numbers of users was gratifying.  Our community has told us that recreation is important to them, and it was nice to see this pool renovation complete.  Work continues on other smaller renovation projects with assistance from Killam Recreation Board and the Killam & District Agricultural Society.

On the subject of recreation, Flagstaff County will be sharing the cost of recreation in a new way for 2012.  While this means some uncertainty from the Town of Killam perspective, we know that the old formula was not working well, and we know Flagstaff has increased their available funds.  We appreciate Flagstaff’s desire to create a better system of funding recreation for the region.

As well the Flagstaff communities are in the process of creating a model to deliver fire services to the region.  We don’t know exactly what this will look like yet, but we do know it will recognize the realities of using volunteers to deliver this service in a professional manner.  Fortunately, in Killam we are well served by a Fire Department that is committed, active and engaged.

This spring Killam inducted four past & present citizens into the Hall of Fame under a new format.  Evelyn Kueber, Allan Wallace, the late William Halsall and the late Moon Get were honored at an evening event that was well attended.  This new format allows the committee to induct citizens who are still active in our community, as well as celebrate Killam’s pioneers and their contributions.  This was an excellent event and I am very interested to see who will be inducted in 2012.

Another major project in town – the redevelopment of Main (50th) Street and our retail shopping area –was started this summer.  This was very challenging for our retail business community and their customers, and Council appreciates everyone’s patience while construction was underway.  Cold weather has brought this project to a halt until spring, but I am excited about what has been done to date and I hope you are too.

Speaking of development, you will be interested to know that development permits for the Town of Killam in 2011, for residential and commercial projects, were over $5,000,000.  This is significant, and it is good to know that this level of confidence exists in the future of our community. 

A change in our Premier and her cabinet this fall means a bit of uncertainty, as Alberta’s municipalities rely heavily on a provincial contribution to balance their budgets.  However, indications are that the Province of Alberta will be looking to commit to a new relationship with municipal governments and a long term funding solution that will continue beyond the expiration of the current Municipal Sustainability Initiative.  We are encouraged as well with the message that regional economic development is important to the provincial government, a view shared by the Town of Killam.

Our ACE committee organized Killam’s Arts Days event this fall, supported by the Province of Alberta.  While attendance was mixed, this was a great event and a great opportunity for us to see what our local artists & talent have to offer.  Hopefully we will see this project continue in 2012.

The Designated Supportive Living project to be undertaken by Killam Health Care Centre and Covenant Health continues to move forward.  There are several hurdles to clear, but it is expected that construction will start in 2012.  What is really exciting about this project is that it redefines how care is delivered in rural Alberta to those who need it, and I commend those who are guiding the project through the process.

Your town Council was elected in October 2010 and has spent the first several months of their mandate getting up to speed on the many issues & projects that occupy the Agenda.  Early 2011 was an opportunity to have discussions and to engage you in making our Municipal Sustainability Plan current.  This document defines where Killam is going and we revisit it from time to time to make sure we are on the right track.  You can view this document at www.town.killam.ab.ca or stop at the Town office to pick up a copy.

We are trying to share information with you in a variety of ways.  Our website contains planning documents, bylaws, meeting minutes, and other information and is a useful tool to keep up to date on what’s happening.  The website will undergo a renovation shortly, so check back often.  Our Facebook page contains lots of current information as well – “friend” us if you like.  Additionally you can follow me on Twitter at @MayorBudJames or follow my blog at http://townofkillammayorsblog.blogspot.com/ where I share my thoughts on issues that affect our community and region.

Thank you to our Town of Killam employees – Administration, Public Works, and Community Services staff - who deliver the goods on a daily basis.  Much of what these folks do is not in the public eye, but I can assure you that they work hard to make sure we get the most out of our tax dollars.

I have always believed that our greatest asset is the people that live in our community – it is your contribution that makes Killam a great place to call home.  Thank you for all you do in support of Killam.  We need you to continue your good work – if we are all pulling in the same direction together as a community, great things are possible!

As we head into the last few days of 2011 I hope you have an opportunity take a break and to enjoy the company of family & friends. 

On behalf of my Council Colleagues I wish you all a Merry Christmas and the very best for 2012.

Sincerely,

Bud James
Mayor