The Killam Christmas Newsletter is just out in the mail today, and I wanted to share my part of it with my blog friends -
This past year in Killam has been busy & exciting,
with many milestones & achievements in our community.
Congratulations to the family of Dr. Peter Voloshin, the
family of Albert Edward Fee, Lois Prichard, and Geraldine Link for their
nomination to the Killam Hall of Fame this spring. I am always inspired after hearing the
stories of these citizens, both contemporary and historical. There are many people that have played a
significant role in shaping Killam over the past 100 + years, and we can all
learn something from their stories. Look
for news of this year’s nominees in the next few months, and plan to attend the
Awards Banquet.
As well, congratulations to the award winners of the
Flagstaff Small Business Awards held in October, particularly those with a
Killam connection – Wild Rose Co-op for Community Spirit, and The Community
Press (BRAED Succeeding Long
Standing Business Award). We are
proud of our business community, and are pleased to see them get the
recognition they deserve.
Most of you are aware that Alberta’s Municipalities went
through an election this past fall. In
Killam we had an election for Council and have four returning Councillors – Clr.
Darcy Eskra, Clr. Diane Gordon, Clr. Brenda McDermott, and Clr. Rick Krys – as
well as 2 new faces – Clr. Carol Kinzer and Clr. Brenda Grove.
Carol was born & raised in the area, and has called
Killam home for many years. Some of
Carol’s children have chosen our area to raise their own family, so Carol gets
to spend lots of time with her grandchildren.
Brenda was also raised in this area, and her family has
lived in Killam for the last few years.
Brenda’s children are attending school here and the Grove family has
been very involved in the community.
Welcome to Brenda & Carol, and welcome back to the
rest of Council. I know this group will
provide great leadership for all of us in Killam, and I look forward to working
with each of you over the next four years.
As you might imagine, we have all been very busy in the last several
weeks reorganizing ourselves and getting up to speed on various projects and
issues; there is much to be done as we move forward, and I am encouraged by the
dedication of this group.
Provincially the change in faces on Municipal Councils is
just over 50%; similarly some of our neighboring communities have seen
significant change. Killam Council
realizes the importance of having a good working relationship with our
neighbors, and we will be getting acquainted with the various Council members
around the Flagstaff community in the next few weeks.
Development continues around town, with new housing
starts as well as commercial development in 2013. Total development permits for this year were
approx. $1.75 Million, and our equalized assessment is just over $85 Million. This continues to be very encouraging, as our
community needs sustained growth to remain prosperous.
In order to set the stage for continued growth, Council
has spent time over the past year developing a Marketing Strategy. This has included adoption of a new logo and
tag line, and work has started to market Killam as a great place to visit and
to live.
Our tag line – “Life Without Compromise” - communicates
that you don’t have to compromise your lifestyle to live in our community. In addition to a reasonable cost of housing
and a relatively safe community, there are plenty of things to do and be
involved in – recreation & leisure activities, cultural opportunities, faith
based activities, shopping, etc. As we
move forward with this project we will have a job for you. All of you who call Killam home are
Ambassadors for our great community, and your task will be to promote Killam as
a great place to visit or live, in your travels wherever you go around the world.
So much of what is great about Killam is due to our many
dedicated volunteers – those of you who share some of your time to make our
community a great place. On behalf of
the people of Killam I would like to thank you for your willingness to contribute.
However, we need more people willing to volunteer their
assistance working on a project or serving on a board. If you are interested in getting more
involved I encourage you to talk with anyone at the Town Office, or contact me
– I would be pleased to have a conversation with you & can get you in touch
with a group or groups who share your interests. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our
community; just think of the possibilities for Killam if all are willing to
help out just a bit.
I would like to also pass on a big thank you to the Town
of Killam Administration, Public Works, and Community Services folks, who work
diligently to make Killam a great place.
There is much work done by this group that is not in the public eye, to
the benefit of each of us. CAO Kim
Borgel and her team consistently provide good value to our citizens.
We are heading into the final days of 2013 with everyone
busy getting ready for the Christmas break and a visit from Santa. Make sure you take some time during this busy
season to enjoy the company of family & friends, and to reflect on the many
blessings we enjoy in our community.
On behalf of my colleagues on Town Council, I want to wish
you all a Merry Christmas, and the very best for the New Year.
Sincerely,
Bud James
Mayor
Thanks to all of you for your friendship this past year, and for doing your part to make our community a great place.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Tammy & Bud
