My Message to the Community in the Town of Killam Christmas Newsletter

Once again we are into the Christmas Season and the end of another year is upon us. 

With that comes an opportunity for me to provide a message in our Town of Killam Newsletter, and I am sharing it here for those that will not see the Newsletter in their mailbox.

We have lots to celebrate in our community - we are blessed with many comforts and with many good friends & neighbours.  

From our family to yours, we wish you the very best of the Season.

Tammy & Bud

It’s my pleasure, on behalf of Council, to update you on some community achievements & milestones from the past year.

Council was pleased to host a Volunteer Appreciation Evening early in the year, with special entertainment by Jimmy Whiffen.  Our volunteers were treated to a great meal & a fantastic private concert.  While we tried to be diligent in identifying all of our volunteers, we do know that we missed some and for that I sincerely apologize.  If you were missed please send me a note to make sure we get you on the list for next time.  Also, if you want to volunteer in our community & have a particular interest, please contact us – we will be happy to match you with a project or organization that will be a good fit.

Our community took a significant step early this year and have formed the Killam Community Development Cooperative.  The concept for this was well supported and, while this organization does not have a project currently, we now have a tool that we can use to respond to a future project that requires investment from our community.

Currently, Killam has very few residential lots available for sale.  Council recognizes that new residential development is important for our community and so have purchased some property earlier this year to make more lots available.  Development plans are proceeding and the expectation is to have lots available for sale shortly.

Killam Minor Hockey Assn. has taken the bold step of completing a merger with Sedgewick Minor Hockey Assn.  The new Battle River Minor Hockey is into its first year of operations and indications are that things are going very well.  Congratulations to all who took the lead in this merger – regional cooperation like this means a big leap of faith for everyone, but a firm commitment by all to diligently work toward success makes a huge difference.  

As well, congratulations to Vern Erickson and Lloyd Franke on their nomination to The Killam Hall of Fame, and congratulations to Kim Dammann on being named Citizen of the Year.  Vern & Lloyd were a part of the board that built the Killam Community Hall 25 years ago.  All three of these men are an example of what volunteers give to our community, and I thank them for their ongoing efforts.

On the financial file, Town of Killam completed capital projects in 2015 with a total value of $1.1 Million.  It is so important to keep our infrastructure updated; in dollar terms it is a huge part of the municipality and we just can’t afford to let things slide.  Council has provided significant resources to capital upgrades in the past, and continues that commitment with $1.245 Million going to capital projects for the upcoming year.  This will include a replacement sewer lift station, residential lot development, and the last Phase of our examination of underground sanitary sewer lines.  We are pleased to report that any upgrades identified in the first 3 Phases of this program have been completed.

Of particular note, Council has just approved their Operating Budget for 2016 and has taken the unusual step of keeping revenue from property taxes at the same level as 2015.  Council recognizes that Alberta & Canada are in challenging economic times and this may continue well into the future.  Many of our citizens are, or will be facing significant household financial challenges, and a zero percent increase in revenue from property taxes will hopefully help them balance their personal budgets.  However, this is unlikely to be repeated by Council next budget year; municipal expenses trend upward with the cost of living just like our own expenses.  In past Council has set a target increase in property taxes equal to this cost of living and it will be necessary to do the same going forward in order for our municipality to remain sustainable.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my Council colleagues for their hard work.  This group represents our municipality very well.  They are strategic in their thinking and collectively want to see the best for Killam and our region for the long term.

As well, I want to say a big thank you to our Administration team.  This group delivers the municipal services that we appreciate so much, working hard every day to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely.

In Killam we like to say we are living “Life Without Compromise” and, looking back on 2015, I believe this statement to be true.  We have much to celebrate & be thankful for as a community, including the promise the future holds.

On behalf of my Council colleagues & their families, I wish all in our community a Merry Christmas & the very best in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Bud James

Mayor

A Few Dos & Don'ts to Get You Through Election Day

Canadians are coming to the end of a Federal Election Campaign that has been way too long & nasty.  Many of us can't bring ourselves to turn on the news at the end of the day anymore, we are so done with this.

However, we still have a few days left before election day, and this is important.  Democracy is important.

Given all this, I wanted to share with you my thoughts on what you should and shouldn't be doing up to the point you cast your ballot -

DON'T wait until you are at the polling station to choose your candidate.  I really don't want to hear later, that the # 1 google search question on October 19 was "Who is Stephen Harper?".  That's not giving democracy the respect it deserves.

DON'T base your decision on what the main stream media says.  No matter what the media says, their analysis of the parties & candidates is tainted - sometimes purposefully in my opinion.  Basing an important decision only on what you hear on the 6 o'clock news is wrong.

DO your homework.  You still have some time.  Consider what's important to Canada, from your perspective.  Is the economy the most important issue right now?  Social programs?  How do you feel about governments running deficit budgets?  Next, visit the party websites and find out where each party stands.  Do you homework and you will have no problem making an informed choice on election day.

DO get to know your local candidate.  I know, it may be a bit late in the game for that, but if you can, find out about your local candidates - they are the people you will be selecting from on your ballot.  Most have their own web site or facebook page, and most will be out & about this weekend doing some last minute campaigning.

DON'T rely on social media to make your decision.  Much of  what I have seen on social media this campaign has not been worth the time to read - some of it quite disgusting.  It's generally not a good place to get accurate information.  On anything.

DON'T not vote.  Please don't pass this opportunity by because you're too busy, it's too confusing, it won't matter anyway, etc. etc.  Democracy is important.  Many of us had a parent/grandparent/great grandparent that went to war to defend our right to vote.  Many lost their lives defending that right.  There are places in the world today where people are losing their life because they feel democracy is important. Democracy is important, and it's your duty as a citizen of Canada to educate yourself and make an informed decision.

DO share this with your friends, and encourage them to take the steps they need to, in order to make an informed decision.  

Hopefully this helps you get to the polling station on election day with the confidence you need to cast your ballot.

Let me know your thoughts.


Regards,

Bud James

Celebrating 50 years of Incorporation of Town of Killam

Killam the community has existed for well over 100 years, first as an unincorporated settlement, then as a village.

In May of 1965 Killam was incorporated as a town, and our community recently gathered fora barbecue to celebrate this 50th anniversary.

As well, we heard this past week from one of our former Town Councillors, and I want to share parts of the letter we received -

  

Mayor James, 

As the only surviving member of the first town council in 1965, I am privileged to be able to wish you, your council and the citizens of Killam a very happy 50^th anniversary on May 1st.

That council under the exceptional leadership of Mayor Gordie Hilker consisted of Amy Robinson, me, Arnold Saunders, Craig Lawson, Roy Manning, and Fred Martin.  While this seems like a pretty illustrious and cooperative group, most of the great ideas and drive

came from Gordie and Arnold with exceptional assistance from Sid James, the

secretary-treasurer. 

It was a very busy time with the installation of the town water system, the extension of the sewer system and the development of the Killam-Sedgewick natural gas company, the first such organization in Alberta. Gas was installed town-wide in 1965. While these were great town amenities, this council as well as prior councils established a culture of ensuring that

the town was neat and attractive with a good range of recreational facilities and businesses. Every time I visit I see that this trend has been continued and enhanced. 

Have a great barbecue and a good 50th anniversary celebration.  You should be very proud of the outstanding community you have built!

Sincerely,

Bernie Chandler

Victoria, BC

Thank you, Bernie, for your kind words.  To all our citizens, past & present, well done - you have helped to build a great community.

Bud James

Recognizing our Volunteer Community for All They Do

Killam's Council & Administration recently invited members of our Volunteer community to a special event where we could recognize & thank them for all they do.

Volunteers are the Lifeblood of a Community.  I have said this before many times, because I believe it to be an absolute fact.  In smaller communities especially – communities like Killam, and like the Flagstaff region – volunteers play a vital role in delivering those services that work to define us.

In Killam we like to say we are living “Life Without Compromise”.  A huge part of that is because of our community builders, and your desire to give back.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, spoke of giving back to one’s community in his New Years Address just a few weeks ago.  His message, in part, states -

"The 150th anniversary of Confederation, which we will celebrate in 2017, gives us a unique opportunity to think about the kind of country we desire, and to work towards it.  

"It is so important that we give back to our communities and to Canada. As my predecessor, Georges Vanier, once said, 'If Canada is to attain the greatness worthy of it, each of us must say, ‘I ask only to serve.’

"This statement of truth is elegantly simple. Each of us has something unique and important to offer, and the New Year provides an opportune time to commit to giving back to Canada. 

"It doesn’t matter how you get involved— just do it. By helping our fellow Canadians; by participating in our civic life; by working to build prosperity in our communities—this is how we build a smarter, more caring and resilient society." 

This message from our Governor General relates easily to communities of any size.  Whether we are thinking of the community of Killam, the community of Flagstaff, or the community of Canada, his words still apply.

Our volunteer community contributes much, and we are very grateful for this.

Whether your service has been in the area of recreation & culture, assisting those who occasionally need a hand up, or working with our youth or our mature citizens, thank you for all that you do.

Whether you have served on a board, picked up a shovel or a hammer when asked, or helped with the time clock at a hockey game, thank you for all that you do.

It all makes a difference, and we thank you for all that you do.

There is, however, more to be done.  As you can guess, our community groups are always looking for fresh ideas, new faces & additional help.  We need all of our community to be engaged, no matter your age or ability.  We all have a talent to share.

I want to issue a challenge to all of you.  Your challenge is to engage your neighbors, friends, & fellow citizens to get involved.  Introduce yourself to that new neighbor – or reintroduce yourself to that old neighbor you haven’t talked to in awhile.  Find out what their passion is.  Invite them out to an event, a work bee, a meeting.  It’s not hard to do – but it does take a conscious effort.  As volunteers, you are ideally suited to take up this challenge.  You are, in essence, Ambassadors for our community.

Every one of us in our community has something to offer.  Whether you are enjoying retirement or are among our youth, there is opportunity for you to volunteer. Or if you have been less active as a volunteer lately, there is opportunity for you to re-engage.

Just think how much more vibrant we could be with only a few more helping hands.

Ambassadors, thank you for taking on this challenge; I know you will be successful.

Killam & our regional communities are great because of all you do.  Keep up the good work, and together we will continue to live "Life Without Compromise". 

Sincerely,

Bud James

Working Regionally & Beyond to Benefit our Community

Did you know - 

• Town of Killam Public Works Superintendent Dean Berrecloth  is currently serving as President of Alberta Public Works Association.
• Town of Killam Director of Community Services Char Jackson is currently serving as Secretary of Alberta Recreation & Parks Association.
• Town of Killam Fire Chief Joe Knievel, EMT, spent several years acting as an Exam Proctor for the Alberta College of Paramedics.

The people noted above are only a few examples of Killam contributing & interacting on a regional or larger stage.

There is an understanding that our municipality cannot be insular; we are part of a broader community that includes Flagstaff, Alberta, Canada & beyond.  

My Council colleagues, as well as Chief Operating Officer Kim Borgel & others, all participate in committee work that is regional in nature, both within the Flagstaff community and on a broader scale.  It's an opportunity to serve on a larger stage, and the benefits coming back to us in terms of networking & learning opportunities almost always outweighs the effort.

Communities that only look inward cannot sustain themselves in the long term.  Our community is fortunate to understand this, and it will serve us well going forward.

Sincerely,

Bud James