Tis’ the season, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
As we celebrate this holiday season, it is my hope that we will be able to continue to spend time with family and friends. Let us use this time wisely to reflect and count our blessings. The greatest gift we could exchange this season is to help one another. May I ask you all make a special point to remember your neighbours at this time of year, particularly the elderly or those who live alone. By taking the time to create a special memory, carry out a small act of kindness or just lending a helping hand, we find we are blessed just as much as they are. They appreciate you making the extra effort! If we are each allowed a Christmas wish, mine would be that we continue to work in partnership with our community as we strive to achieve an environment where individual differences are valued, voices are heard and contributions would be meaningful. Work continues on our Friendship Agreement initiatives, where the Towns of Turner Valley and Black Diamond combine their efforts by harnessing the energy and vitality of both communities thus putting forth a united workforce on joint projects, communication processes and shared services.
Over the past year we’ve seen exciting changes to our community. Please join me in welcoming the following new businesses to our community:
[one_half]Clarke Studios
COR Solutions Ltd.
Crystal Salamon Art & Design
Eau Claire Distillery
High Country Glassworks Ltd.[/one_half][one_half_last]
High Country Video & Candy Store
My Wash Barn
Whizz Kidz Advantage Learning Centre
Wood IZ Good[/one_half_last]
A wonderful example of how successful we can all be if we work together was the Taste of Diamond Valley. I personally was in attendance and was so encouraged to see the collaboration and the great results of those efforts. We have a lot to offer, but it is important to pull together and showcase it well. Even after the events of the 2013 Flood, businesses are up and running and I, as always, encourage all residents to support local business. They need your support in order to continue to keep their doors open, and everyone benefits from a healthy business sector. 2014 has proven to be an exciting year in the Planning and Development Department with a significant increase in building and development permits being issued. Fifty four new homes have been applied for and approved to date and the year’s not over yet! Many of the existing subdivisions are being built out and we are seeing new lots opening up in the Country Meadows area. It is anticipated that this trend will continue in 2015 as well.
The new Lion’s Club Spray Park has been installed, and we look forward to an exciting season in 2015. It is a great new addition to the downtown sector. I’m sure the kids, both young and old. will be looking forward to the first dash through the splash in the spring. Council and staff have been working diligently on the new Business Plan that will take us through the next stages of growth. 2013 Flood issues are still top priority within our community with over 30 million dollars of work to be completed.
On behalf of myself, Council and your dedicated municipal staff, we wish your family all the love and blessings of the season.
Mayor Kelly Tuck
Town of Turner Valley