Council has been sitting around the horseshoe for just over two months and with a new leader for the first time in 13 years.
Mayor Don Scott and council met three times in 2017 and Mayor Scott reflected on items he believed to be highlights.
“We initiated the move toward an economic development committee, so that is going to be bringing the shops and services that this region needs. It was eight years in the making,” said Scott. “We also signed a contract with our existing CAO, Annette Antoniak that is going to provide stability in our organization.”
Scott also added that council has done a lot of lobbying in Edmonton and Calgary to meet with provincial ministers and was quick to praise his councillors.
“My councillors are amazing people, they twisted arms as much as I did. The people in Edmonton now, the MLAs and people who are in government are very aware of the needs of this region because of those efforts we put in,” said Scott.
One of the first ministers council met with was Sandra Jansen, minister of infrastructure. She will be responsible for making sure Willow Square moves forward as planned.
“We wanted to make sure that was front and centre. We emphasized how important that was and she confirmed that everything is a go on that and full steam ahead,” he added.
Looking forward to 2018, Scott is optimistic but the community should expect change to significant parts of the region.
One of the first items on the agenda for next year is the budget.
“There is going to be a lot of challenges we are facing in the region because of the economy. We want to make sure this economic development committee attracts business, make sure we are an attractive place for business, we want to make sure our tax rate makes sense and we want to have a good relationship with industry,” said Scott. “We want to make sure we have a budget that is getting things done so people want to come and live in this region.”
Holding true to a campaign promise, in the next 12 months the mayor hopes to see the start of downtown revitalization.
“I don’t think that will take anyone by surprise that, that is one of our core goals over the next four years.”
Scott added that he believes the best days for the region are ahead and that the region will be strong going forward.
Council will meet again in the New Year on Jan. 9.
Listen to the full interview with Country 933’s Brad Karp:
Don Scott - Year Ender
