Well, I guess there has been a lot on the go, but firstly the pandemic. This pandemic, continues to shape us, mold us, and change the way we are interacting with the world. I remember back in March (before masks, before plexiglass, before social distancing) when we all thought this would be over in a couple of weeks and I couldn’t figure out why anyone would need a bazillion rolls of toilet paper. Here we are, 10 months later, numbers soaring, mask wearing, plexiglass as far as the eye can see, can’t go out for dinner with friends, can’t visit anyone and I still don’t know why anyone needs a bazillion rolls of toilet paper!
This pandemic has not only taken a toll on our economy, but on ourselves, our well-being and our states of mind. I see it and feel it from people every day, and I feel it myself. It is great to have time to self-reflect (and working remotely and away from others certainly gives us that time), but we lose that social contact and interactions that can assure us the world is okay and that you are ok and that I am ok. It all starts to feel less ok out there, so if you’re feeling like that, you aren’t alone. I trust that somewhere out there we’ll see a light at the end of the tunnel and we just need to keep swimming, as Dory would say. Today it feels like we are swimming against the flow and I doubt anyone will want a repeat of 2020 (except maybe Amazon and Costco!), so my wish for all of us for 2021 is a little less social distancing, a little more social gatherings, no masks and fewer Lysol wipes (although I haven’t found those since June!).
So what else is new? Well, RVC held its annual organizational meeting in October. We have elected Clr. Dan Henn as the new Reeve and I was elected as Deputy Reeve. The Reeve and Deputy Reeve are annual appointments and I’m looking forward to learning and contributing more to RVC. I spoke in one of my previous newsletters about feeling like I was just getting going, with a pretty steep learning curve, and this new role is an important step for me. I truly want to thank the mentorship from former Reeve Boehlke and Deputy Reeve Shule. Greg Boehlke has a wealth of experience and continues to support RVC on the CMRB committee which is a critical item for the County.
Another big change for the County, and one that previous Councils wrestled with, was going from 9 divisions to 7 divisions. Ultimately, this Council, showed great leadership in rising above a personal interest, to ensure what was best for the County going forward. Division 2 will largely stay the same, but will add in the eastern limits up to the Artist View area and west to Jumping Pound; and for Division 2, most of the homes south of the Springbank Road become part the new Division 1. There is a link to the map on our website and more information will be sent out closer to the next Municipal Election (October, 2021).
The County is operating in a “semi” COVID-19 state. So while we haven’t returned to full lock down, much County business is by appointment only and masks must be worn at all times. In addition, beyond Council and Administration, the gallery audience will be limited to 10 people.
Our new dog park officially opens next Spring. I haven’t heard at time of writing if the couple minor deficiencies have been repaired (gates), if they haven’t been repaired it should be soon! The park is located on the north side Township Road 245, between RR 33 and the entrance to Commercial Court.
Finally, I was asked by a resident to let you know of all the beautiful Christmas lights happening in Springbank this year. I absolutely agree and I’ve seen some stunning displays. I was thinking about having another Xmas light contest, but decided against because I’ve already hit up most of the local businesses for donations for my summer contest and I know the downturn has been hard on many of them. But, a great family evening would be to take a drive around and you’ll see, I know Rodeo Ridge and Harmony always put on a great display, but there are also so many acreages that do a fantastic job and this year the lights are even better, so I hope you explore a bit at home with your family.
To all of you I wish you a good Christmas. A safe and healthy time with those that are important to you. If you are traveling, at home, with friends or family, stay safe, keep warm and toast a glass of eggnog to 2020 as we kick it out the door. We’ll look forward to a better 2021!
My best wishes to you and your family,
Kim McKylor,
Councillor, Division 2
