Is it just me or did you think the switch from golf season to ski season came a little too abruptly? As much as it seems like I’m whining, I’m not. However, I did shed a few tears as I put my golf clubs into hibernation. Thankfully, the transition wasn’t like what we experienced last year. I managed to get my leaves raked and wood chopped in time.
In Division One we certainly enjoyed one of the most gorgeous falls in recent years. The wind gusts stayed away long enough for us to take some photos and post to the world how lucky we are for where we live. And from what the weather experts predict, we’re in for a snowy winter – so having all of those colours etched in my brain leaves a heart warming memory.
Wayfinders Wellness Retreat
Speaking of the natural beauty bestowed upon our area, I was honoured to take part in a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jeff Gunung of Cochrane (and his impressive giant scissors) in Jumping Pound several weeks ago amongst many dignitaries and media. It was a breathtaking setting to honour our First Responders and Military personnel with the opening ceremony of the Wayfinders Wellness Retreat at Wineglass Ranch.
A society headed by Detective Paul Wagman of the Calgary Police Service and his colleagues, this group is dedicated to helping these heroes and their families experience wellness through programs that are nature-based and supported by community.
Wineglass Ranch, owned and operated by the Wearmouth and Eklund families has generously donated a 1920’s farmhouse as a safe space for firstresponders to heal from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to Detective Wagman and his committee, with Covid at our doorstep, more than ever, our first responders and military friends will need a place where they can find comfort and help in a support group of peers. If you’d like to donate funds, time or expertise, please contact the society by visiting their website at www.wayfinderswellness.ca.
Final Year
With an election looming in 2021, it’s hard to imagine that I’m into my final year as your Division One Councillor. How time flies and yet it seems like so little has been accomplished.
However, that’s not necessarily the case. Headway has been made to bring about our much anticipated flood mitigation project. In due time, we will be able to stroll the banks of the Elbow River and feel comfort knowing that we can move forward to develop a more robust residential and commercial sector for Bragg Creek.
As for the weekly summer headache known as the Highway 22/Balsam Avenue/White Avenue intersection, we’ll see temporary traffic lights to help navigate our way through the 4-way intersection until a permanent solution is in place. At the time of this writing, I will be sitting down with Tsuut’ina Council members, Alberta Transportation and Eagle Engineering to discuss this project and its effects on our area.
There are many other issues that will easily continue on as my term comes to a close. Development in the Hamlet, water and wastewater servicing, SR1, internet servicing, FireSmart, the Area Structure Plan, the battle against the pandemic, RVC boundary adjustments, to name but a few.
As I’ve learned over the years, governance/politics does not move quickly enough when you’re eager to build a better quality of life for residents. But I have realized that it takes many parties from the top, provincially, to where I stand, municipally, along with much dialogue with stakeholders but also, and more importantly, rate payers. What I have learned over these past few years may only be the tip of the municipal governance iceberg, but with its many challenges comes much learning.
Know that your councillors, administration and staff work hard to make RVC the envy of many communities throughout Alberta. I have learned thus far, firsthand, we are lucky to live where we do and with the lifestyle we have. And we have many to thank.
Please don’t forget about our military veterans and all of our first responders who serve and protect us not only on November 11th, but every day. Stay safe, where a mask and keep your distance.
– Cheers, Mark
checkMarkk.ca
