What an amazing fall! The colours, the temperatures, meeting with folks outside – it’s all so fabulous. September and October were busy months for our office as I continued to attend a variety of community events and meet with as many constituents as possible.
I spent quite a bit of time in September getting to know the Springbank community better. At the Springbank Fall Fair, I connected with several local artists, learned how to make rope and butter, and had great chat with the local Sheriffs and Fire Department. Thanks to everyone who made the Springbank Fall Fair such a fun afternoon of community connection!
I also met with the Springbank Community Association, the Trails and Pathways group, as well as some concerned citizens to discuss SR1 and how it can benefit the community over the long term. I’ve already submitted a letter to the Minister requesting the recommendations from the Springbank community task force be publicly released so we can include recreational opportunities in SR1 construction.
The Bragg Creek Arts, Eats, and Beats festival followed up with a showing of the International Vancouver Mountain Film Festival at the community hall was a great day! Good food, good music, and an evening movie? Hard to ask for a much better Saturday than that.
Over in Millarville, I had another amazing day at the Racetrack where I learned more about the amazing community, their incredible volunteerism, and the history of the area. I’m not sure I’ve been anywhere where people talk about being “third generation volunteers” for an organization. Wow! It’s such a privilege and honour to connect with the good folks in Millarville and learn more about the diverse and incredible history of the southern end of our riding.
Through “Meet and Greet” events across the riding in September and October, I have met many good folks from Waiparous, Priddis, Bragg Creek, and Millarville. We’ve talked about logging, the Canadian Pension Plan, healthcare, various local developments, and tourism. Each of these conversations has helped me prepare for my first session in the legislature and working with other MLAs to better serve you.
Forestry in West Bragg Creek and Highwood Pass continues to be the most common issue in my email inbox. I released a statement in response to the logging and have continued to meet with stakeholders and Spray Lakes Sawmills. Logging plans are determined years in advance, but I remain hopeful that we can work together as a community to find solutions.
In September, I put a call out for local artists to share their work in our Canmore office. Our office looks so much better with your talent gracing its walls! We still have wall space, so if you’re an artist and have a piece you’d like to loan to us for six or 12 months, let us know. Our office is a great space to showcase your work!
“MLA on tour” is proving to be a great success. Each time Sean and I are in a community, we have a string of folks waiting to chat. Thank you to everyone who has come out and thank you to the businesses in Bragg Creek and Priddis that have welcomed us into their space to set up for an afternoon.
On October 30, I’ll be heading into the legislature for the fall session. My maiden speech, in response to the Throne Speech, will be in that first week of session (I’ll post the date on my social media when I know). One of my colleagues said your maiden speech is like a “love letter” to your constituency. This summer, I have fallen in love with Banff-Kananaskis all over again. Each of you has brought something to mind that reinforces just how special our riding is. My maiden speech will reflect what I’ve heard from you, what issues we face, and how great our communities are.
I’ve also started preparing questions to bring to Question Period. If you have anything you’d like me to ask a Minister email me! I’m working on questions relating to tourism growth and recreation planning, provincial supports for regionally important infrastructure, forestry, development planning, and so much more.
The MLA tour for November will involve ALL the Christmas markets across our riding (see ad accompanying this piece). Meet me there or email my office and let’s arrange a time to chat. The best way for me to serve you is to meet you and hear what your concerns are. If we can’t meet in person, video chat is always possible. I look forward to connecting.
Sarah Elmeligi
