The air was a little crisper on my dog walk this morning and the leaves on the bleeding-heart in my garden have already turned yellow. Last week, I spent the morning with the teachers and staff at the Canadian Rockies School Board as they prepared to welcome students back to the classroom (view a video of my short speech on my Facebook page). And this week, I have seen enthusiastic students walking together to the bus stops. Fall is upon us.
September is my favourite month in Banff-Kananaskis. I love the fall colours, the cool mornings, and cozy sweaters. For me, this is the best time to be outside enjoying our beautiful landscapes.
After moving and settling into our new office, Sean, my constituency assistant, and I have been hard at work all month working to connect with folks across our great riding.
I had a great meeting with Bragg Creek Wild to discuss wildlife-vehicle collisions, logging, and wildlife coexistence in the Bragg Creek area. I also met with several stakeholders to discuss logging some more, housing, hospitals, healthcare, highways, infrastructure, and the Springbank Area Structure Plan (ASP). There are many critical issues happening across our riding and I look forward to working with you (and for you) to address them. One of my strengths is that I love complexity and I am skilled at considering the big picture to find synergies and connections to make things happen. I have started reaching out to fellow MLAs, MP Blake Richards, and other municipal elected officials to discuss the concerns you are bringing to me.
I attended some great community events in August as well. The Ghost Lake Regatta was a blast, and I honestly cannot remember the last time I laughed so much while serving burgers. What an excellent group of folks! I had a fun day at the Millarville Agricultural Fair chatting with the historical society and learning more about the long history of our communities. I also really enjoyed meeting the many talented vendors and artists who create such fantastic pieces of art to enjoy, eat, drink, and appreciate.
I had a great introductory meeting with a Councilor for the MD of Rockyview to discuss the Springbank ASP and other issues. I will be meeting with the whole Rockyview Council in September to continue these discussions. An ASP is a fantastic opportunity for citizens to collaboratively plan for their community’s future. I am interested to learn more about this plan and how it can tie to other provincial initiatives and address some of the concerns you have brought to me.
Sean and I have invested considerable time in researching the current logging plans for Horse Lake in the Ghost, Highwood Pass, and West Bragg Creek. We have reviewed public consultation documents and met with several constituents. I am continuing to research these logging plans and discussing them with my colleagues.
My number one priority as your MLA is, and will always be, representing you and ensuring you have a voice in the provincial legislature. As promised, I will be “on tour” throughout the riding and I hope we can connect. You’re always welcome to make a one-on-one appointment to meet with me (just email), and you can also find me here:
September 9 – Springbank Fall Fair
September 15 – Bragg Creek Bakery and Café 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
September 17 – Millarville Historical Society queen jubilee
medals ceremony at the racetrack hall
September 21 – Priddis View and Brew 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
September 27 – Beaupre Community Hall 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
This riding is all about the land for so many of us. Join me for a hike of the Fullerton Loop on October 1. We can hike, talk, and breathe some fresh air. Meet me at the trailhead at 10am and bring a bagged lunch. This is not a guided experience. You are responsible for your own equipment, safety, and gear. My dog, Max, will also be with me. Please email our office to RSVP for the trails day and we will send more details.
I look forward to connecting with you!
Sarah Elmeligi
