Looking forward to 2011

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

Mayor Steve Grajczyk isn’t the only one who is looking forward to 2011 and the rejuvenation of our economy. Arno Doerkson, MLA for the Strathmore/Brooks constituency, said 2010 has been a year of improvement and there is a lot of renewed optimism in Alberta residents. 

“Certainly there’s uncertainty because of the impact that the American market has on our markets but I think in Canada, and particularly in Alberta, there’s renewed optimism,” said Doerkson.

“We’ve seen the economy improve. It’s been a tough year, year and a half, for a lot of small businesses. The fact that there’s drilling going on in terms of the oil and gas industry is positive for many of the smaller companies that also service those drilling companies.”

Doerkson said he thinks the drilling will continue. Natural gas prices have stayed relatively low and Doerkson said that can be a challenge for certain segments of the industry.

“The fact that oil prices are high and there’s significant activity going on in the province, more in the north than in the south, but that’s still good for service companies and that sort of thing.”

From an agricultural perspective he said weather has been a challenge for a number of years. Depending on where one resides, hail was a factor this year, and there was, of course, the delayed harvest. Doerkson said the markets have been fairly good and farmers were able to harvest the crops successfully. 

This past spring and summer saw many residents and businesses concerned about Highway 1 and a potential Strathmore bypass in the future. Doerkson feels there has been good progress made on it. 

“Earlier in the year we had the Transportation Minister in Strathmore and discussed with both the county and the town their concerns,” said Doerkson.

“We’ve heard from a lot of landowners and businesses and I know that both the county and the town have in the last month or so met with transportation department officials. They are optimistic about that fact that we’ll make progress on that in the New Year.”

There is a lot of anticipation in the community regarding the opening of Sagewood Seniors Community, which should happen later in 2011. 

“We know there’s a need for increased capacity so we’re seeing progress on that. That’s important,” said Doerkson.

Sagewood is a new seniors care facility opening up kitty corner from the Hospital. It will provide much needed space for seniors housing in the community, both for assisted living and for affordable independent living for seniors.