Town of Strathmore Council Candidates – Week 2

Albert Einstein once said, “I don’t worry about the future. The future comes soon enough.”   

Most would agree that the future is already here! We must translate our concerns about tomorrow into constructive action today.

• Not all seniors have the resources or support to make lifestyle choices and health demands coincide. I am committed to protecting core services for our most respected citizens. Today’s elders have higher expectations than previous generations. Rightfully higher expectations, about their quality of life. Rightfully higher expectations, about their ability to control and direct their own care.  

I am committed to listening to their concerns and cares and doing my utmost to help them find resolve.  

We require Dr. Patel’s, AgeCare Ltd. to move forward and complete the two phases of the 102 unit, Sagewood Seniors Housing Project (60 supportive living & 42 independent living apartments).

We need to continue to lobby the Provincial Government regarding our Premiers’ promise that Strathmore would have a 100 extended care bed facility beside the hospital.  

• After talking with many citizens I believe the Highway #1 solution is to have flyovers 1-1 ½ km to the East and West, skirt the Town 1-1 ½  km to the south;  having a cloverleaf where it meets Hwy. 817. This would leave room for a “gasoline alley” effect on the East & West corridors and room to straddle the south portion of the freeway with industrial and commercial businesses. By having a co-operative partnership with the province, it can and will be resolved.

• We need to push forward with the 48 unit Perpetually Affordable Housing Project with Classic Communities and CMHC. This will ease Strathmore’s  affordable housing needs.

On Oct. 18, I ask that you make your “Best” choice and re-elect me, Earl Best, to YOUR Town Council.  

 

 

Rocky Blokland

Hi, I am Rocky!

There are always lots of issues every year, although they are more important in an election year.

Thinking on them myself and talking to lots of people every day, I realize there are lots out there that people are concerned about.

Here are my main three issues:

1. Highway relocation; Briefly, this has been talked about quite a bit.  Obviously concerns just about everybody.  To me, the solution has to be a compromise between the citizens and the Alberta Government and by working together, instead of at each other.  I’m sure a positive, realistic solution is out there, having minimal effect on our highway businesses and in general, all businesses in Strathmore. 

2. Downtown Revitalization; This, is of great interest and concern to me.  I believe over-all, Strathmore has a passing grade as far as appearance, neatness, tidiness and over-all looks.  The highway looks great with lots of businesses on both sides.  But lets not forget the downtown.  Every town has a downtown, so lets improve and look after ours better.  Here are a few things we can do…  Individual business owners to keep their frontage neat and clean. The town could do a better job of snow removal in winter, so that all pedestrians & drivers can move around better.  Street sweeping could be done on a more regular basis. Look into greenery, such as planters, special trees, shrubs, etc.  Maybe an old-fashioned railway clock on an arch, in the middle of downtown.  Again there are lots of ideas & options.

3. Affordable senior housing & low cost housing.  I’m hearing lots about these issues, especially the seniors, where many times they are forced to reside in other areas and being separated from family.  As the town continues to prosper and grow, lets make sure we can provide these facilities for our seniors, and also low cost housing for those people that require that.

Thank you

Rocky

 

Colina Clark

I believe the three key issues for the upcoming election are Accountability, Highway #1 and effective representation and leadership. I believe the current council has provided an opportunity for residents to examine and be more mindful of their town council; specifically the per diems that have come into question. It is the responsibility of any council member to respect and support the roles of the Town Administration and staff in the performance of their duties. They have been hired to do a job, based on their experience, and it is their duty to complete their job’s designated tasks. 

The re-routing of Highway #1 could impact Strathmore and the local businesses.  However, who really supports these businesses? Is it not town residents? I believe that the town receives some business from travelers on the Highway but to what degree? How can it be measured to ensure that the Town is effectively responding to the proposed re-routing? My hope is that the Town has or would begin to strategize a plan that would have the re-route, however structured, work to our advantage rather than a disadvantage. There must be a positive solution for all involved, Town and rural residents. Effective representation and leadership, I believe, should be demonstrated on a continual basis. This is done by hearing and acknowledging voices and concerns, empowering citizens, having realistic goals, which would lead to fulfillment and accomplishment, and be the support to Town staff and residents that this community deserves.

 

Bill Cooper

Preservation of the existing  highway route through the Town of Strathmore.

“Strathmore as a Destination” establish a Task Force.

Public Safety and increase enforcement.

Openness and accountability of Council, Review Taxes.

Snow Removal.

Community development planning has to include  affordable Senior housing.

Hiring of a Economic Development  Officer with a clear mandate.

Calgary water pipeline has left a lot of questions unanswered.

Establish a recreation area at the site of the water reservoir lake NW of town.

I believe Strathmore needs to be taken to the next level and believe I can offer solid business background and vision for our growing future. I have personally been involved and seen community revitalization and growth- communities such as Chemainus BC, Lacombe AB, Drumheller AB, Langford BC, Rosebud AB and Radium BC.

Strathmore requires an identity and needs to be a destination to draw more people to our community for industry, commerce and culture.

Governing in demanding times requires good business, good judgement and some common sense.

History can’t be rewritten, and finger pointing will not help. We all need to work together, Council, Chamber of Commerce, AG Society, Service Groups, WID and the public to grow the vision. 

If you believe in a “Vision” for our Community, please support my bid for Councillor.

 

Pat Fule

The proposed realignment of the Trans Canada is the first issue that concerns me. This move will negatively affect businesses. We need to fight to keep the #1 in its current location. Even with high freeway speeds, we could still create overpasses and access points to side roads for our businesses.

Recreation/Culture also need to be addressed. Strathmore spends the least amount of money compared to nearby municipalities. Here are the 2008 expenditures for Recreation/Culture:

1. Airdrie – $8,051,718.00

2. Okotoks – $6,938,199.00

3. Canmore- $5,105,551.00

4. Cochrane-$4,059,799.00

5. High River-$3,306,024.00 

6. Strathmore-$2,868,209.00

Strathmore needs to believe that Recreation/Culture is a wise place to spend money. An added ice surface for the Family Centre, an outdoor public rink, expansive parks with trees, bike/walking paths, and other sports options should be available. Linked, paved pathways would help residents travel safely throughout the town.

I feel Strathmore should also examine hiring an Economic Development Officer. An EDO would attract new residents and businesses to Strathmore. These new commercial enterprises could develop a broader tax base. An EDO could help attract new downtown businesses, fill empty buildings, help deal with absentee landlords, support existing businesses, and even help promote fairs, parades, and special events. An example could be to help someone from the private sector establish a downtown bowling alley. A site such as the old SAAN building could be considered. The EDO could work with the existing landlord regarding the lease, repairs, and the cost of converting it into a bowling alley. A downtown museum celebrating Strathmore’s rich farming history could also become an anchor point in the revitalization of Downtown. A site such as the Strathmore Standard building could be considered.

These are three of the issues that I feel are important to improving our community. 

 

Dave Hamilton

The three key issues in my opinion surrounding this election deal directly with the growth of the town. The first issue would be that of having light and heavy industry come to town. The obvious benefit would be the taxes that would be collected for the town. Along with industry coming to town there would be numerous jobs created, families moving to Strathmore which would benefit Construction businesses in town and show the rest of the area that Strathmore is “Open for Business.” I would propose that the town, hire an Economic Development Officer to sell the town, to industries in Calgary as well as the rest of the country and overseas. 

Secondly the one main issue that would affect the above would be the relocation of the Highway to become a ring road. Common sense would dictate that if the highway were relocated this would have an adverse affect on current businesses along the Number One Highway as well as any future development for the town. There has to be a better alternative to the current route being proposed whether it be two clover leafs at each end of town or something similar that goes through Red Deer. 

Lastly I would like to see Affordable housing and Government sponsored housing developed in Strathmore. As our society ages more of these facilities will be required and now is the time to continue on with these issues. 

These are the issues that I feel are important and obviously there are others that demand attention as well. In conclusion if you wish to see positive action in these as well as other issues please cast your ballot for me, Dave Hamilton, and remember to get out and vote!!!

 

Kevin Keegan

What Are The Three Keys Issues

For The Upcoming Election?

     It is extremely important that any council recognize that, although community concerns may vary in priority, they do not vary in value. All concerns, big or small, brought to the attention of council, must be treated with merit.

In speaking with many residents and local businesses, the concerns and issues are numerous. For example… the re-routing of Hwy #1, per diems, taxes, revitalization of downtown and local businesses, snow removal, off leash dog parks, transparency, residential irrigation, the rapid growth of Strathmore, the lack of a full time Economic Development Officer, recreational facilities, policing, by-law enforcement, water and sewage, affordable seniors and subsidized housing, and the building of a new town office, just to name a few. To me, as a resident and small business owner in Strathmore, these are all key issues. Trying to pinpoint just three key issues is difficult. What may be considered as a priority issue for a business, may not meet the top three for a resident and vice versa. However, as this is the question posed, the following would be issues of great importance:  council conduct; transparency of ALL facets of town council. This would include re-evaluating the per diem schedule and clearly defining what duties should be included in the base salary of both a councillor and mayor. Hwy #1 realignment; ensuring council listens to businesses and residents alike and works closely with the province in the development of any plan to make sure it works for our town. Full Time Economic Development Officer; filling this position would assist the town immeasurably from tourism to industry, bringing in tax dollars from new business. This would enable any council to make long term plans for controlled growth and ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place. Your comments?  keeganoncouncil@shaw.ca

 

Cheryl Payne

First, transportation is a major subject of discussions of which we need some background documents and studies done to be better informed. With a growing and thriving town such as Strathmore, transportation issues are extremely important, particularly the future plan of Highway 1. We need to plan for the future so my question is: Do we want local residential and industrial traffic sharing the same primary road with the community? The community has grown from a small agriculture and ranch-oriented town to one that is urban, thriving and bustling. Such rapid growth has resulted in the annexation of additional lands. New developments will have a huge impact on our transportation plans. I will publicly oppose the re-alignment of Highway 1 until there is a plan in place that makes good common sense for the betterment of all Strathmore Residents and Businesses.

Secondly, Strathmore needs to make sure that housing is diverse, accessible, safe and affordable to all income levels for either ownership or rental. Many of the employment opportunities on the Highway are low-income. The senior citizens of Strathmore should be able to live out their life in this town. They should not have to be separated from their spouse because we have no Designated Assisted Living facility. We will need more beds than are currently under construction. We will need to stay proactive on this as we have a large aging population in Strathmore.

Finally, economic growth is a key issue. Strathmore residents commute to Calgary or elsewhere for work, for shopping and purchasing activities. This represents an economic leakage as residents and business operators purchase a significant percentage of goods and services outside of Strathmore. Strathmore must attract new business and industry to town to stop the outflow of workers and shoppers. To resolve these issues takes a very strong council working together. I believe I am an ideal candidate in this regard.

payne4council.wordpress.com

 

Terry Peterson

My three issues are the following and I’ll be brief. The town of Strathmore should be fiscally responsible and show some restraint in these tough economic times. The mill rate should be going down and not up. Secondly, planning should start now for the development of the annexed land. Even though development may be years in the future, a plan will be in place. After the recession in the early eighties, it took ten years for any major development to take place. Thirdly, the Strathmore hospital which is twenty-seven years old this year and there has been a big increase in the population since it was built, so it is in need of an upgrade. Since the abolishment of the regional health authority system of governance, there has been no political advocate for the hospital. This should become the job of town council. A modern up to date medical facility is important to the town.

 

John Rempel

ADEQUATE CARE FOR SENIORS

Adequate care for our seniors and people with special needs has to be addressed.

It is the responsibility of elected officials to ensure that seniors and people with special needs receive adequate care. The health care system preys on the one’s that are most vulnerable. My Pledge to you is to continue to be a voice for you.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

News reports suggest that Alberta is leading the way out of this recession. All indications are that Strathmore could be the next community to benefit from the resurgence of the economic climate. With our recent annexation of more lands, not only for Residential, but for Commercial and Industrial use,

Investors and Developers are ready to acquire blocks of land to develop.

Highway frontage property sales will likely remain in limbo until the new corridor for the realignment of Highway #1 has been established. It will require a united effort from the Business Community and Town Council to present the Province with an alternative solution that is acceptable to them.

I believe that it can be accomplished with little or no negative affect, not only for the Businesses along the Highway, but for the entire Community. The Town of Strathmore would have jurisdiction over the road through Town, therefore enabling the Businesses to become a lot more creative in making Strathmore a Destination. Strathmore will become a focal point for the traveling public, because we are right on Canada’s Main Street.

Reduced speeds and more intersections controlled by traffic lights, will make it safer for locals to frequent the Businesses South of the Highway, thus uniting the Community. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

With the annexation of additional lands, not only for residential, but for Commercial and Industrial purposes, Council needs to assess the feasibility of hiring an Economic Development Officer. That position requires an enormous budget. Money we don’t have. Regardless of how it is funded, it will jeopardize other prioritized projects. 

Email:  johnrempel@shaw.ca

 

Bob Sobol

Over the last two weeks, I have been out visiting many residences. Although I regret ringing doorbells and disturbing your peace and quiet, I find this gives me an opportunity to ask people what they have on their minds. It is apparent that some of the stuff making headlines in our papers is not what the majority of our citizen are concerned about.  

Naturally, the highway re-alignment must be considered a key issue. My position is clear. The Department of Transportation is considering a proposal which would see the new freeway skirt the Town – starting just West (or East) and running parallel to the South boundary of Strathmore. If approved, it is imperative that the entrance into Strathmore (from the Highway) be inviting and welcoming. I would support having the present Highway 1 become a Municipal Arterial Road – complete with parking on both sides. I feel this is an opportunity for us to develop a unique and attractive entrance into our Town.

By far, the second issue raised by those I spoke with is pathways/recreation. This has been a priority for me in my last three years as councillor. The Town has seen some 5,000 additional square meters of pathway built, a comprehensive plan to interconnect all pathways in the present town boundaries completed and a high priority placed on having new developments include extensive and connecting pathways in their Area Structure Plans. In addition, our Quality of Life Master Study, revealed a list of priorities for recreational facilities and I will be using this Study as a guideline for future facility development over the next three years.

Lastly, people out there are concerned that, with 18 ½ new quarters of land, growth will overrun us. We have been steadfastly revising our Land Use Bylaw, with consideration being given to residential density more affordable housing. We are demanding that developers built neighbourhoods that are attractive, convenient and affordable. Ultimately, my goal is to have everyone be able to say that Strathmore is a great place to call home.

 

Lois Wegener

“Committed to People & Community”

GROWTH

The new Council will need to closely examine the 5,10 & 20 Year operating & capital plans to establish adequate reserves. Other issues to consider:

• The 2006 Master Servicing Study will need to be updated (This study outlines the requirements for roads, pathways, water mains, sewer lines. storm water facilities, pump stations)

• Update on off-site levy calculations, so the new growth will not be a burden on current taxpayers.

• Now is the time to review the Epcor agreement. With drinking water now coming from Calgary and a larger modern waste-water treatment plant opening in December, this document needs to be scrutinized and analyzed thoroughly.

• Analyze at what time to transition to a full time fire department.

• In terms of RCMP Policing – it will hinge on whether the province renews the contract with Ottawa in 2012.If not renewed what will it do to our community?

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Continue to lobby the province to maintain annual funding for housing. Council has initiated and affordable housing complex in the Brentwood Light Industrial area. This might become the template for future provision of affordable housing units. Continue to explore funding sources for additional Seniors Housing (possibly P3”s). Lobby for an Extended Care Facility.

FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY

I advocate that Budget discussions take place in open Council meetings. Ensure administration seeks the most cost effective method for obtaining third party contracts. All policies will be reviewed annually to reflect current needs.

TRANS CANADA

Although under Provincial & Federal authority, I feel it is our obligation to work together with them to come to a viable solution for or community. Keeping an open mind and lobbying in good faith, I feel an acceptable solution will be found.

Please contact me with any concerns: loiswegener51@gmail.com.

 

John Whieldon

Residential Irrigation, Cleaning Kinsmen Lake and receiving a water bill that you can make sense of, are just a few subjects that other candidates are avoiding. The Residential Irrigation System is shut down due to Administration recommendations. Administration submitted a cost to run the 2010 Season but did not take into account that system had to water the parks as well. 54% of the land that is watered by the system is actually the parks, but Administration wanted the users to foot the entire bill or shut it down. Furthermore Administration put onto the cost of the proposed 2010 season a used hydro vac truck and a new half ton truck. Neither of which are for the sole use of the Residential Irrigation System. The Financial burden is again entirely on the back of the user. It has been said that cleaning Kinsmen Lake will cost upwards of $1,000,000.00. Why has the lake not been cleaned out in over 30 years? Investigating this issue I have discovered that it will cost just over $300,000.00 give or take. A proper evaluation requires emptying it first. Now take a moment to look at your water bill. Can you figure out where all of the money goes? Does it not make sense to take away the costly fixed service charges and be billed per cubic metre of water that you consume? If your sewage volume is calculated on the amount of water that you use and some of that water is actually used on your lawn, the Town is collecting money for sewer water that does not exist. Where does the money go that they collect for the (Ghost) nonexistent sewage water? Do you get a rebate or is this likely to become a class action lawsuit? Hmmm?