Looking ahead with Ell

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

Another year has passed and with the start of the new year, it’s time to look back on what’s happened and what’s to come with our beloved town.
“From my perspective last year was a very exciting and a very positive year in regards to this town moving forward and accomplishing things. We’ve had some businesses in the area structure plans already starting to build, and there’s such a need for housing in this town that will carry on into next year,” said Mayor Michael Ell.
The support he has received from the citizens has been tremendous, and Ell states that it’s the people in the community that are the ones that make it such a great place.
Ell predicts the town will continue to see the growth this next year.
“2015 may be a bit of a difficult year in the province and Strathmore could be impacted. However, we have some exciting things happening and I will work through any difficulties. Council is continuing its work to have improvements to our hospital, we are working to have new schools built and we are committed to finding ways to fund recreation facilities. There will be infrastructure improvements undertaken and completed next year,” said Ell.
“Strathmore is poised for growth. The town will have an economic development strategy next year. The strategy will assist in finding ways to improve opportunities for local established businesses, and attracting new businesses considering a move.”
One of the exciting new projects coming is the medical/residential building that’s being put up next to the Hi-Ho Gas station.
“The building is beautiful looking and will actually enhance the downtown area,” said Ell.
The town is still looking at making some improvements to the downtown core, something he says is coming, but of course can’t happen overnight.
A few other things coming to the town: the museum committee will become a society in 2015; the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games are coming to the area; and the Canadian Badlands will be hosting their AGM in Strathmore this spring.
“Best wishes to all in 2015,” said Ell.