End of year review with Strathmore mayor

By Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean Times Contributor

Last year was challenging in some areas but Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule remarked on the resilience and opportunities offered the town to move forward.
Notably, the tragic death of Kristian Ayoungman spurred the town and Siksika Nation to move forward together to build community between the two regions.
“Since last March, we’ve started working closely with Siksika Nation and the First Nation community in Strathmore,” said Fule. “This work really came together with the memorandum of understanding we signed in November – an act that ensures continued action beyond this council. In 2020, we’re going to keep working to make Strathmore inclusive and welcoming.”
The town promoted consultations on community planning as well and received good feedback from the citizen satisfaction survey which helped guide council in their priorities.
“Despite the challenging provincial economy, we’re confident that the investments we’ve made in showcasing our community’s incredible quality of life are smart ones,” said Fule. “Sport and recreation amenities are a real strength for Strathmore. Usage of the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre has taken off, and we see the impact that’s having on helping to ensure a healthy community.”
With the indoor track available year-round, and additional court space for local teams and clubs, the centre is providing access for all ages.
Strathmore also hosted the Hometown Hockey event in December, bringing athletes, future athletes and hockey lovers together. Events like these, the mayor noted, also help to showcase Strathmore to future residents and businesses looking to invest.
Other improvements to town amenities that made it to the top of the mayor’s list were the parks and pathway improvements, and upgrades to the Kinsmen Park ball diamond.
Large construction projects are going to be a regular sight in 2020 as the new town hall and businesses like Solar Krafte get underway. Fule said hundreds of construction jobs will be created in the new year.
The year “2020 is going to see another major construction project with the new Marigold Library System and Western Irrigation District shared administration building. Strathmore is an important regional hub (and) projects like this show that by helping organizations to find partnerships and collaborations, we can continue to grow our community.”