As we move on from what I call the year that wasn’t, it’s probably good to remind ourselves of what was accomplished.
First and foremost, our community transited the stages of surprise, shock and uncertainty to a state of acceptance of the reality of the pandemic and a willingness to deal with it. Thanks to the firm, clear guidance of the provincial health officer, Dr Bonnie Henry, we knew what to do and when to do it. Most of us carried on safely.
Like individuals, local governments such as qathet Regional District (qRD) had to adapt to circumstances. For us that meant reducing the public contact to the minimum necessary, many staff members working from home, learning the intricacies of Zoom, and virtual meetings with colleagues and other governments. Of course, qRD field staff were still out in the region taking care of parks, water systems, sewers and all the other assets that contribute to our well-being in good times and bad.
So, that was 2020.
For 2021 we can look forward to picking up where we left off and getting on with the betterment of the community. Top of the asset list will be the resource and recovery centre at the old incinerator site. Now we move on to a facility which will enable us to greatly reduce our garbage as well as provide us with greater opportunities to recycle, reuse and repurpose.
The issue of the lack of public transportation to the Lower Mainland was shelved this year but now it is back. qRD is in discussions with Sunshine Coast Regional District and now BC Transit has expressed an interest. Next up will be BC Ferries.
With the new year will come new hopes and new endeavours. Working together we have come through a bad time. Let’s look forward to 2021.
