Many reasons to celebrate
by Mayor Stewart Alsgard
We live in, acknowledge and respect the traditional territory of the Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation and share a meaningful, realistic community-to-community relationship.
The arrival of the Olympic Flame, Dr. Elsie Paul’s opening prayer at the community celebration event, our torch runners, Abby Lloyd lighting the cauldron and the thousands of our residents singing O Canada gave us cause for celebration.
A succession of cultural events, Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific, International Choral Kathaumixw, the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities convention, reunions, and the 100th anniversary of Townsite all added to our cultural wealth, reaffirming Powell River as a Cultural Capital of Canada.
Pursuit of alternative revenue sources to ease the pressures on property taxation, with efforts to develop a challenging business plan, and work on an agreement in principle with Catalyst Paper Corporation moves forward.
City staff are doing an incredible job advancing the $34-million infrastructure capital program of road paving, drinking water improvements, a new track, harbour improvements and the Wharf at Westview. We continue to be strategically and fiscally responsible and ever mindful of community sustainability.
2011 will see the completion of major projects, transit expansion, focus on a new library project and opportunities for economic, cultural and social growth.
Our volunteers unselfishly reach out to the challenged, the vulnerable and the community at large no matter how hard it gets.
We respect those who serve in the Canadian Forces and our protective services and remember our present and past veterans for their sacrifice.
Powell River is a wonderful, healthy and natural community in which to live, work and play. Best wishes to everyone for a new year of good health, personal safety and opportunities for a bright and successful future.
Merci beaucoup.
Changes to staffing and OCP creation
by Colin Palmer, Board Chair
There will be significant changes in staffing during 2011 as two senior members retire early in the year. Frances Ladret and Pat Christie have given the region many years of valuable and dedicated service and we wish them all the best for their future. The board is already involved in the process to appoint a new administrator and to gradually adjust the staffing arrangements.
As far as projects go in 2011, expansion of the cemetery in Cranberry should make more progress and Paradise Valley Exhibition Park will benefit from its change to a regional park. The Parks and Open Space Plan implementation should receive some attention while the intention is to start an official community plan process for Area A.
We don’t know what issues the provincial government will put on our plate, but we do know there is a growing awareness of water issues across the province. Regulations for drinking water from streams and wells are being contemplated which will affect everyone in the Electoral Areas.
One of the board’s priorities in 2011 will be to find as many ways as possible to improve our communications with you.
We continue to rely on the valuable contribution of all our volunteers on committees and advisory boards.
On behalf of your regional board, I trust you will have a happy New Year.
Many achievements reflect teamwork
by John Weston, Member of Parliament , West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country
Happy New Year! First, I want to thank you for electing me to represent you as your Member of Parliament in Ottawa and in Powell River. It has been a distinct honour and privilege to serve you.
Second, I would like to share with you some of the recent accomplishments for Powell River. We have much to celebrate from 2010; a successful Olympic Torch Relay comes to mind. When voters first elected me, they wanted leaders who listen, set priorities and work toward them. The priorities you set for me included: economic recovery, infrastructure upgrades, fisheries, engaging with the Pacific Rim, health and fitness and the environment.
Today, we see funding for Sliammon Salish Centre, Vancouver Island University trades facility, upgrades to sports facilities, roads, harbour, sewer and water treatment plant and an energy upgrade improvement at Catalyst Paper Corporation’s Powell River mill, all employing hundreds of people. I am proud of how quickly Canada’s Economic Action Plan was implemented, helping Canadians through the worst global recession since the 1930s. At the same time, our local economy, families, individuals and community organizations are not without their struggles.
All of these achievements reflect the ability of elected and appointed public officials to work hard for the communities we serve. The successes we achieved among members of the “team” was possible because of excellent communication and cooperation. I thank all members of the team—a broad array of people including City of Powell River’s mayor and councillors, Powell River Regional District’s councillors, Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation’s chief and council, business leaders, community representatives, and volunteers—for working together to accomplish the great things we’ve seen develop.
Great appreciation also goes to Powell River for your support for my Private Member’s Bill C-475, which tackles crystal meth and ecstasy. Together, we can work toward making our communities safer.
Serving is an honour
by Nicholas Simons, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Powell River-Sunshine Coast
It is an honour and a privilege to serve the constituency of Powell River-Sunshine Coast as Member of the Legislative Assembly.
I hope that everyone has enjoyed peace and happiness this Christmas season, and that good memories will be created in 2011.
I have enjoyed meeting such a diversity of people this past year and visiting many new places in this beautiful province.
I hope the new year in politics brings legislation and policies that promote the responsible stewardship of our natural resources and ensure people of our province have the opportunity to achieve their highest potential.
My thanks to everyone who has helped me in my role, from Kim and Maggie my constituency assistants, to Anne in Victoria, and to the dedicated volunteers in my offices who keep the doors open almost year-round to ensure the public has access to their elected officials.
I would also like to thank members of the public who have encouraged me and supported me to continue to work hard on issues of importance to them.
I also thank my family for their support, and in particular my mother, who has taught children with disabilities for over 40 years, and continues to do so in the public school system. She is a source of inspiration to me.
I hope that everyone has a very happy New Year.
Focus on achievement
by Chair Debby Lewis
Powell River Board of Education, School District 47, would like to wish all staff, students, parents and volunteers a Happy New Year in 2011. We hope everyone has had an opportunity to enjoy their holiday with friends and family.
December can be busy, with staff putting a lot of energy into rehearsals for concerts and at the same time delivering a top-notch education. Students benefit immensely, as they experience a chance to perform for an audience of proud parents, grandparents, close friends and family members. Also, contributing behind the scenes are the parents volunteering in the schools all year round, and for that the board is very appreciative.
We hosted a community event called Vision 2030 to help us shape the future of education in Powell River. We are excited that the new elementary school construction will start in the new year with completion in 2012. We look forward to 2011 and the opportunities the new year will bring to our students and staff.
On behalf of my fellow trustees Mary James, Aaron Reid, Jeanette Scott, Doug Skinner, and Superintendent of Schools Jay Yule, have a safe and happy holiday. See you all in the new year.
Hard work and dedication
by Dave Formosa, President
Directors Pat Hull, Stacey McCausland, Pam Krompocker, Dan Agius, Mark Hassett, Jack Barr, Stew Gibson, Bruce Robertson, Don Krompocker, Don Bilodeau, Jerry Herter, Bonnie Krakalovich
Manager Kim Miller
The end of 2010 is upon us and at this time we wish to acknowledge each and every one of you and wish you all the very best over the holiday season.
We would also like to take this opportunity to make mention of all the hard work and dedication that many people have worked toward in bringing to fruition the waterfront development initiatives.
Powell River Community Futures Development Corporation, our City of Powell River mayor, councillors and staff have been at the forefront, since 1992 straight through till present day, to reconfigure and revitalize our waterfront.
Not only are the North Harbour and Wharf at Westview area being upgraded and completed, but also the South Harbour is finally getting work done.
Frustrating at times, difficult to envision, a lot of major decisions to be agreed upon, many negotiations…but finally Powell River’s waterfront is getting the enormous facelift it has needed for many years.
Kudos to the Waterfront Development Committee, staff, mayor, council and also Powell River Regional Economic Development Society for being dedicated and not giving up on this endeavour.
Powell River Chamber of Commerce sees our waterfront development as a huge boost to our overall economic sustainability leading into the future.
To view a small window of the Wharf at Westview project, go to our live camera.
We wish you all a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year.
