Building a Legacy: What does it take?

February is heart month and the start of the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese calendar. It is mid-winter, a good time to reflect over on the last three busy months and to peer into the future. Record snow fall this winter has tested all of us. Two priority 4 (residential) clearing have beens initiated and a third one is most likely to be needed before the winter is over. Softening of snow through warm temperatures has accelerated the need for fast windrowing. Our crews have been working extremely hard to keep up. I ask for your patience as we tackle this challenge from Mother Nature. The cost of  this year's snow clearing could be as high as $6 million dollars, but . Ssnow clearing is a must and must be budgeted!  Your government is responsive.

Throughout the election, I personally heard along with others Councillors that the sign bylaw needed to be revised. I am pleased to say we have listened. In consultation with businesses, Chamber members and residents, we have worked hard to come up with the best solutions for all. It is important to have an "open for business" approach in the County. We have also started created an economic development committee comprised of public members with various business background, elected officials, Chamber members, and administrative an admin support. This committee will fPurpose is to focus on fostering and supporting a strong economic climate in Strathcona County. Your local government supports business and commerce.

Your Council and I have worked hard to set the framework for a very important governance policy for Council that will provide the rules of conduct, along with clear roles and responsibilities. This policy will be complete done by the end of March. Your government provides leadership.

Our hospital has received renewed life with an the recent injection of $69.1 million from the province. We are watching closely as the first phase is constructed. Completion of Phase 2 has been promised - with beds - by 2013. 

The next challenge fight for our community is the proposed 500kv transmission lines. If built, these lines will stand 20 stories high.  That is almost 6 times the height of the CBC radio tower on Wye Road and the same height as the Edmonton CN building. If the regulator determines that the lines are to be built within Strathcona County, we are asking that they be buried. We need your help to take this message to the province.  Petitions are available in County Hall, Strathcona County Library,  Millennium Place, Ardrossan Recreation Complex, Heartland Hall Contact Office and Glen Allan Recreation Complex. You can also download it and print it at: http://www.lindaosinchuk.com/petition/petition_htlp.html 

Let's rally together! Your municipal government is a people government that supports its residents' needs.

We are also in the process of developing an identity and brand for Strathcona County. We will be coming to you for your input. This is very timely and is important for building community pride, as well as supporting the economics, history and environment of our community. These activities, is alongside  with a new Community Center, an awesome library, great events such as the Festival of Trees, Christmas County appreciation luncheon for County staff, New Year's Eve celebration, Mayor's first New Year's Levée, and memorable Remembrance Day, have been incredible with more on the horizon.

Your government, together with you, will continue to  ignite our community spirit!

Strathcona County is a vibrant, exciting community. Together, we will build a legacy that provides hope, is caring and builds community.

Mayor Linda