Last week I had the opportunity to attend a meeting of Alberta's mid-size city mayors which was graciously hosted by the City of Medicine Hat. What a great meeting it was.
It is very important to stress the importance and benefits of our mid-size cities working together and sharing our varied experience. There is much strength in numbers.
The focus of this last meeting was on three important areas:
- Emergency medical services, with a special focus on ambulance services in our municipalities.
- The need to focus on supporting equitable funding for policing.
- Communicating with Municipal Affairs regarding sustainable funding and a four year term for municipal elected officials.
On a different note, upon my return from Medicine Hat, I was pleased to find out that Strathcona County has been ranked #1 out of 190 Canadian municipalities in MoneySense business magazine's report in not 1 but 2 categories! We are ranked #1 for Best Municipality in Canada to Raise Children AND #1 for Best Municipality in Canada for Jobs. We also ranked #11 in the Best Municipality to Live In category! MoneySense Magazine used Statistics Canada's information to compile, weigh and rank 190 cities and towns in Canada by 22 separate categories. This is the first year that the magazine included Strathcona County! You can read their report through these links:
http://www.moneysense.ca/2012/03/20/best-places-for-jobs/
http://www.moneysense.ca/2012/03/20/best-places-to-raise-kids/
We Strathconians have always known that we have amazing communities. Now all of Canada knows our best kept secrets. Congratulations everyone!
Always proud to be a Strathconian!
Mayor Linda
