Mayor’s Message- January 2013

Happy New Year everyone! This month we’ll be publishing the final set of results from the 2012 Community Survey, “Have Your Say”. These results can be found on the Town website and in the Anchor, as well as a series of short video overviews on YouTube (search Chestermere Survey Results).
A typical community response doesn’t even come close to the huge number that came back from this survey- a whopping 30% of all households. So congratulations Chestermere, you really stepped up to provide the Town with valuable information so we can continue to plan for the future and address the needs of today.
In January we’ll be working at demolishing the old Town Hall building, currently serving as an overcrowded RCMP detachment. Don’t worry though; all items of a historical nature have already been given to the Historical Society. Construction will commence in the Spring on the Emergency Services building which will adjoin the existing Fire Hall and be home to Community Peace Officers, RCMP members, the Fire department and ambulance services.
This month we are also on the hunt for an Economic Development Officer. Our plans for the future population of 25,000 people and the desire by the community for more shopping and restaurant options make this position critical for not only our future commercial success but for supporting our existing businesses with their needs as well.
January also brings with it WinterFest on January 19th! Come out for the pancake breakfast, the sleigh rides, ice fishing or watch crazy people freeze for charity in the Polar Dip! I hope to see all of you over at the Rec. Centre to watch the 3rd annual charity hockey game (and it’s not your typical hockey game by any stretch of the imagination). The days wraps up with some of the best fireworks ever seen on the Lake. For more details please check the website at www.chestermere.ca. Hope to see there for a Flurry of Fun.
Finally, if you own a business here, this is a gentle reminder that your business license renewals are due by January 31st. Please check out YouTube as well for our new segment called “One Minute Myths” and stay warm out there.
Mayor Matthews