THE REEVE'S REPORT

A GLANCE BACK, SOLID STRIDES FORWARD

May 1, 2012

We are all keenly aware of the unwelcome anniversary that is upon us. One year ago, we weathered an environmental disaster that turned homes, businesses and entire communities to ash. As challenges go, it was without precedent. It was a disaster that broke our hearts for a moment in time, but it didn’t break our rugged-and-real spirit or our determination to rebuild. When I see the resilience of our people, the progress of our recovery efforts and the inroads we’ve made to safeguard our communities, I’m reminded of an Ernest Hemingway quote: “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” We didn’t ask for this ordeal, but we survived it and we are now stronger than ever because of it.

In the weeks and months that followed our region’s crisis, I thanked a great many people: fire fighters, pilots, government officials, and municipal neighbours who lent assistance in our time of need. On the eve of this dark date I’d like to acknowledge the people of Lesser Slave River themselves. To those at ground zero, thank you for looking out for your neighbours. Thank you for your perseverance during what must have seemed like unending misery and unfathomable bureaucracy. Thank you for following the rules…and for breaking them on occasion to do what you thought was right. To communities such as Smith and Flatbush who weren’t caught in the line of fire, thank you for opening your doors to us, and for making do with less of our municipal time and attention as we fought fires – both literally and figuratively. I’m honoured to be your representative. Lastly, I’d like to thank each and every one of our MD staff and Council members for their tireless efforts and selfless acts during the worst catastrophe to ever befall our region. I’m proud to be your colleague.

A number of events are planned to coincide with the anniversary of the May wildfires. While the date of last year’s disaster is certainly not an event worth celebrating, it is a time to come together as a community. It is a time to reflect on the bravery of those who fought the flames, the determination of those who aided in our recovery, and the compassion of our new friends from across Alberta. It’s also an opportunity to share our stories and marvel at how far we’ve all come – as individuals, as families and as a community.

In this spirit of fellowship and remembrance, Tri Council would like to help you host a barbeque for your community. Just provide us with the details of your event and we’ll cover the cost of supplies to the tune of $5 per person. Visit the Commemorative Events section of this website or call 780.849.8013 for details on how to take advantage of this program, aptly named One Year Stronger.

Other important activities include a wellness conference from May 10 to May 12 at the Sawridge Inn; a media event on May 15 to formally recognize the anniversary of our crisis; and a May 20 memorial in Canyon Creek to honour downed pilot Jean Luc Deba. I urge you all to take advantage of these opportunities to reflect, heal and further strengthen our community ties. Check out our News & Events section or call 780.849.4888 for more details.

We always make every effort to minimize the amount of taxes we charge our residents and business owners; in fact, we remain one of the municipal districts with the lowest tax rates in the province. However, an unavoidable consequence of last year’s disaster is a significant increase in major initiatives and, as a result, an increase in taxes required to fund these initiatives. On average, taxes will increase by 5 per cent this year. In my twelve years with the MD, this has been the most challenging budget that I have had to prepare. However, we have an obligation to maintain our services, to be fiscally responsible and to ensure our long-term sustainability.

With a number of initiatives underway throughout the MD – many of which are nearing completion – the spring and summer months will be busy ones. We will soon achieve milestones such as completion of the Widewater Fire Hall, establishment of a new fire station in Mitsue, reconstruction of roads, bridges and infrastructure, and significant enhancements to our water systems. Many of these projects continue to pose challenges due to time constraints and staff limitations, but thankfully we have had help from the Regional Recovery Coordination Group, and from our strategic partnership with the Town of Slave Lake and Sawridge First Nation. Through alliances such as these, we have achieved far more – and in far less time – than we had anticipated.

No matter who you are or where you reside within the MD, you play an integral role in our growth and long-term success. I applaud your many acts of bravery, patience and kindness throughout this difficult year, and I’m confident in our collective ability to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Lesser Slave River.

Reeve Denny Garratt

YOUR COUNCIL’S KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2012

February 15, 2012

As the elected officials, staff and managers of Lesser Slave River, we work hard each day to make our amazing region even better. Over the past year, we’ve worked especially hard. Since last spring we’ve dedicated a great deal of time, effort and resources toward projects designed to fortify our communities against future threats, communicate more effectively with our constituents, and continue to move the recovery of our communities ever forward. I’m proud to report that our combined efforts to create a stronger, safer and more prosperous Lesser Slave River have taken root and are beginning to grow. The message you’re now reading, and the website it’s posted on, are proof positive of our growth and adaptation as a municipality, and of our commitment to the community.

I’d like to use my inaugural Reeve’s Report to let you know what your Council’s key priorities are for the foreseeable future. In the weeks and months to come, you will likely see a number of projects underway that focus on the following areas:

Secondary Water Sources: This project involves the development of water sources; either by way of a regional waterline or by dry hydrants (places to draw water). Although we are surrounded by water, the irony is that it is not always easy to tap into. We’re working diligently to address this issue.       

Emergency Preparedness: We’re making some fundamental changes to our emergency communication system throughout the MD. These changes are aimed at efficiently locating and alerting residents in the event of an emergency. A key element of this initiative requires your participation. I urge you to respond to our Get on the Grid campaign and help us update our database with current phone numbers for all Lesser Slave River residents.       

Health Care: Your Council continues to work closely with the Government of Alberta and local health care professionals to address regional health care concerns. Specifically, we’re focused on improving access to health care for everyone in the region.

FireSmart: We will all soon become familiar with the term FireSmart. Spearheaded by SRD and the Regional Fire Department, FireSmart provides communities with practical and proactive methods of reducing exposure to wildland fire. Visit www.md124.ca/content/firesmart to learn more about this vital initiative.

One of my responsibilities as Reeve of Lesser Slave River is to keep residents and businesses owners informed of the municipal directives that affect their daily lives. But as much as I enjoy talking, I find listening to be a more productive activity. Whether you chat with us on Facebook, respond to our online surveys or attend a Council meeting in person, we are listening to you, and what you have to say informs our direction. I encourage you to continue to take part in the conversation – and in the growth of your municipality.