Mayor’s New Year message: ‘We are moving in the right direction
Posted on January 4, 2022 by Maple Creek
Michelle McKenzie, mayor of Maple CreekThe Town of Maple Creek is heading in the right direction after a tumultuous year, according to the Mayor.
Michelle McKenzie said Town Council was working on becoming a cohesive unit.
“Together we are excited to keep the momentum going when it comes to communication, public input and education about projects and events in the works.”
McKenzie’s comments came in a New Year’s message that was both retrospective and forward-looking.
She began by recalling some of the highs and lows of 2021.
Among the highs were the grand opening of the fire hall, progress in the swimming pool project, and local involvement in the three-year First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Initiative Development program.
The lows included the continuing COVID-19 challenge, controversy over commercial tax increases, and Corrine Collura’s resignation from Town Council.
McKenzie looked ahead with optimism to 2022. She said Council believes that Maple Creek residents had many ideas and perspectives to offer.
“Working in collaboration with the community is a major priority for myself and for council,” she said.
I hope 2022 is full of opportunity, good health and joy, says Mayor
January brings the beginning of a New Year. As much as I’m ready to put 2021 behind it is important to reflect on the past year.
As the year began, we as council were just learning to work together as a team. With a steep learning curve ahead of us.
At the beginning of April, we had to deal with a super-spreader party which led to increased cases of COVID-19 in our community, and multi-level publicity.
Later in the month, we were also in the news when anti-masker/anti-vaxxer Chris Sky came to our town.
In May, the budget was passed, much to the dismay of our commercial businesses. Council and staff worked hard to find a solution to fix the impact the increase in the mill rate factor had on our business community.
In August, we had the grand opening of the Maple Creek Community Fire Hall. Among the dignitaries present were Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, MLA Doug Steele, Chief Alvin Francis and Reeve Elden Jamieson. What a great day.
With regret I accepted Corrine Collura resignation from council, which resulted in a September 22 by-election for her seat. Tina Cresswell won the position. Welcome Tina.
Towards the end of the year, RFQ (request for quotation) went out on sask-tenders for the general contractor for the swimming pool.
Also in December, our communities of Nekaneet First Nation, the RM of Maple Creek, the Town of Maple Creek were selected as one out of eight partnerships to participate in the 3-year First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) program. Great news for our communities.
These were just some of the highs and lows of 2021. It is important to recognize that we are moving in the right direction and we are working hard on becoming a cohesive council.
Together we are excited to keep the momentum going when it comes to communication, public input and education about projects and events in the works. Council believes our residents provide a wealth of ideas and different perspectives. Working in collaboration with the community is a major priority for myself and for council.
Maple Creek is a wonderful town because of all of you and all your contributions to make it a great place to live and work. I am very proud, as is council, to represent this town we call home.
As I look ahead to a New Year it is my wish for all residents that 2022 is filled with opportunity, good health, happiness and joy.
Happy New Year!
Mayor Michelle
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