Staff
There is plenty of positivity heading into 2015 as several new councils take the reins in their respective communities.
But one challenge seems common among the municipalities in the west end of the district—coming up with a balanced budget.
“Like always, I think the big challenge is financial, trying to balance the budget,” said Ken McKinnon, a former reeve of La Vallee who was elected back to the post in the Oct. 27 municipal election.
“I understand that some of our funding has been cut,” he noted.
“So undoubtedly you’re going to have to cut some corners to offset the shortfall in government funding.”
“The budget will probably be a little challenging because of the extra costs we are going to be nailed with,” agreed Alberton Reeve Mike Hammond, who was acclaimed along with the rest of council there.
“We got hit by high policing and all those other costs that we can’t control, so I think we are going to sit it out and see what happens,” he remarked.
Jack Siemens, Emo’s newly-elected mayor, is hopeful he and council can balance the budget there.
“I think some of the grants aren’t coming as they should,” he admitted.
“Hopefully, we can tighten the budget a bit and just make everything work; make sure nobody suffers.”
“There’s always challenges with meeting our budget,” echoed Chapple Reeve Peter Van Heyst, who also was acclaimed for another four-year term.
“We don’t know yet what the outside boards are coming up with,” he explained, referring to the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board and the Northwestern Health Unit.
“We got less funding [from the government] and our policing costs are going to go up, so that’s a concern,” he added.
Despite the budgetary challenges, the municipal heads remain positive about the year ahead.
“One of the big things that I would like is to get the community more involved in some of the events like our community hall, Crossroads rink, the community ball diamond,” said Reeve McKinnon.
“I’d really like to try to get more of the community involved in those projects.
“I just hope that with several new members on council that we can satisfy our ratepayers and do a good job for them, keep our finances in order, try to satisfy the needs of the public,” he added.
Reeve Hammond said in keeping with the strong community spirit in Alberton, the rec committee there is planning a game night for residents, which is set for Jan. 23.
“It will be a first so we’ll see what happens,” he remarked, adding the other regular community events likely will be repeated.
But he noted their “Family Day” celebration will be a little bit different this year.
“We’re going to join up with the snowmobile club,” Reeve Hammond noted. “Something different so we’ll see.
“The rec committee has been very active and is doing a great job.”
Alberton council also will be updating its zoning bylaws to reflect their municipality instead of the province.
“We hired a consultant so he gave us a template for everybody and it doesn’t quite fit ours, so we’re redoing it,” Reeve Hammond said.
“And we’re just working on our strategic plan.
“Otherwise things are pretty status quo here,” he added.
The Township of Emo, meanwhile, will be finishing up some of the projects that were started in 2014, such as the upgrades to the water and sewer systems.
“Hopefully it will be all done by the spring,” Mayor Siemens said. “Front Street will be paved and the water treatment plant will be done.
“All we have left is the water plant, just to replace some pumps and do a little bit of upgrading.”
Mayor Siemens also said he has a good outlook for the future.
“I have high hopes for Emo,” he remarked. “With the mine moving forward, there is more housing going to be built.
“There is a contractor coming in who bought some lots.
“Hopefully that will bring more people in and put some people to work,” Mayor Siemens said, noting Donald Young School also is set to receive a new addition.
“We’re looking forward to that and so are the kids,” he remarked. “While it won’t be completely brand new, it will be most of it.
“It will be a good thing for Emo.”
Mayor Siemens reiterated there are lots of positives on the horizon.
“I think everyone is looking forward to the new year,” he said.
“With a new council, hopefully we can all work together, balance the budget, and keep things going ahead.”
Reeve Van Heyst is equally hopeful for another good year in Chapple.
“We’re still hopeful New Gold will become a reality in the mining entity,” he remarked.
“And we’re supportive of the Crossroute forest wood basket that will help create jobs in our community.”
