|
The homecoming celebrations were a huge success over the past weekend.
From the car show, heritage garden opening, the parade, the fireworks,
receptions, etc. all who attended enjoyed the many events. There were
many comments of praise and I would like to extend the City’s thanks to
the organizers and the many volunteers who made this event the great
success that it was. The one question that was asked and could not be
answered was “When will the next homecoming take place?”
The City’s business
continues to be busy even though it is summer. Some of the quick items
were: The RCMP is planning renovations to accommodate another 3-4 full
time officers who are expected next year. The animal control bylaws are
being rewritten to better reflect the City’s vision of ensuring a safe
and clean environment for all. The fire department is looking to the
future and planning on enhancing the fire apparatus resources. The most
important is the planning on replacements for our fire trucks, which are
quite costly. We need a lot of lead-time to be able to replace these.
The burning permit program is to become more restrictive. It will now be
necessary for an official of the fire department to view the proposed
burning site and the permit will be issued for a specific date. This has
been done in response to the increase in awareness of the importance of
clean air for everyone.
Council has approved the
tender to proceed with the building of the new Arrow Heights Reservoir.
This much needed facility will not only provide better water pressure
for this part of town but will allow for more development. It will also
allow us to store more water to maintain pressure throughout the town. I
feel that it is important to mention that this is funded by the
Revelstoke water utility and has no effect upon the Big Eddy water
district, which has their own system.
There were a number of
new signs and facia upgrades approved. Look for quite spectacular
upgrades at the Pharmasave, Scotties Bull and Tackle and the Veterinary
Clinic. There are also some new and quite attractive signs at the
Heather Hut’s new location at Mackenzie and Third. Congratulations to
you all. Your improvements enhance our beautiful town. We all win.
We had a brief report
from the golf course general manager, John Franks. He reported that
business at the Revelstoke Golf Course is up over last year and that
they have introduced a ‘local rate’ to encourage more locals to
participate. We have a beautiful course, which is continuing to evolve.
He also feels that the addition of another course at Mt. MacKenzie
Resort development would be a huge plus in attracting destination
golfers.
The new Aquatic Centre is
continuing to proceed. It becomes ever more apparent that we were
fortunate that we began this project when we did. The cost of
construction has increased substantially this year and the demand for
labour is slowing this project down. According to the site manager, we
are now looking at an early December opening. This is unfortunate but it
is beyond anyone’s control and it is important that we build this
facility to last for generations. On the bright side, we have just
received the interior décor proposals for the pool. They are very
attractive and use the theme of ‘Revelstoke outdoors’ by bringing the
outdoors inside with murals and three-dimensional materials. Even the
support columns will become towering evergreens if these plans are
approved.
Parks Canada reports that
all park roads are now open and the alpine wildflowers are at their
peak. We live beside one of the most unique parks in the world. One
where you can drive all the way to the alpine and enjoy the hiking,
flowers and the spectacular mountain scenery. Be sure to take in this
drive. People come from all over the world to experience the wonders
that we live in the middle of. Take a few moments on a clear day and
marvel in your surroundings.
Prepared by Councillor
Terrance O’Hagan
|
