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My prediction is City Hall will be getting even busier than it is today.
This past Tuesday saw a momentous occasion with the City signing an
agreement of sale for it's ski hill, 69 acres at the base and it's
Licence of Occupation. This prompted the province to approve the Mt.
Mackenzie master plan with the official signing in Grizzly Plaza. We
have paved the way clear and turned on the green light for this project
to become reality. Congratulations to Hunter Milborne and Robert
Powadiuk for their commitment and perseverance and vision that will see
this destination ski resort take it's place as the longest vertical in
North America. I would like to give special thanks to our City
Administrator Don DeGagne for his dedication and many extra hours to
help us come to a successful negotiation. As well Land and Water BC
played a big role by offering help, advice and even hiring a mediator,
Ken Glasner who was instrumental in helping us find common ground in a
deal that works for both the City and Developers.
With all the hype and
buzz of the ski hill we still have to remember the other sectors of our
economy that have been there for this community since it's inception.
The forest industry is struggling from the long term effects of soft
wood lumber and we hope and look forward to this being resolved in the
spring. Because of our ties to the forest industry Revelstoke was just
named "The Forest Capital of BC".
With the snow comes
snowmobilers and it's great to see all the sleds arriving in town for
what looks to be another banner year.
I would like to offer my
congratulations to the newest citizen of the year Steven Hui. I call him
Revelstoke's one man economic development project and if anyone is
thinking about getting involved in their community they should take one
page out of his book and they will have made a significant contribution.
This week has seen
Council make a decision to pursue full protection for Mackenzie
crossing. We will make application to Transport Canada for full
protection which will trigger a study to be done on the plan as well as
preliminary costs. This will not happen as quickly as I would like and
could take 2-3 years. The short term will see fencing installed and
night-time closure implemented. We will also be looking at some safety
upgrades to Pearson Street crossing. I want to thank the Committee for
their time on what proved to be a longer, and I'm sure at times,
demanding volunteer role. I know the decision will not please everyone
but I hope down the road the end result will be better and safer for
all.
I see the barricades and
supports on the Howson Block have been taken down. Thanks to both the
Ottenbreit's and Larry Horel for their respective roles in seeing this
building working it's way back to it's former glory.
This Friday (December
17th) at approximately 4:30 p.m. will see the Holiday train arriving in
town on it's annual pilgrimage across Canada spreading good music and
cheer while it raises food, funds and the profile of our food bank.
Later that evening will bring "A Christmas Carol" reading in the
Catholic Church at 7:30 p.m. and again the food bank will be the worthy
benefactor of the evening.
This will be my last
Mayor's Report for this year and I would like to wish everyone a Merry
Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year.
Mark McKee
Mayor
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