By Sheldon Spackman

YEAR IN REVIEW

Innisfail continues focus on first impressions

Dec 29, 2019 | 10:00 AM

The mayor of Innisfail is describing 2019 as a productive year for council and Town staff.

Jim Romane says a new skateboard park opened in October for example, with a considerable amount of other infrastructure projects done as well.

“We did some deep service work on some older areas that were in need of repair,” he explains. “So a little bit of landscaping and that type of thing around the town to try to improve the appearance. We had a very good year.”

Although significant upgrades are planned for recreational facilities like the aquatics centre and twin arenas next year, Romane says Town entrance-ways will remain a focus moving forward.

“We re-did the old Highway 54 coming in from the west into town – the truck route, re-surfaced and cleaned that all up so it looks nice,” says Romane. “We also budgeted for Phase 1 of a project coming into Innisfail on the east end off of QE2, so we’re looking at first impression improvements there and some new signage.”

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

14h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

20h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

20h ago

In terms of the local economy, Romane says he and Town council are learning to deal with it the best they can, like everyone else.

“We haven’t had a lot of growth in the last two or three years, it’s been pretty steady,” says Romane. “But we’ve got some new developers. A new developer in town has certainly reached out to try and encourage some new development on the west side of town and residential, some more affordable housing I guess you might call it.”

He admits however, that reduced Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding from the new Government, will ultimately make an impact on Town finances as well.

“It’s not a huge amount to us in this first year, but as all the other communities are faced with some downturns as a result of the new government mandate, we’ve been very positive staying forward,” he explains. “It’s going to catch up to us eventually, but I’m hoping there’s other issues that maybe turn things around a bit. We’ve got some great ideas I think for next year.”

With mostly a stagnant population over the last three years and many residents looking for work, Romane says the Town and council are trying their best to work through it all.

“We’ve got a very active Strategic Plan that we’re working with to try and keep on the positive side of things,” adds Romane. “It’s difficult to plan any new, big projects without the uncertainty of funding that’s usually available, so we’re putting feelers out for that purpose of future developments. Communities like ourselves are always looking for ways to improve facilities and try and encourage a positive attitude for people considering staying in and moving to Innisfail.”

Romane feels the Town is on the right track heading into the New Year.

“Stay with us, we’re in a positive direction,” he exclaims. “We’ve got some good people working on ideas, and I think we’re going to see some fruition when this is all said and done.”