Mayor Jim Wood of Red Deer County sees only optimism for 2022. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Alessia Proietti and Sheldon Spackman

Mayor Jim Wood on 2021

Only optimism going forward for mayor of Red Deer County

Jan 20, 2022 | 2:46 PM

Entering into 2022, the glass is way more than half full for Mayor Jim Wood of Red Deer County.

“I would say that optimism coming forward into 2022 is extremely high,” said Mayor Wood.

While 2021 brought its unescapable challenges, the mayor wanted to end the year’s review on a happier note, describing the successes the County achieved.

He says, in spite of it all, they have managed to keep taxes low for residents, see an increase in investments and businesses opening, and are foreseeing economic opportunity and prosperity in the near future.

“We’re an oil based economy in Alberta. Price of oil and gas has started to climb to profitable levels for companies. Our rural, farming community has seen record high prices for their products,” he said.

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The past year was one of the biggest for construction projects, according to Mayor Wood. The County built two traffic circles, one outside Springbrook near the airport, miles of roadwork, and partnered with the provincial government for the overpasses built in the south end of Gasoline Alley.

Seeing continuous growth, he says the goal is to make sure the county is a great place for people to live.

“We’ve actually never stopped growing even through these tougher times. We’ve always had a seven per cent growth rate or more even through the recession and we’re continuing to hope that that trend will continue into the future,” said the mayor.

For 2022, Wood sees many projects ahead, even with a decrease in provincial funding this time.

With more people working from home due to the pandemic, the need for broadband internet across rural areas is a top priority, he says. On a larger scale, he hopes to see plans move along for a new airport and hospital, and development in industrial parks to increase jobs, so when the current health crisis is over, the County will be ready.

After all, the main goal for the new year, he says, is to gradually see a sense of normality.

“I know people are tired of COVID and they’re just plain getting fed up, but you know what, just hang in there. I think the end is getting a little bit closer. I’m not saying we’re getting rid of it, but I think we’re getting closer to normal,” he said.

“We’re seeing a change of attitude and effort going forward. I fully believe that this is going to be a great time going forward.”