Moment with the Mayor: Municipal Infrastructure Conference

Hi Everyone:

On April 24-25 I attended the first Municipal Infrastructure Conference for communities under 40,000 people. A lot of great information and best practices were shared. I was also invited to speak as part of a panel. Our topic was to describe what we were doing in our community to grow our infrastructure. What follows are some highlights.

The Honourable Jim Reiter spoke briefly and suggested that growth is for a better quality of life. This is good to hear because that has been the focus for Phase 2: enhancing the quality of life in West Central Saskatchewan.

Wednesday’s main speaker, Casey Vander Ploeg of the Canada West Foundation, challenged participants on a variety of questions:

·         What is the cost of not addressing the infrastructure deficit?

·         What is the cost of not making the appropriate decisions?

·         Casey also made the point that the infrastructure deficit, such as our $40 million over 20 years is also a moral question.

Perhaps the most important thing Vander Ploeg said was “that there is a strong connection between investing in public infrastructure and long-term gains in productivity. Canada’s productivity – how efficiently we produce goods and services – is critical to our current standard of living and quality of life, as well as to our future economic and social prospects.”

Since the 1970s infrastructure investment has been cut significantly. Recent years spending has been increased. The good news is that infrastructure costs can be reduced 30% - 60% by doing the right maintenance at the right time consistently. We have to manage our infrastructure assets so they don’t manage us. This is my closing thought for today on infrastructure and Phase 2: “An intentional, diligent, and disciplined approach leads to the boulevard of fulfilled dreams.”

Some things around town: the Museum needs volunteers for ongoing work and fundraising. For more information please contact Michelle at the Museum.

Please drive carefully around neighbourhoods: kids are riding their bikes and playing on the streets again.

Bouquets this week are for the Kindersley Branch #57 of the Royal Canadian Legion. On 4/27/2013 they hosted their annual awards night. Congratulations go to Ernie Krepps who received the QEII Diamond Jubilee Medal for his commitment to the Legion. Congratulations Ernie! Doug Empey is a model of membership consistency: Doug received his 35 Year Member Pin. Congratulations Doug! One other Legion note: recently the Branch discovered that they have been operating since September 1918, 10 years prior to their charter. That makes the Legion 95 years old! Congratulations Branch #57!

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. I appreciate your feedback.

Have a good week!