Moment with the Mayor: Kindersley's Tapestry - Civic Groups

Hi Everyone:

One of the components of the Strategic Plan we are developing relates to growth. Everyone wants growth. Growth is important. Without growth, it will be challenging for the Town to provide its services and facilities on a sustainable basis. We need to grow our retail base, our commercial base, and our industrial base. Most importantly, we need to grow our residential areas. These are important components. However, as important as business and homes are to growth, there are other parts of the community just as important that are often unrecognized - our civic groups.

Civic groups contribute to the quality of life of our Town and include:

·         Arts and Culture such as Kindersley and District Arts Council and the Music Festival;

·         Community groups such as the Rotary Club and the Masons;

·         Churches like Kindersley Christian Fellowship and Clearview Brethren in Christ;

·         Social agencies that provide critical support as does West Central  Crisis and Family Support Centre, Spokes Family Resource Centre and the Salvation Army;

·         Recreation organizations that provide opportunities for leisure, such as Minor Sports, Minor Ball, Minor Soccer, and more.

These are some of the threads of our community that make Kindersley a rich tapestry. Each thread has a role and its supporters to enrich our lives. As we grow as a community, each of our community organizations grows and must enhance their capacity to be more effective. Civic groups, regardless of their purpose, must be sustainable.

People move to a community because of the economic opportunities and the quality of life that is available. We have the economic opportunities. What we are still building is the quality of life. This is, to a large degree, what Phase 2 is about - enhancing our quality of life. Building our quality of life is also what the arts and culture groups do, as well as the community groups, churches, social agencies, and recreation organizations. The Kindersley Klippers are also a part of this if they are supported by their fans and corporate sponsors.

Recently, I attended the Klippers AGM to learn more about their current state of affairs and their plans to build their future. I was encouraged by what they presented. The Klippers say they have corporate and fundraising support. I am looking forward to seeing them build up their fan base to the numbers they are aiming for: 440 – 600 season ticket holders. The Klippers are a part of our community and I would like to see them succeed.

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. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback.

Have a good week!