My Priorities

These priorities are the things that I feel council needs to either keep doing, or get done!

My focus will continue to be guided by both “city plans”, and, “feedback from you” !

Priority: Arts and Recreation

I have chosen to group Arts and Recreation because, I believe that they have been separated for too long. Created during this council term, was an Arts policy that links recreation spending with funding for both local arts and public art…AND, there is a dedicated committee called the “Beaumont Recreation, Parks and Culture Advisory Board”….which also links recreation and culture. Again, this happened THIS TERM. I was happy to lead and support these conversations.

Planning for an Arts Facility in Beaumont continues with a Steering Committee bringing back information such as potential locations, size, budget, timeline etc. for future consideration. I 100% support getting a facility built and am looking forward to this next step in the process. Let’s do it!

Recreation opportunities in Beaumont are very important. Recently, Beaumont has had success partnering with the Beaumont Amateur Hockey Association on an outdoor rink near the KNRCC, and, the Beaumont Minor Ball Association in their bid for the Field of Dreams (through the Jays Care Foundation). These partnerships with local organizations are great examples of community creating community! Continuing to explore future partnerships combined with continued investment in recreation is absolutely key to continued city prosperity.

Priority: Infrastructure

People may not get excited about infrastructure….but, infrastructure gets the spotlight when the things around us, that we expect to work everyday, suddenly are no longer doing what they should. Water, wastewater, roads, buildings and lights are some examples of this very important infrastructure. Continued investment, and, more importantly, the future planning of maintenance on these items is crucial. One particular focus for me will be ensuring that our water system is able to handle all of the future growth expected for Beaumont!

Sharing in the creation of a “shovel-ready project” in the region with Leduc County (TWP 510 west to the Nisku spine road) is a great example of pro-active infrastructure planning and regional collaboration! Maybe we’ll see a grant become available, or, an investment in the region announcement by other levels of government in the near future.

Priority: Economic Prosperity

We live in a strong region in Alberta and businesses have a choice in where they invest. I believe that if we continue to invest our time, energy and resources into the above two priorities (Arts/Recreation, Infrastructure) that economic prosperity will follow. While there is a dedicated economic development team working hard everyday to attract investment in Beaumont, a larger and more powerful group of people (all of us in Beaumont) who love their community and neighbors will continually draw people here! More people means more growth which will bring more investment! Local jobs in Beaumont are so important!