Steve Fairbairn, Elkford Mayor
2023 in Review, by ,“Another one in the bank”, “we’ve come a long way”, “all the best in the new year”. There are so many quaint epitaphs for a year ending, and there are just as many for the one beginning.
For Elkford, 2023 was a successful one—might I be so bold to say perhaps one of the better ones of the last 50+ years? We’re ending it looking pretty darned fine.
Yes, 2023 has seen a few challenging days. We—the community—have stood tall through all of them and have come together in times of need, as is always the case.
This year saw the conclusion of a long-term, phased paving project. You’ve likely noticed new asphalt, curb and sidewalks, new and repaired underground utilities, as well as the implementation of traffic flow changes designed to make the town safer for pedestrians. Many holes, road closures and detours have been survived by residents over the last few years, and most everyone seems to be pleased with the results the changes. And yes, of course, there are some things that will take some getting used to.
The paving program kickstarted phase 1 of the Downtown Core project, creating marketable serviced lots, better parking, and better access to current and future businesses in the area. The new accessible sidewalks complete the Loop Walk in fine style and contribute to the active transportation network in town.
Closely aligned with the Downtown Core project are the grant-funded improvements to the Boivin Creek walking corridor. Mostly completed just before the snow fell, with Christmas lights brightening up the snowy evenings, there is still more to come in 2024 to this area. Stay tuned!
As the year comes to a close, I think it’s pretty safe to say that everyone in town is excited to see the seniors’ housing building start to take shape. It has transformed itself from a dream, to a vacant lot, to a sign on a vacant lot, to its current form—not just a hole with other holes in it, but a poured foundation! Construction is heading skyward into 2024. We commend the Elkford Housing Society for the progress made in 2023!
This year saw the beautiful addition to Elkford’s facilities with the new Childcare Centre and Community Hub, located in the former District Office building. This dual-purposed facility is certainly something for all Elkfordians to be proud of! It was a comprehensive and lengthy project that was managed in-house by our hard-working and skilled staff, in partnership with the Elkford Women’s Task Force Society. Though this project required significant staff time, we couldn’t be prouder of the results! I invite you to join in expressing gratitude to everyone who had a hand in the creation of this facility that will benefit Elkford well into the future.
2023 also saw continuing efforts to secure stable healthcare and health services in town—which your council continues to advocate strongly for.
The Fire Department has worked hard on a number of community engagement activities and events, all of which have seen huge success (even if they didn’t get to drop the mayor off the ladder with the pumpkins at the Halloween Pumpkin Smash event). Recruitment efforts for new members are ongoing—call the Fire Department to learn more and get involved.
Operating and service agreements with various non-profit groups—Wapiti Ski Club, Mountain Meadows Golf Club and the Elkford Trails Alliance, to name a few—continue to move forward, all toward the sustainability of recreational services in our community through partnerships with dedicated volunteer groups.
Advocacy toward economic development, diversification and housing was one of 2023’s focuses, which will continue into 2024. Some new ideas directions have been added to our toolbox to attract developers and entrepreneurs to town.
This year saw the completion of a major step of the evolving Asset Management Plan, as we have begun to implement improved maintenance and repair plans for the District’s facilities and infrastructure.
2024 will of course bring its challenges with it—employee vacancies, housing starts, construction in the downtown core, healthcare and massive cost increases and supply chain delays. Wildfires and smoke may be the topic of conversation next summer as they were last summer. Despite all of that, I stand confident that in the face of these things, Elkford will remain a secret gem for all of us who love being here to live, work and play.
Enjoy family and friends over the holiday and into the new year. Shovel your neighbour’s driveway, play safe, enjoy the time with your children and take time to smell the roses in 2024.