There are many reasons to reflect positively on the past year.
Sundre's Mayor Terry Leslie recently spoke with the Round Up about some of the highlights in 2015.
"Probably one of the most important things to taxpayers, in 2015, there was a reduction in the projected tax increase,î said Leslie.
Council had originally anticipated a 3.9 per cent increase in the tax rate, but was able to reduce it to 3.1 per cent thanks to a budget surplus from 2014.
"Council's really aware of what's going on in the economy. We have to make sure we do what we can to protect taxpayers ó taxes are important to people,î he said.
For ratepayers, taxation is among the most important issues, if not the most important, he said.
Another highlight from the past year was the successful, and highly anticipated, completion of 10th Street SW. A nearly $1.5-million project that was originally scheduled over a roughly four year period was done in six weeks, the mayor said.
"And that's with cooperation from the County of Mountain View, because there's a contribution from them for the paving side of that project of $378,000,î he said.
That teamwork ties into another goal council had set after the last election ó to improve communication and collaboration between the town and county councils, he said.
"We spent significant time trying to do that,î he said.
The county's contribution to the 10th Street SW project, as well as others, is significant, he said.
"That's because, from both municipalities, there is a genuine desire to improve regional collaboration for all of us. When we're working together, we both benefit much, much more than if we're not working together,î he said.
Among other notable achievements were the relocation of the recycling depot and the demolishing of the former county shop, which will pave the way to improve that part of the downtown core, he said.
Steps have also been taken towards making a reality the proposed changes to Highway 27 coming through town, or Main Avenue. There has been a substantial effort from Alberta Transportation over the past year to look at increasing safety on that road, he said. That project is ongoing.
Other positive developments include issues with the Mountain View Regional Waste Management Commission being ironed out, the successful completion of the Red Deer River bridge protection project orchestrated by Alberta Transportation, and an additional $1 million spent on two infrastructure projects to improve underground servicing for water and wastewater near the Sundre hospital and Greenwood Park, he said.
"That's the behind the scenes grunt work so that when you flush the toilet, it works,î the mayor said with a laugh.
The Sundre Bike and Ski Club's ongoing efforts to create the new Beta Loop natural trail at Snake Hill is another highlight of the past year and a prime example of volunteer work in action.
"That's huge too, they worked with council,î said the mayor, adding those volunteers embody the pioneer spirit and attitude that says, 'We live here and want to contribute.'
That same spirit has helped ensure the continued operation of the Sundre Aquaplex, which has "great public support."
Council approved in 2015 an additional $76,000 contribution on top of the funding it already provides the Sundre and District Aquatic Society to assist the volunteer board that runs the indoor pool and fitness facility with having done a safety and financial review to help the society get back on track. The aquatic society is an amazing group of volunteers, and council was proud to offer its support, he said.
Another success story from the past year is the continued effort to replace and upgrade local playgrounds. The anticipated cost of the project, which over four years will see two playgrounds renovated for a total of eight, was about $50,000 per park. Work started last year and continued this summer, leaving four parks improved and safer for children.
Thanks to volunteer and business contributions, there has been thousands of dollars in savings on the playground project, the mayor said.
"This is an incredible community,î he said.
"I'm really proud of the way people step up, and that's just another example of businesses and volunteers who come forward and say, 'We can do this. We're committed to the community',î he said.
Any funds saved thanks to the efforts of volunteers and contributions of businesses represent a cost savings to taxpayers that can in turn be used on other projects, he said.
"We get more done because volunteers decide they want to contribute to their community,î he said.
The municipality only has so much funding available and doesn't have enough to be able to afford to do everything on its own. That's the nice thing about volunteer support, is that people and businesses come together to improve the community for generations to come, he said.
Council might spend time developing certain projects and considering plans for the future, such as beginning to lay down the ground work to improve the wastewater treatment facility, but the town's staff and volunteers in the community do the bulk of the work, he said.
"We, as a community, also set a tone and a model for the future. That is to contribute and assist and help rather than expect someone else to do the work. That's what we want for our kids,î he said.
