As 2024 comes to a close, Rocky Mountain House Acting Mayor Len Phillips reflected on a year of significant change, growth, and a focus on governing for the future in Rocky Mountain House. The town has seen notable progress across several fronts, he says, from economic development to infrastructure improvements, while also navigating challenges that will shape the year ahead.
Phillips says one of the biggest achievements this year has been in economic development. The town introduced new incentives aimed at non-residential building and land development, which have been expanded to cover the entire town, not just the downtown core. Additionally, at the end of the year, Rocky Mountain House was designated as a Rural Renewal Stream Community, which he says opens the door for attracting more workers to the area.
These efforts have already borne fruit, he notes, with building permits rising over 2023, signaling a strong start to 2025.
Other milestones include the ongoing construction of a $30 million wastewater treatment plant, which is expected to be in operation by the fall of 2025. The establishment of a Community Events Committee in the summer, which Phillips says brought fresh energy to the community, hosting two successful events with plans for more in 2025.
The town’s financial health was recognized when it received the Government Finance Officers award for the fourth year in a row. The award recognizes excellence in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
However, the year also came with its challenges. A key change for council was the welcoming of Councillor Ken Moesker, while also bidding farewell to Mayor Debbie Baich. Phillips acknowledged the natural difficulty in adjusting to new council members, but praised council for rising to the occasion and continuing to work effectively.
A particular initiative that has faced some setbacks is the Ambassador Program. Although launched with enthusiasm earlier in the year, the program has yet to gain significant traction. While not considering it a failure per se, Phillips noted the town still seeks volunteers to help bring the program to life in 2025.
Looking ahead, several issues remain on council’s radar, says Phillips. Those include the town’s commitment to continued advocacy for improved services in areas such as hospice care, homelessness, and healthcare, particularly in relation to emergency department closures and surgical program challenges. Council is also focused on planning for future development, including designs for a new civic building, recreational centre expansion, and grant opportunities to support these initiatives.
Phillips also mentions the importance of working with higher levels of government, and have shovel-ready projects ready to go should provincial or federal grant money become available.
Utility rates are another concern, with changes expected in April 2025 due to new legislation. While there is anticipated savings from the EPR legislation, the new wastewater treatment plant will require increased staffing and funding to operate. Phillips assured residents that council is prepared to meet these challenges head-on.
As Rocky Mountain House enters 2025, Phillips emphasized council’s commitment to serving residents according to the five pillars of sustainable communities: social, environmental, economic, cultural, and governance.
Phillips adds, the town will continue striving to improve and create a community where all residents can thrive. With a positive outlook for the future, Phillips wished everyone a joyful and healthy holiday season as they look forward to the year ahead.
—
READ MORE
- Debbie Baich resigns as mayor of Rocky Mountain House
- Rocky Mountain House councillors describe negativity, lack of professionalism at meetings
- Mayor Debbie Baich sanctioned by town council
- Council adopts ‘five pillars’ of 2024-2026 Strategic Plan
- Rocky Mountain House approves 2025 operating and capital budget including 2 per cent tax increase
- Grassroots organization sounds alarm about Rocky Hospital, AHS policies
- AHS, physicians group commits to long-term success of Rocky surgical program
- New Rocky Mountain House councillor officially sworn in
- Rocky Mountain House approved for Rural Renewal Stream project
- New, higher utility rates for Rocky residents coming April 1
- Town commits resources to winter warming shelter
- Rocky town council passes new tax incentive bylaw
- Rocky Mountain House town council pressures province to fix emergency department issues
- Alberta Day celebrations planned for Aug. 31 in Rocky Mountain House
- Paving work complete along 44A Street, more to come
- Town of Rocky Mountain House opts in to provincially-mandated waste collection guideline
- Town receives financial award
- Rocky Mountain House approves bylaw to make recreation facilities more accessible for families in need
- Town of Rocky Mountain House 2023 financial report: highlights
—
Comments