It’s almost 2018 Barrhead.
What sorts of resolutions have you made? Do you think you will be able to live up to them? What makes these ones different than last year?
Those are some of the questions I have contemplated over the break, as I are sure many of our readers did as well.
But because this is also the Year-In-Review issue, I thought it might be best to direct your attention to some of the positives.
While it took quite a long time to come to fruition, the community once again has a pool.
The Barrhead Regional Aquatics Centre might not have been the structure that everyone wanted but it meets the needs of the community, and, let’s face it, it is a welcome addition and one the majority are pleased with.
In addition, the lengthy and sometimes heated arguments aside, two agreements were signed between the Town of Barrhead and the County of Barrhead that will serve as a benchmark for other communities.
The Barrhead Regional Fire Services agreement contains all the tools necessary for the two municipalities to forge other service-related agreements.
While I believe it would have been nice to have it come about in a different way, the Municipal Affairs-mandated and arbitrated recreational agreement is considered by both municipalities to be a win-win.
In my opinion, it was long overdue.
From a community standpoint, it is nice to hear post-election councillors speak about burying the hatchet and moving forward constructively, on mutually-beneficial matters.
That being said, let’s not forget Canada’s 150th celebrations, Barrhead’s own 90th anniversary and, of course, the Barrhead Leader’s 90th as well.
These are all big milestones.
Kudos to the community for getting this far.
As we head into 2018, the future looks brighter.
Businesses like Champion Feeds may have left and others, like Movie World, may well have closed their doors, but let’s not forget the adage of one door closing and another opening.
We are Albertans.
We persevere when others tuck-and-run.
The county is fishing for a new industry at Kiel and they aren’t the only ones.
Opportunity is just around the corner.
All we have to do is reach for it.
Here’s to you and yours Barrhead, I hope 2018 exceeds your expectations.
