This is my favourite time of year. The days are getting longer, ice is moving off the lakes and the sun is getting warmer. Mother Nature is waking up after a long winter’s sleep with renewed energy and excitement.

Council is also moving forward with a sense of excitement, hoping that this year will bring new opportunities and open doors to renew us as a community.

Council is pleased to announce that we awarded the contract for the Business/Economic Development Liaison to Diana Brooks of Radium Hot Springs and Chris Fields of Okotoks, Alberta. Diana has an extensive background in economic development. Last year, she retired from her position as regional manager for the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skilled Training.

This position allowed her to travel the region extensively and learn its economic makeup. Council has worked with her in this capacity in the past and we are excited to have her on our team for the next year. Diana will be concentrating on working with the existing businesses in the Village of Canal Flats as well as developing a strategy to attract new business.

Chris Fields has a strong marketing background and has worked with Radium Hot Springs and Elkford on their recent rebranding projects. His main focus will be on community engagement. Please keep a close eye on the village’s newsletter (visit https://canalflats.civicweb.net/filepro/documents) for upcoming surveys and open houses.

Your input will be invaluable to this process.

The Tilley Memorial Master Plan is in full swing. Council would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the survey.  We will be presenting the results as well as conceptual plans in a public open house on Wednesday, April 6th.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Easter holiday. Enjoy the warmer weather, friends and family!

Ute Juras is the mayor of Canal Flats and can be reached at 250-489-9070 or by

email at ujuras@gmail.com.