The new year brings a new mayor, in fact the city’s first female mayor, to Trail.
Related story here: New Trail mayor makes history
Related story here: Mayor Pasin announces new crime task force
It’s only been weeks since her swearing in, so 2019 really does mark Year One of a four-year term for Trail Mayor Lisa Pasin. The Trail Times (TT) asked Mayor Pasin what residents can expect over the next 12 months, beginning what is first on council’s list.
TT: Granted you are just a few months into the job, has there been an unexpected challenge – or lesson – at this point?
Pasin: The transition to mayor has been positive thanks in part to the support of our city staff and council. The city has continued to operate with business as usual through the transition of elected officials, and with that, maintains a high level of service provision to our citizens and our community.
TT:What is in store for the New Year? Meaning, what will be the first thing – or one of the first things – that council will tackle in 2019?
Pasin: The first order of business for council in the New Year will be to engage in a two-day Strategic Planning meeting on January 3 and 4. This meeting will clearly define the common goals and priorities that council and staff will work towards over the next four years.
TT: What are a few new projects/initiatives that Trail residents can look forward to in 2019?
Pasin: Two notable additions to council’s committee work include the initiation of the Community Safety Task Force and the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee. Terms of Reference for each of these committees will be finalized in early 2019, the committee members will then be assigned and work will begin to fulfill the mandate of the respective committees.
A notable project within the City of Trail is the $19 million expansion of the Emergency Department at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH). This government run and funded project will increase the size and capacity of the by the Emergency Department to the level necessary for our regional hospital. If the Phase 2 Ambulatory Care/Pharmacy expansion is approved by the government, city council will discuss endorsement of the second access road to KBRH.
TT:What do you see as the city’s biggest challenge (at this point) in the new year?
Pasin: As the City of Trail works toward infrastructure improvements, including road, sewer and sidewalk restoration and the demolition of the Union Hotel, and investment in our community continues through initiatives such as construction at KBRH and the Crown Point Hotel, we ask for citizen’s patience as the city and other investors work to strengthen our city through development. The construction may cause inconvenience when considering your normal route of travel and we ask that we all reflect on the fact that disruption is often required for improvement to occur. We are thankful to all who choose to invest in the City of Trail.
TT: Are there any projects carrying over from the previous council that need wrapping up?
Pasin: The Trail Sk8 Park will be officially opened in the New Year and further landscaping around the site will be completed in 2019. Council looks forward to the official completion of this project.
Phase 1 remediation of the Union Hotel was completed in 2018. Demolition will be completed in 2019 and the city will look to offer the property for development. The demolition of the Union Hotel will change the landscape of downtown Trail due to the removal of long standing structure on our main corridor.
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