As we all enjoy the wonderful spring weather, outdoor recreational activities and the budding of new foliage and flowers, we, Trail Mayor and Council have much positive news to share regarding the development and growth of our communities and our citizens.
Our communities enjoyed a wonderful weekend of spectacular sunshine and friendship during the Silver City Days celebration. We extend our thanks to the Trail Festival Society, and the Trail Firefighters for organizing the parade and the beautiful fireworks display. The Colombo Lodge hosted their famous Spaghettata Dinner on the Friday and their Bocce Tournament was filled to capacity. Six elected representatives formed three bocce teams (Mayors Martin and Moore; Mayor Danchuk and Councillor Langman; and Mayor Pahl and Councillor Weber) and joined many other community members in a great event.
Timberlyn Miles, Gina Oostlander and Serena Deadmarsh were crowned as the 2015 Miss Trail Ambassadors at the Coronation on Saturday, May 9, 2015. We wish these wonderful ambassadors continued success as they embark upon their year-long journey travelling all across our province promoting our community. We also said goodbye to our three departing royals from 2014 – Queen Ella Meyer, Princess Samantha Theobald and Miss Congeniality Vivian Huang. Thank you ladies for a job well done and we wish you all the best.
For over 50 years, the Miss Trail and then the Trail Ambassador Programme have offered young women from the Greater Trail Area the opportunity to learn about the history of our communities and develop public speaking and life skills that will help them greatly in their future endeavours. This incredible program would not be possible without the generous support of the citizens of Trail and the many sponsors, trainers and volunteers that work so hard each year to make this program a success, including our two tireless program coordinators Bev Benson & Michelle Epp who guide the candidates through a rigorous eight-month training program. For any aspiring future candidates who may be interested in participating in the program, please contactMichelle Epp at 250-367-6636 or eppm@telus.net for more information.
incrEDIBLE trail has undertaken a community garden project on Rossland Avenue which has already surpassed their expectations. The initial plan was to locate eight large planters on the Rossland Avenue site. To date, the donations received will cover the cost of sixteen planters. Twelve of these will be located at the Rossland Avenue site and the remaining four at a location yet to be announced.
After many months of having the 7-Eleven shut down along with a temporary trailer providing access to fuel service, redevelopment of the Chevron station will be commencing at the end of May. The new owners, Parkland Fuel Corporation, will be replacing the underground fuel tanks and then commencing with interior renovations to the convenience store converting it into a Town Pantry. The gas station will be closed for the duration of the project. It is anticipated that fuel sales will cease in early June, with the station reopening approximately July 16th.
The details of the Pipeline/Pedestrian Bridge are being finalized and the more detailed cost estimate remains very close to the budget target of $9.816 million. Tender documents are now being completed and a call for proposals will be issued by June 1st with a closing date of June 30th. There has already been considerable interest in the project from a number of contractors and it is anticipated that that project will be awarded by the middle of July with construction starting on September 1, 2015.
Recreation agreement discussions with a number of our neighbours are positively progressing. As recently announced, the City is very pleased that a 5.5 year recreation and library services agreement has been reached with the Village of Warfield. In addition, we have participated in detailed discussions with Electoral Area B and the Beaver Valley. In anticipation of commencing discussions with the City of Rossland, we are undertaking the necessary background work consistent with our approach in having an agreement which is fair and equitable while recognizing the specific needs and assets of each community.
Council will continue to focus on various strategic priorities over the next few months as part of continuing to move the community forward. It is hoped that progress will be made on a number of key initiatives based on the structured work plan that has been put in place. Further information will be provided when key milestones are achieved or when new opportunities are identified and developed.
Trail Mayor & Council
Community Comment is an opportunity for elected officials from our local municipalities to update citizens in the region on the events, plans and progress in their respective communities. Every Friday, the Trail Times will present, on a rotating basis, a submission from councils, school trustees or regional district directors.
