Council Notes
Town of Wembley Council Notes
As a council we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with a reflection of the past four years and the tasks we have undertaken on your behalf.
We have worked hard to renew old relationships and initiate new ones. We have continued to have representation on the Community Futures (formerly SMEDA) board and through their support, the Economic Development board produced a Wembley brochure. The town was also able to purchase presentation equipment and develop a new Wembley logo. This in turn resulted in new letterhead and promotional materials. As well, with the support of Community Futures, we have a website and permanent address (wembley.ca) and Economic Development training was provided to interested community and council members. The Town of Wembley has representation on the Tourism board and through them have been able to produce promotional postcards and space in the Northern Visitors Guide which is distributed across Alberta. The town also has representation on the Pipestone Dinosaur Park board as we feel this project will have a great impact on the Town of Wembley.
We have ongoing contact and partnerships with surrounding municipalities as well as both the County of Grande Prairie and the City of Grande Prairie. The Town of Wembley is a member of the South Peace Regional Water Supply Region which was formed to create a long-term vision for a regional potable water system. A feasibility study was conducted to determine a sustainable water supply that is both economically and operationally viable with the ability to service the region now and into the future. The Town of Wembley is also a participating partner in the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Plan and the Grande Prairie Regional Partnership Emergency Services Option Plan. The Service Option Plan's objective is to review and evaluate the effectiveness of current service delivery and identify cost-effective alternative service delivery options.
The Council has sponsored four "Family Day" events, a "What's New in Wembley" event and have provided municipal support for the Biker Build Off in 2006 and the Skateboard Park. We continue to support the Wembley Agricultural Society and have two council representatives on the Rec Plex Building Committee. The upgrade to the tennis courts has been completed making them a multi-use area by installing two basketball hoops. We have installed additional playground equipment at Sunset Lake Park and are planning to fence and add new playground equipment at Duckie Park in 2009. A design for walkways from the Communities In Bloom Park to the Skateboard Park has been completed and will be constructed in 2009. Reconstructing and paving 101 Avenue which connects to the County of Grande Prairie's "Pipestone Road" was completed in 2008.
We are continuing our efforts in addressing our water and sewer infrastructure as well as upgrading our Public Works equipment base in the form of a new grader and safety equipment. We have also upgraded the Council Chambers and Town Office with paint, carpet and some new furnishing. Policy wise, we have updated and strengthened several Town Policies and By-laws.
The Council annexed land up to the highway and has worked in cooperation with residential, commercial and industrial developers to provide zoning and development structures for Wembley.
As a Council, we look back on the past four years and feel a certain amount of satisfaction but know that there is still a lot to do. If you have any comments or ideas, please feel free to contact the Town Office.