In his address he
spoke of his personal objective of ensuring that all citizens of Cranbrook feel
valued, listened to and welcome at City Hall and how he has done his best to
make that happen through different opportunities to share concerns, attending
special events and responding to residents concerns. Mayor Stetski also listed actions, which have been taken over the
last nine months including a focus on youth, culture and arts and work for
improvements for the disabled and seniors.
In speaking of the
Cranbrook’s economy he noted in 2011, 1318 business licences were issued. In 2012 in the first 8 months, 1432 licences
have been issued.
Building permits – the
total value of construction permits up to the end of August was $24,117,039,31,
which is a 33% increase over 2011.
While some of that was due to storm damage, new industrial development
is at $3,281,699, which is 3.5 times as much as in 2011.
Passenger use at the
airport is up 6% over last year to date.
Mayor Stetski stated
he is very much looking forward to receiving the report he requested from the
Chamber of Commerce that will help Council better understand the barriers and
challenges that business face in the city.
Three large potential projects
on the horizon were listed as the new intensive care unit for the hospital, a
new homeless shelter and the replacement of Mount Baker School as well as
potentially key City Theatre.
Mayor Stetski told the
audience that in the spring of this year he volunteered Cranbrook to be one of
seven communities working with the Province on a Pilot project to try to break
the poverty cycles for families and children.
He concluded his
speech by listing some of the challenges identified by Council and staff. These included improving infrastructure
while funding or improving the needs of other sectors of the community that
need help, improving infrastructure while trying to minimize taxes, planning
for a replacement of Key City Theatre and establishing a permanent home for the
Arts in Cranbrook and implementing a long term vision for the Railway Museum as
well as creating a strong business environment to encourage new business opportunities.
Mayor Stetski’s complete
address can be read at:
Could this article reflect all the comments made by Mayor Stetski, including his comment regarding the City of Cranbrook's role in economic development.
ReplyDeleteIt would also be good to see a break down of how the new industrial/commercial building permits breakdown with repspect to new businesses locating to Cranbrook.
The link to the entire address is given at the bottom of the article.
ReplyDelete