Proper, ongoing maintenance of our roadways and city infrastructure is an absolute must, in my mind. A monumental task, yet one the city administration and economic development remains deeply committed to, is continuing to attract more desirable industry and manufacturing facilities. The other issue at present revolves around the tentative new recreation facility. I'm comfortable with the process we have in place to determine what's best for our city while remaining fiscally responsible. I would address these matters by working hard to utilize the talents and abilities of all nine members of Council and by encouraging as much as possible their performance as a team, operating by consensus and not fractionalized.
Healing is required here and now.
In recent years, this city has become a magnet for people choosing to re-locate, for retailers who see opportunity for success in the community, for small manufacturers who have studied many other communities and ultimately decided on Camrose for their operations. By positioning Camrose as a regional centre, I see our controlled growth continuing in a very structured and positive manner. The rate of growth we've experienced in the last couple of years has been extraordinary, but being realistic, this won't likely continue. I suspect a moderation in the rate of growth will occur, but I do feel growth will continue. We'll probably have a population of about 18,000 in five years and 25,000 in ten years.