During their regular meeting Dec. 10, Sylvan Lake councillors:
• agreed to respond to a request from MP Earl Dreeshen by writing a letter supporting the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union.
“At this crucial time, it is important to show Canadians that we are all working together to ensure this agreement’s successful conclusion,” wrote Dreeshen to Mayor Susan Samson.
“To that end, we are hoping you will provide a supportive, on-the-record quote to be used in some of the government’s CETA communications materials going forward. Such support will send a strong signal that key business and industry leaders across the country are committed to the agreement’s success.
“It will go a long way if you, on behalf of the Town of Sylvan Lake, will voice your support for this agreement and speak to the benefits CETA will bring to companies like your own.”
Dreeshen also provided examples of supportive quotes to assist the town in its response.
• directed administration to proceed with an application to the Medically A-Risk Driver (MARD) Centre Alternate Transportation Services for Seniors - Alberta Rural Pilot Project to develop and implement a sustainable model of alternate transportation for seniors and people with mobility issues and if successful provide $75,000 in matching funds from the town’s 2012 operating contingency.
There is a need for an alternate transportation service, according to a group that met Dec. 2. It included representatives from Alberta Health Services – Support for Seniors, Sylvan Lake Seniors Lodge, Bethany Sylvan Lake, Red Arrow and Red Deer Catholic Schools. Chinooks Edge School Division and the Seniors Bus Association were invited but unable to attend the meeting.
“Priorities for alternate transportation service include school age children with mobility issues and seniors living in Sylvan Lake and the immediate surrounding communities to attend appointments in Sylvan Lake and Red Deer, according to the report by Marlene Curtis, director of community and social development.
• agreed to encourage citizens who may be interested, to apply to sit on the Regional Assessment Review Board administered by the City of Red Deer. The board hears appeals from taxpayers in various municipalities including Sylvan Lake. Terms of five board members are expiring and those interested in the positions must apply before Jan. 11.
• appointed Bunny Virtue to Sylvan Lake Centennial Celebrations Task Force as a representative of Sylvan Lake and District Archives Society in place of Jean Bridge who is unable to attend regular meetings.
• appointed Mayor Susan Samson as an alternate member of Sylvan Lake Library Board.