It is hard to believe that fall is almost here, but the days are getting shorter and the combines are in the fields. Once again, the county is heading into the busy fall; but first, I would like to celebrate the fantastic summer we had here in the County of Wetaskiwin. It was great to see our community come to life with many events and activities. It was a pleasure to attend parades, and community BBQs and to celebrate our local businesses. Thank you to the many volunteers who work hard to make the county a great place to call home.
This summer, our Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Rod Hawken announced he would be retiring at the end of the year. Council would like to thank Rod for his over 22 years of service to the county and for the leadership and support he has provided our community. His announcement kickstarted an extensive search for a new CAO. I am pleased to announce that council has found an excellent candidate and it is my pleasure to introduce Scott MacDougall as our new CAO. Mr. MacDougall has extensive experience in both local government and the private sector. He is an active community member and enjoys spending time with his family at their cottage at Pigeon Lake. Join us in welcoming Scott to the County of Wetaskiwin.
Looking forward to the fall, I would also like to announce the start of our Land Use Bylaw review. Recognizing the evolving needs of our residents, businesses, and the environment, the County of Wetaskiwin has embarked on a project to revamp our existing Land Use Bylaw. This comprehensive review and update is a crucial step towards ensuring a more efficient, sustainable, and vibrant future for our community. Please watch the county’s website and Facebook page for upcoming community engagements this fall. It is critical that we hear from community members, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure the new Land Use Bylaw reflects the aspirations and priorities of the people it serves.