Looking back on the past year, Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam says 2024 was a year of growth and progress for the City of Wetaskiwin.
"I'm looking forward to 2025 and continuing to see growth in our community and community engagement," said Gandam in an interview.
A significant accomplishment of 2024 was securing a second provincial grants to upgrade the Wetaskiwin Wastewater Treatment Plant. A grant for $4 million was received in 2023 and the city was allotted another $21.9 million in 2024. The large grant enabled Peace Hills Utilities Inc. to lower wastewater fees for rate payers by five per cent.
The city is also beginning to see a commercial revitalization of the south end, with businesses returning after buildings have been left vacant for the past 20 years, Gandam said.
Over 2024, city council held seven coffee with council events at various local businesses and will continue those in 2025, he said.
The city was pleased to announce recently that it had secured grant funding for four of 10 RCMP positions until March 2025, and is working with the government to receive funding for the remaining six positions.
In 2024, the City of Wetaskiwin rolled out its curbside organics and compost program, which so far has been well received, he said.
The Wetaskiwin Airport also hit a milestone in 2024, celebrating its 50th anniversary, Gandam noted.
Looking ahead, 2025 is a municipal election year. Come October, voters will be heading to the polls to decide the next city council and mayor.
Gandam said there is much he wants to accomplish but it's too early to say if he will be seeking re-election.Gandam has served three terms on city council and two terms as mayor.
For now, he's focused on the tasks before him, he said.
One area he believes the city needs to focus on moving forward is residential development.
"I'm hoping to attract some residential developers here," he said, adding the city has already been working with some developers.
"I think that will be a focus for this year."
When the 2025 budget is approved, part of it is to include a new incentive for home builders. Once approved, a policy for that incentive will be developed, he said.
Residents may be pleased to hear a community group spearheading the fundraising and installation of a new spray park are moving forward with the project. According to Gandam, the group is hoping to start construction this year.
The project, which will be completed in phases, is to include a splash park, an accessible playground, washrooms and a picnic gathering area.
The city donated the land for the project. Estimated initially at $1.3 million, the total cost will depend on the size of the splash park which hasn't been finalized, Gandam explained.
The Wetaskiwin and District Health Foundation has raised $1.7 million to revamp the emergency department at the hospital, and hopefully constructed will be completed within the next 11 months, he said.
Another priority is continuing to work with provincial ministries to improve community safety, said Gandam.
The city has been collaborating with the ministers of justice, mental health and addictions, as well as others to address the "high social needs within the city."
A positive development has been the appointment of a new judge for the area, which will help alleviate court case loads, said Gandam.
