Leduc City administration presented to city council the annual report for 2014 on the Monday, July 13 council meeting. The report revolved around the six goals that the city has identified as the strategic goals for the next four years.
Goal one is the city’s character as a community. In 2014 the following accomplishments were made: A pilot program for the Leduc Farmer’s Market was initiated. The successful bid for the 2016 Alberta Summer Games was obtained. The North Telford Recreation Lands concept was completed and adopted. Phase 2 of the Downtown Storefront Improvement Program has moved forward. The installation of the Grimma Rock as a public art feature at the Stone Barn Garden was completed. A successful open house for the Leduc Wayfinding Strategy was held.
Current challenges include finding a home for the Leduc Farmers’ Market that has all the features that will allow for the growth of the popular market. Finding flex space that will meet the needs identified in the Downtown Master Plan. The report gave credit to the Lions Club for their work in the development of an outdoor-boarded rink located at the Aileen Falher Park.
Goal two is community wellness and a number of accomplishments were noted including the success of the Environmental Plan Phase 1, the Rock the Rails festival, the Positive Ticketing Program, the signing of a five year contract with Alberta Health Services for ambulance and fire response, participation in a number of safety and recreation programs, and the community awards including the Good Neighbours Award. Future projects include construct of a new playground in Simpson Park, upgrades of Alexandra Park and the new spray park, completion of a the new West End Fire Hall scheduled for late fall in 2015.
Goal three revolved around transportation and keyed on the Leduc transit service, the initiation of a functional study for an interchange at the Highway 2 and 65th Avenue junction, and the realignment of Confusion Corner.
The fourth goal centers on economic development. The city participates in an Aerotropolis Viability Study with the airport and the county and is also in a number of joint economic development opportunities with the Chamber of Commerce and the Leduc/Nisku Economic Development Association. The city also worked with five landowners dealing with the land the city annexed from the county to develop a West Area Structure Plan for the four quarter sections added to Leduc City.
Goal five addresses regional partnerships and governance. Though there were a number of successes with the county and the airport and input with the Capital Regional Board, however the biggest challenge will be the proposed annexation request from the City of Edmonton. How this is finalized will impact Leduc’s ability to meet the needs of its residents.
The final goal is fiscal sustainability. In 2014 the Long-term Financial Sustainability Plan was approved and the city continues to offer competitive tax advantages and other incentives for attracting new residents and businesses to Leduc.
The balance of the report provides facts and stats regarding the city’s growth and development and information of where resident tax dollars go. The report is available online at: http://www.leduc.ca/City_Government/Governance/2014_Annual_Report.htm