COMMUNITY REPORT 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 04
MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER 05
2015-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN 06
YEAR OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION 08
CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEY 09
COMMUNITY SERVICES 10
CORPORATE SERVICES 20
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 26
ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 30
PROTECTIVE SERVICES 36
BUDGET 2015 40
COMMUNITY REPORT / 03 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
ON BEHALF OF COUNCIL, I AM PLEASED TO PRESENT THE 2014 CITY OF WETASKIWIN COMMUNITY REPORT.
2014 was an eventful year for the City of Wetaskiwin and is expected to be completed in Wetaskiwin: a citizen satisfaction survey was early 2016 – will do the same. More businesses conducted, Council developed the 2015-2018 mean more jobs, and less dependence on Strategic Plan, and we welcomed the Tour of residential property taxes to fund municipal Alberta as a “start” community. Perhaps the most operations. We’re excited at the prospect of exciting thing to occur this past year, however, increasing our industrial base and making was the opening of our brand-new, state-of- Wetaskiwin an even better place to live, work, the-art Recreation Facility – the Manluk Centre: play, and learn. Wetaskiwin Regional Aquatics and Fitness. I am proud to have been part of both the current I have always been proud to be from Wetaskiwin, Council - which had the honour of opening the and when I see all the good things that are facility - and the previous Council, who approved happening around our community my pride the funding and was involved with the project continues to grow. Yes, we have our challenges, from the very beginning. I am also profoundly and yes, there is room for improvement. But grateful to the County of Wetaskiwin, the when I think about all that we have to offer – Province of Alberta, and the many businesses excellent schools, a comprehensive trail system, and individuals that donated as part of the a world-class museum, the hospital and, most Capital Campaign for their generous support. importantly, the kind and caring people that live Without them, the Manluk Centre would not here, I cannot help but be grateful. There is no have been possible! place I would rather be.
The Manluk Centre will benefit current citizens, attract new families to our community, and positively affect future generations. We believe that the South East Industrial Park – which Bill Elliot will bring 45 acres of ‘shovel ready’ land to Mayor, City of Wetaskiwin
CITY OF WETASKIWIN MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
I am pleased to present the City of Wetaskiwin 2014 Community Report. The 2014 Community Report is an account of the activities undertaken by the City and its progress towards the strategic goals set by City Council. The report is structured around the activities of each of our five departments; Community Services, Corporate Services, Economic Development, Protective Services and Engineering and Development. In addition to accounting for the 2014 activities of the City, this report also provides information about the most recent Municipal Budget and provides a glimpse into what to expect in 2015 and beyond.
One of the more significant events that occurred from an Administrative perspective was the approval of the 2015-2018 Strategic Plan in August, 2014, which will serve as the guiding document for the next three years. With the 2015-2018 Strategic Plan, Council has set tangible, measurable goals in four key areas: community engagement, responsible asset management, economic growth, and organizational excellence. Specific outcomes have been set for each goal as well as the priority actions which City staff will work towards in the coming years. We look forward to carrying out the wishes of Council and building on our strong foundations in each of these four areas.
Our mission for the City of Wetaskiwin is to continue to display the characteristics of a progressive organization that celebrates community, provides excellent customer service, and builds a stronger, more sustainable future. The following pages reflect that commitment. Thank you for all that you do as a citizen of Wetaskiwin to make our community safe, strong, and proud.
Ted Gillespie City Manager, City of Wetaskiwin
COMMUNITY REPORT / 05 2015-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN
At the Council meeting on August 18, Wetaskiwin City Council approved the 2015-2018 Strategic Plan. The plan sets tangible, reachable goals for the City to strive towards over the next three years and lays out plans to get there. It will serve as the guiding document for City Council and Administration.
The 2015-2018 Strategic Plan contains a single Vision, one Mission, five coreValues , four Strategic Goals, twenty-one specificOutcomes and numerous Actions. The Strategic Plan was based on data obtained through the 2014 Citizen Satisfaction Survey, 2014 Employee Survey, and benchmarking of other municipalities For more detailed information and to view the plan, visit the City website at www.wetaskiwin.ca
CITY OF WETASKIWIN VISION The City of Wetaskiwin is a safe, strong and proud community.
MISSION The City of Wetaskiwin: a progressive organization celebrating community, providing excellent customer service; building our future.
VALUES Integrity, Respect, Sustainability, Excellence, Progressive.
GOALS A proud community of engaged citizens.
A sustainable community that responsibly manages its infrastructure, finances and environment.
A growing community that promotes economic development.
An organization dedicated to achieving excellence.
COMMUNITY REPORT / 07 YEAR OF TRUTH & RECONCILIATION
During the regular Council meeting on March 10, members of Wetaskiwin City Council approved the signing of a proclamation which Mayor Bill Elliot (pictured declared March 10, 2014 through March 9, 2015 as the Year of Truth and here) being inducted as Reconciliation in Wetaskiwin. an honorary witness by Truth and Reconciliation The proclamation states, in part: Commission members • Reconciliation involves acknowledging that Aboriginal peoples have Marie Wilson and Chief been subject to the residential schools system, Wilton Littlechild at a TRC event in Toronto. • Reconciliations between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal citizens of Wetaskiwin must be based on the principles of mutual recognition, respect and responsibility, • Wetaskiwin is home to a large indigenous population including residential school survivors and intergenerational family members who have been impacted by the history and legacy of the residential school system, • A priority of the City of Wetaskiwin has been to enhance and further develop the positive interaction, relationship, and understanding with Aboriginal people within the region.
CITY OF WETASKIWIN CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEY
The Citizen Satisfaction survey was conducted between January 23 – February 3, 2014 and involved getting statistically valid information HOW THE CITY OF WETASKIWIN from 400 randomly selected residents on City programs and services. We appreciate all who RATED IN TERMS OF... took time to answer the survey; your feedback THE QUALITY OF LIFE will be used to build off areas of strength and VERY GOOD GOOD NEUTRAL POOR VERY POOR REFUSE/DON’T KNOW identify areas for improvement. 14 57 21 7 1 0
THE QUALITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED WHAT IS THE MOST VERY GOOD GOOD NEUTRAL POOR VERY POOR REFUSE/DON’T KNOW IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING 12 53 25 9 1 0 THE CITY OF WETASKIWIN? THE EFFICIENCY OF SERVICES PROVIDED VERY GOOD GOOD NEUTRAL POOR VERY POOR REFUSE/DON’T KNOW 1. Attracting more businesses/stores/ 6 51 26 14 2 1 shopping/restaurants 2. Roads/infrastructure maintenance HOW WELL IT MANAGES THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMMUNITY 3. High taxes/property tax VERY GOOD GOOD NEUTRAL POOR VERY POOR REFUSE/DON’T KNOW 4. City Budget/debt/use of tax dollars 4 42 24 22 5 2
5. Snow/ice removal NOTE: NUMBERS ARE EXPRESSED AS A PERCENTAGE.
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR LEVEL OF AGREEMENT THAT...? I feel safe walking alone in my Overall, I consider my I feel safe walking alone in neighborhood during the day community a safe place to live my neighborhood after dark 91% 71% 58%
(percentage of respondents who indicated that they “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” with each statement)
COMMUNITY REPORT / 09 CITY OF WETASKIWIN COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services encompasses Recreation, Family & Community Support Services, and Marketing & Tourism. In each area, Community Services provides opportunities for citizens to access programs and services that help build a healthier, happier, and more resilient municipality.
LINKAGES TO THE 2015-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN • A proud community of engaged citizens
• An organization dedicated to achieving excellence
COMMUNITY REPORT / 11 CITY OF WETASKIWIN Manluk Centre GRAND OPENING
On September 13, 2014, The City of Wetaskiwin held the Grand Opening for the Manluk Centre: Wetaskiwin Regional Aquatic & Fitness. Over 1200 people came out on the beautiful fall day to celebrate the event.
THE MANLUK CENTRE FEATURES:
• 25-metre, six-lane Wetaskiwin Co-op competition pool • Wetaskiwin Credit Union lazy river • BoardRider surf system –one of a kind in Western Canada! • Supreme International waterslides • Moussa Group of Pools: a tot’s pool with spray features and a 3-lane leisure pool • Denham Ford whirlpool with space for 25 • Second floor Flaman fitness facility • Wetaskiwin Trans Comm Services main floor party room • Dyck Insurance Agency Ltd. main floor & lobby area • Wombold Family lifeguard / first aid room • Border Paving main floor administration area • Parkland Fertilizer community meeting room • de Goieij Family second floor multi-purpose room • Denham Hospitality’s dry viewing area (complete with wi-fi) • Wetaskiwin Trans Comm Service’s party room • SIRRS LLP steam room • Home Hardware patio and deck storage
COMMUNITY REPORT / 13 MANLUK CENTRE INDIVIDUAL DONORS
FOUNDER AMBASSADOR • Manluk Global Manufacturing Solutions • ATB Financial BENEVOLENCE ENTHUSIAST • Flaman Group of Companies • Bill & Arlene Elliot • Wetaskiwin Co-op Association Ltd. • Nexen • Moussa Group of Companies • Robert Krutzfeldt (In memory of Raymond Lee Krutzfeldt) PHILANTHROPIST • TD Canada Trust • Border Paving • Ted & Louise Gillespie • Denham Ford • Tyler Gandam • Denham Hospitality • Wetaskiwin Lions Club • Dyck Insurance • Home Hardware PARTNER • Wetaskiwin Trans Comm Services • Bert Horvey • Dean & Sonia Nelson VISIONARY • Development Initiatives Program Grant • Alberta Lottery Fund • Farm Credit Canada • The de Goeij Family • Magnum Mechanical • Mill Creek Group of Companies • Patricia & Keith MacQuarrie • Parkland Fertilizers • Rhonda & Corey Newman • Dr. Russell & Sharalee Crawford • The Myndio Family • Sirrs LLP • Wayne & Carol Neilson • Supreme International • Wetaskiwin Credit Union COMMUNITY BUILDER • Wombold Family Funeral Homes • Berron Builders • Denis Reist (in memory of Louise Reist) CHAMPION • Glenn Ruecker • ATCO Gas & ATCO Pipelines • Jay & Gaie Goin • Barb & Bruce Ganske • Joe Branco Doctors Eyecare Wetaskiwin • June & Clinton Boyda • Dr. Bruce Johnson & Dr. Lorrie Oliver • Kevin & Laura Lucas • Grant Thornton LLP • Vlad & Cathryn Brecka • John Maude & Susan Quinn Charitable Foundation FRIEND • Pattie Ganske • Al Steckler • Reno & Jeannine Gauthier • Barbara Lucas • Wetaskiwin Rotary Club • Berta Briggs • Wetaskiwin Elks • Bill & Pat Milnthorp • Brenda Shantz
CITY OF WETASKIWIN • Brian & Charlene Malmas • Dr. Leavert Johnson • Janice & Gordon O. Merrick • John & Esther Crabtree • Kinette Club of Wetaskiwin • Mac & Shirley French • Matthew, Cindy & Alison Brown • Peter & Deb Pullishy • Rob & Lisa Milnthorp • Rod & Dorothy French • Ross MacEachern • Roy Romaniuk • Sylvia Mahoney • Terry & Diane Duce • Val & Anna Fonteyne • Wetaskiwin & County Sports Hall of Fame • Wetaskiwin Masonic Lodge OTHER DONORS The City of Wetaskiwin also acknowledges • James J Fuss the generous support of: • Lisa & Trent Novotny • Millet Legion • Arthur & Sharon Shantz • Refresh Wellness Centre • Cees & Edla MacLaine-Pont • Subway Sandwiches & Salads • Clarence & Diana Claerhout • Surf Board Community Campaign • Community Spirit Donation Grant • Terry Van de Kraats Program 2012-13 • Wetaskiwin Evangelical Ministerial Association • Dan Monaghan • Debora Lentz * Note: There are an additional seventeen donors • Dorothy & Gerald Burghardt not listed, either because they chose to remain • Drain Tech Inc. • Ed Neiman anonymous or because they were unable to be • Gitta Proctor contacted prior to publication. • Grayson Paschke
The de Goeij Family is a Proud Producer of
COMMUNITY REPORT / 15 Ashoro Visit Wetaskiwin has been twinned with the Town of Ashoro, Japan since 1990. Our Sister City relationship currently includes an annual exchange between students from Wetaskiwin and Ashoro. The exchange provides a cross-cultural experience that explores the traditions, history, language and geography of both countries. In 2014, Ashoro came to us! In September, twenty-nine grade 10 students and their chaperones made the long trip across the ocean to visit Western Canada. Once they arrived in Wetaskiwin they met their host families – local residents who generously took in the students for the duration of their stay. What followed was a unique cultural exchange that enriched both the students and their homestays.
Thank you to the Wetaskiwin Ashoro Friendship Society and to the many volunteer and community groups that provided necessary assistance organizing and facilitating the Ashoro student visit.
CITY OF WETASKIWIN 2014 COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
FUNDS NAME OF ORGANIZATION PROJECT GRANTED
Boys & Girls Club of Wetaskiwin Out of School Care program $ 15,800.00
Community Learning Council of Wetaskiwin Encounters with Anger program $ 7,800.00
Wetaskiwin & District Victim Services Volunteer Training program $ 5,000.00
Wetaskiwin Allied Art & Craft Centre After School program $ 5,320.00
Wetaskiwin Senior Citizens Society Program supplies $ 3,000.00
Wetaskiwin Community Literacy Community outreach programs $ 2,000.00
TOTAL: $ 38,920.00
MANLUK TURF DONATION
Mayor Bill Elliot and CEO Frank Luebke of Manluk Global Manufacturing Solutions stand on the new field turf at the Drill Hall, which was generously donated by Manluk in the Spring of 2014. The turf – which closely matches the feel of grass - is able to be rolled in and out as needed for soccer matches and has thus far been well used. We look forward to enjoying it for years to come!
Note – thank you, also, to the 1993 Alberta Summer Games for their generous donation of the curtain (not pictured)
COMMUNITY REPORT / 17 Tour of Alberta The City of Wetaskiwin was honored to be selected as a “start” community for Stage Three of the 2014 Tour of Alberta! The race – which received a 2.1 rating, making it the highest level of competitive cycling ever seen in Canada – was broadcast regionally, nationally and internationally, and was viewed by millions of people in dozens of countries across the world. The 2014 Tour of Alberta began in Calgary on September 2 and ended in Edmonton on September 7. In between, on Friday, September 5, the Tour of Alberta came to Wetaskiwin.
The anticipation began to build early the morning of the 5th. Activities on the Eastlink Stage contributed to the carnival-like atmosphere of the event! A free pancake breakfast courtesy of ATB Financial started the day off right and caused an ever growing throng to converge along Main Street. At 10:30am the cyclists arrived and began interacting with fans and the large number of media that assembled. At 11:50am (after a loop around the community) the 120 cyclists set off for Edmonton Garrison to the cheers of the hundreds of people who came out to watch this unique event.
A special thank you to the Tour of Alberta sponsors, the volunteer organizing committee, and all those who provided entertainment for the event. You helped to create a memorable experience that won’t soon be forgotten!
NEWCOMERS GUIDE
CITY OF WETASKIWIN RCMP MUSICAL RIDE
On August 20, 2014 the citizens of Wetaskiwin got a thrill with the arrival of the RCMP Musical FACT! The Musical Ride was developed from Ride! The event packed the Wetaskiwin a desire by early members of the North-West Agriculture Grounds drawing about 2,000 Mounted Police to display their riding ability people, making it (in terms of sheer numbers) and entertain the local community. Considering one of the largest events, if not the largest, in that the original Mounted Police members had Wetaskiwin in 2014. a British military background, it was inevitable that the series of figures they performed were The musical ride is performed by a full troop traditional cavalry drill movements. These of 32 volunteer riders and horses plus the movements formed the basis of the Musical member in charge. All members are active Ride. Although legend has it that the first police officers. Most members are non-riders Musical Ride was performed as early as 1876, prior to their equestrian training with the RCMP; the first officially recorded Musical Ride was however, once they complete the courses of performed in Regina under Inspector William instruction, they not only become riders but George Matthews in 1887. ambassadors of goodwill.
In December, 2014, Family and Community Support Services (in conjunction with Communications) developed a Newcomers Guide designed to provide new arrivals with valuable information about the City of Wetaskiwin to help ease their transition into a new community. The Guide includes information and contact points for Emergency Services, Finding a place to live, Finding a job, Getting around, Shopping, Municipal Government, Health Services, Community Social Services, Settlement Services, Childcare Services and Programs, Education, Managing your Money, Getting involved in Wetaskiwin, and Celebrations.
For more information or to get a Newcomers Guide, please call 780-361-4425.
COMMUNITY REPORT / 19 CITY OF WETASKIWIN CORPORATE SERVICES
Corporate Services encompasses Legislative Services, Financial Services, Human Resources, the Wetaskiwin Public Library, Communications, and Information Technology Services. These departments carry out a variety of functions – many of which are largely invisible to most citizens – yet are essential in keeping the municipality running smoothly.
LINKAGES TO THE 2015-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN • A proud community of engaged citizens
• A sustainable community that responsibly manages its infrastructure, finances, and environment.
• An organization dedicated to achieving excellence
COMMUNITY REPORT / 21 CITY ARCHIVES
In 1978, City Council gave The City of Wetaskiwin Archives the mandate to collect and care for the documentary heritage of Wetaskiwin and surrounding areas. In the environmentally controlled and fire-safe vault, records from some of the earliest years of our City’s history are stored; we conserve, preserve and safeguard the past in order to make it available for the future.
In 2014, the Archives received 21 donations of records (over three lineal meters in total), processed ten lineal meters of archival records (now available in searches), had 118 visitors and received 153 research requests. Donations of photographs and paper based memorabilia from current and former members of the city and district are vital in attaining a complete history of Wetaskiwin. The Archivist, along with dedicated volunteers, is continually working to process these donated records, making them accessible to researchers and to preserve them for generations to come.
2014 WEBSITE FACTS
95,759 48,755 87 2:40 5.17
TOTAL UNIQUE # OF PEOPLE AVERAGE PAGES VISITS VISITORS FROM DIFFERENT VISIT/DURATION / VISIT COUNTRIES VISITING WEBSITE CITY OF WETASKIWIN Library 2014 STATISTICS
BY THE NUMBERS:
PRINT MATERIALS TOTAL NUMBER OF PROGRAM SESSIONS 28,697 320 LIBRARY NON-PRINT MATERIALS 6,868 ITEMS IN CIRCULATION HOURS
109,773 MONDAY 10:00AM-8:00PM TOTAL COLLECTION TUESDAY 10:00AM-8:00PM 35,649 OVERALL SATISFACTION (AVERAGE) WEDNESDAY 10:00AM-8:00PM ANNUAL IN PERSON THURSDAY 10:00-8:00PM VISITS/LIBRARY USERS 4.67/5 75,923 FRIDAY 10:00AM-5:00PM SATURDAY 10:00AM-5:00PM VISITS TO SUNDAY CLOSED LIBRARY WEBSITE 38,836
COMMUNITY REPORT / 23 CENSUS 2014 THE DATA
TOTAL NUMBER OF RESIDENCES
The City of Wetaskiwin Census ran from May 1 – June 30 2014. The 2014 Census was the 5895 first municipally performed Census since 2009 COMPLETED ADDRESSES and marked the first time that the City used an electronic system for gathering information directly from residents. 5812 TOTAL POPULATION ENUMERATED THREE QUESTIONS WERE ASKED: • Number of usual residents in the home • Gender of each resident 12,621 • Age range for each resident PERCENTAGE COMPLETE All data was submitted to the Province by the June 30 deadline, as required by legislation. 98.6
CITY OF WETASKIWIN CENSUS
COMPLETION DATA FEMALE MALE TOTAL COMPLETED 51% 49% 98.6% COMPLETED ONLINE BY RESIDENTS AGE RANGE NUMBER 28.2% 0-4 690
COMPLETED BY ENUMERATORS 5-9 708 10-14 684 63.9% 15-19 672 COMPLETED BY ADMINISTRATORS 20-24 575 6.5% 25-29 662 30-34 733 INCOMPLETE 35-39 711 1.4% 40-44 664 45-49 659 50-54 783 55-59 693 60-64 618 65-69 580 70-74 458 >75 1112 Prefer not to answer 1619
HISTORICAL POPULATION 2001 2006 2009 2014 11,154 11,689 12,525 12,621
COMMUNITY REPORT / 25 CITY OF WETASKIWIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development has two major areas of responsibility: Internal Economic Development • Facilitate the retention • Business Visitation and/or expansion of Program local business • BUY Wetaskiwin • Promote the Online Shopping revitalization of Guide & Business Main Street Directory External Economic Development • Residential sector: • Industrial sector: promote the develop programs to development of new attract new industry subdivisions • Wetaskiwin Regional • Retail sector: work Airport: assist with developers to “Skyport” marketing attract new retailers LINKAGES TO THE 2015-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN • A growing community that promotes economic development • An organization dedicated to achieving excellence
COMMUNITY REPORT / 27 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION
The year 2014 was busy for the Economic Development Department. There was significant growth in the number of new businesses in our community with 73 new companiesopening their doors. For one of the 25 new retail outlets, that being 7-Eleven, we noted that it took over four years to conclude the quest to bring this retailer to Wetaskiwin. In the commercial area we attracted 37 new businesses, mostly focused on the personal services area. The industrial sector saw 11 new companies, with TDC Rig Manufacturing being one of the two prominent companies who purchased land in the airport industrial area.
The marketing initiatives of the Economic Development Department were focused on three trade shows, the creation of a Wetaskiwin Business & Community Guide and participation in an Invest In Alberta global marketing publication.
While Wetaskiwin is not normally involved in film & television production, in 2014 we assisted and Edmonton-based feature film producer and a Calgary television production company with location scouting and obtaining filming approvals.
DID YOU KNOW? there are 667 businesses located in the City of Wetaskiwin? And that number is growing! By shopping local you keep your dollars here in the community; several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms, thus continuing to strengthen our economic base.
NUMBER OF NEW BUSINESSES THAT OPENED IN THE CITY OF WETASKIWIN 2012: 65 2013: 54 2014: 73
CITY OF WETASKIWIN South East INDUSTRIAL PARK
At the Council meeting on September 22 City Council formally announced the creation of the South East Industrial Park development, which will provide 45 acres of high quality, fully serviced industrial land It may not look to industrial users, particularly those who require medium to heavy like much now industrial zoning. This ‘shovel ready’ industrial land should be available for but in a couple development in late 2015. of years, the land The plan for the South East Industrial Park Development includes a above will be a mixture of industrial land uses – heavy industrial, light industrial, and hub of industrial direct control, with lot sizes determined based on the needs of the activity! customers. Lots will only be sold for development, not speculation.
“One of the biggest things that we heard in the 2013 Municipal Election was the need for more ‘shovel ready’ industrial land” said Mayor Bill Elliot. “With this decision we’re responding to that demand by moving forward and creating more serviced industrial land to promote economic growth, provide jobs, and lessen the property tax burden for ratepayers.”
COMMUNITY REPORT / 29 CITY OF WETASKIWIN ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Engineering & Development Services encompasses Engineering, Public Works, Utilities, Development Services, and the Wetaskiwin Regional Airport. We provide essential services to the community including turf maintenance, snow and ice removal, garbage collection, transportation planning and public amenities, water testing and distribution, project design and construction for all sewer, water, roads, and parks, and ensure that design and safety standards are met by any third party hired to do City infrastructure work.
LINKAGES TO THE 2015-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN • A sustainable community that responsibly manages its infrastructure, finances, and environment
• An organization dedicated to achieving excellence
COMMUNITY REPORT / 31 2014 RECYCLING NUMBERS (IN TONNES)
MIXED WASTE NEWSPAPER CARDBOARD OFFICE PAPER 114.2 178.1 270.3 28.2
GLASS TIN CANS MIXED PLASTICS E-WASTE 19.8 6.4 34.5 42.5
PERCENTAGE OF WASTE DIVERTED: 52%
CITY OF WETASKIWIN SNOW CLEARING INFORMATION
Public Works is comprised of several departments that work together to ensure the residents of Wetaskiwin benefit from a high standard of living. The collaborative efforts of our Public Works team deliver key services to the public, including water distribution, wastewater collection, garbage collection, transportation planning and public amenities.
CUBIC METERS CUBIC METERS OF SNOW REMOVED OF SALT USED SNOW REMOVAL INFORMATION 51,000 160 2014-2015 SEASON FACT: IN WINTER 2014 PUBLIC WORKS REMOVED ENOUGH SNOW TO FILL OVER 20 OLYMPIC SIZED SWIMMING POOLS!
LOW FLOW TOILET 2014 BUILDING PERMIT SUMMARY REBATE PROGRAM
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONAL RESIDENTIAL NUMBER OF TOILETS REPLACED: $1,638,300 $4,500,000 $158,000 $12,633,864 131 CREDITS PLACED ON UTILITY ACCOUNTS ($): TOTAL: $18,993,164 6,500
COMMUNITY REPORT / 33 MAIN STREET WINS CAMA AWARD
In February, The City of Wetaskiwin received accessibility, while promoting a fun, business- national recognition for its Main Street friendly atmosphere in the downtown. Revitalization from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) when it The result is a bold and innovative re-design, was presented with the 2014 Willis Award for which has created a street that feels safe, Innovation in the under 20,000 population secure, and welcoming. It includes wider category during CAMA’s national conference in sidewalks, trees, planters, benches, signage, Niagara Falls, ON. targeted security lighting and LED Dark Sky compliant lighting. The street is more In 2010, when Wetaskiwin began the process accessible, has more efficient traffic flow and of rejuvenating its Main Street, Genivar (now is easily closed down for civic events. WSP) engineering was engaged to carry out conceptual design and detailed construction plan. Public and stakeholder consultation was carried out beginning in 2010 using the theme “Your Street – Your Design.” Municipal leaders were quick to see the vision of incorporating modern design principles to enhance pedestrian safety, security, environmental sustainability, and
CITY OF WETASKIWIN My Wetaskiwin BANNER CONTEST
In May, 2014 the City of Wetaskiwin sent out a call to local students inviting them to design banners for Main Street, with the winners in each category receiving the honour of having their banner displayed. In a little over a month we received over 670 entries! After the contest closed, a City committee was tasked with the (very!) difficult job of going through each entry and deciding which design would emerge as the winner. After this was completed the victors were notified (two from each category) and recognized during the July 2 Council meeting.
Thank you to everyone who submitted designs as part of the “My Wetaskiwin” banner contest – you made selecting the winners a difficult task! All of the submissions can be viewed online on the City of Wetaskiwin Instagram account.
Categories: Grades 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12
COMMUNITY REPORT / 35 CITY OF WETASKIWIN PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Protective Services encompasses the Fire Services, Bylaw Services, Emergency Management and Safety Services in tandem with the RCMP and Guardian Ambulance. We respond to both emergent and non-emergent requests for service from the residents of the City as well as from residents of the County.
LINKAGES TO THE 2015-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN • A sustainable community that responsibly manages its infrastructure, finances, and environment
• An organization dedicated to achieving excellence
COMMUNITY REPORT / 37 BYLAW INFORMATION The City of Wetaskiwin Community Peace 2014 CALLS Officers are both proactive and reactive in responding to public requests for service and Animal Control and 813 enforcement of Municipal Bylaws and select Animal Protection Act Provincial Statutes. Traffic Bylaw and Traffic Safety Act 630 Community Peace Officers are employees of (Abandoned vehicles, Parking offenses) the City who are sworn in by Alberta’s Solicitor City Bylaws 561 General and the Province of Alberta, giving (Nuisance, Public Safety) them legal peace officer status. They have the Assist Requests authority to enforce any city bylaw and specific 275 (Public, RCMP, Fire , City Department) provincial statutes. Their mandate is to focus on particular issues affecting the community. EMS Assist/RCMP/Other Assists 35 Two Community Peace Officers are currently Provincial Statutes (Environmental employed by the City of Wetaskiwin. 20 Protection Act, Smoking Reduction Act) Public Education Events 8
TOTAL CALLS 2342
HEALTH & SAFETY CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION AUDIT
A Health and Safety COR Audit was completed in Fall, 2014. Overall the City did very well; achieving a level of 91% - a 2% improvement over last year. A higher score is beneficial for a number of reasons- not least of which being that a higher score means lower insurance rates!
Here’s how we scored in the following areas:
Orientation & Training Organizational Commitment Emergency Response Planning 97% 92% 86% Hazard Control Incident Investigation Hazard ID & Assessment 97% 91% 85% Program Administration Formal Workplace Inspections
CITY OF WETASKIWIN 89% 83% 2014 FIRE CALLS
House Fires 14
Fire in other buildings 21 2013 Motor Vehicle Collisions 77 RURAL CALLS: 101 CITY CALLS: 207 Vehicle Fires 19 TOTAL: 308 Gas Leak/Chemical Clean Up 7
2012 EMS Assist/RCMP/Other Assists 35 RURAL CALLS: 74 CITY CALLS: 169 Mutual Aid 2 TOTAL: 243 Power Lines Down 5 2011 RURAL CALLS: 67 Misc. Calls/Fire Pit Complaints 22 CITY CALLS: 158 TOTAL: 225 Dumpster Fires 8 2010 Grass/Brush Fires 29 RURAL CALLS: 77 CITY CALLS: 171 Bale/Baler Fires 1 TOTAL: 248 Controlled Burns 9
2009 Alarm Ringing or False Alarms 127 RURAL CALLS: 112 CITY CALLS: 178 Total Calls 376 TOTAL: 290 Rural Calls 91
City Calls 285
COMMUNITY REPORT / 39 CITY OF WETASKIWIN BUDGET 2015
On January 12, 2015 Council unanimously approved the 2015 Municipal Operating and Capital Budget. The Budget calls for more investment in Communications, Economic Development, and Marketing/Tourism to showcase our community to citizens, prospective businesses, and residents. It also calls for a 2.5% dedicated infrastructure charge to address the backlog of roads and sidewalks in need of maintenance. Finally, the budget fully funds the South-East Industrial Park, which will create 45 acres of “shovel ready” land to make Wetaskiwin a more attractive place for industrial developers to do business, thus diversifying our tax base and providing more job opportunities for citizens.
More detailed information on Budget 2015 can be found on the following pages.
COMMUNITY REPORT / 41 2015 TAX INCREASES EXPLAINED
2015 MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE - EXPLAINED
MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Reflects the increased cost of contracted services, 4.0% employee salaries, and a variety of other municipal expenses. The 2015 Municipal Budget is based on the assumption of 1% assessment growth and the same level of service as 2014.
DEDICATED INFRASTRUCTURE CHARGE The dedicated infrastructure charge will be allocated % 2.5 towards the upkeep of civic infrastructure like roads, trails, and sidewalks. 2.5% will raise approximately $331,000 to be used to upgrade existing infrastructure.
2015 UTILITY INCREASE - EXPLAINED
RATE INCREASE Reflects the increased cost of providing safe, treated % drinking water to citizens, costs associated with trash 5.0 collection and disposal, and recycling centre and solid waste costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY Starting with Budget 2015, a $10 per month charge will appear on all utility bills. This charge would allow the City to generate revenue to which will be used to satisfy public sector accounting standards to put money in reserves in $10/MONTH anticipation of the closure of the municipal landfill.
NOTE: Utilities are 100% user-funded; no tax money is used to fund utility operations.
CITY OF WETASKIWIN COST CENTRE BREAKDOWN
REVENUES EXPENDITURES NET COST PERCENTAGE COST CENTRE ($) ($) (SURPLUS) OF TAX (%) City Council 0 441,352 441,352 2.7 Administration 1,487,450 2,654,403 1,166,953 7.1 Communications 20,000 330,067 310,067 1.9 Information Technology Services 0 663,741 663,741 4.1 Library Board and Operations 221,125 805,878 584,753 3.6 Police Protection 907,672 3,402,254 2,494,582 15.3 Fire Services 136,755 1,235,566 1,098,811 6.7 Bylaw Enforcement 444,250 592,672 148,422 0.9 Engineering Services 4,650 538,514 533,864 3.3 Equipment Pool & Common Services 1,735,836 1,735,836 0 N / A Roadway Maintenance 1,912,960 4,270,724 2,357,764 14.4 Sidewalk Maintenance 0 120,000 120,000 0.7 Wetaskiwin Transit 25,940 164,530 138,590 0.8 Airport Services 6,915 310,644 303,729 1.9 Building Inspection 136,050 311,525 175,475 1.1 Cemeteries 144,834 214,527 69,693 0.4 Assessment Services 3,380 233,500 230,120 1.4 Water Supply & Distribution 4,570,290 4,570,290 0 N /A Sanitary Sewage Service and Treatment 1,791,990 1,791,990 0 N /A Garbage Collection & Disposal 2,614,937 2,614,937 0 N /A Economic Development 127,925 434,128 306,203 1.9 Recreation Services 1,559,090 4,479,297 2,920,207 17.9 Parks 12,000 927,258 915,258 5.6 Culture, Museum, Archives & Memorial Centre 24,540 363,738 339,198 2.1 Family & Community Services 347,970 418,213 70,243 0.4 Marketing & Tourism 0 177,078 177,078 1.1 Other revenues 2,255,730 270,000 (1,985,730) N /A Transfer to Infrastructure Fund 331,130 331,130 2.5 Transfer to Capital Program 456,282 456,282 2.8 MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAXES 14,383,943 0 (14,383,943) (SURPLUS) DEFICIT 34,876,232 34,860,074 (16,158)
Corporate Services – 19.3% Community Services – 27.0%
Protective Services – 22.8% Transfer to Infrastructure Fund – 2.5%
Engineering & Development Services – 23.9% Transfer to Capital Program – 2.8%
Economic Development – 1.9%
COMMUNITY REPORT / 43 4705-50 AVENUE | BOX 6210 WETASKIWIN, AB, T9A, 2E9 PH: (780) 361-4400
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Audited Financial Statements for the City of Wetaskiwin will be provided and made available on the City website in late Summer, 2015.