Community Report 2014
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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