It’s the time of year when, naturally, one’s thoughts become reflective. The need to review and quantify the achievements of the folding year takes the form of demand.
A lot took place at Princeton’s town hall over the past 356 days that, while NOT garnering the attention of Global TV or The Province, had significant impact on the lives of local residents.
Call them little things – you know, making sure water comes out of the taps, potholes get filled and barking dogs get muzzled.
There was also innovation, efficiencies discovered and visions executed. Not all of it was sexy to be sure – not the kind of thing that feeds the weekend web warrior, and not everyone agreed with every policy change and every decision.
But it does amount to progress.
In no particular order, these are a few things town council and staff did in 2016:
• Secured the title of the former Overwaitea lots in downtown, and commissioned a feasibility study on the building and operation of an aquatic and wellness center for the property.
•Trapped and relocated two dozen marmots.
•Built a park along the pathway between Allison Flats and the town core; paved a walking area, planted trees, and prepared the foundations for children’s play equipment and an outdoor fitness area for adults. Improvements were also made to Centennial Pool Park.
•Made upgrades and provided emergency repairs to the Princeton Arena. These included exterior and interior painting, new LED lights, renovations to dressing rooms and the awarding of a new contract for the concession stand.
•Enhanced the Princeton Exhibition Association grounds through renovations at the grandstands. They now meet fire code, have better wheelchair accessibility and look nice with fresh paint.
•Sought new ways to communicate by launching a new website, dipping toes into the world of social media, and developing a traditional newsletter.
•Introduced on online banking for electronic payments, and adopted an online application for better cemetery management.
•Created wheelchair accessibility to the Princeton courthouse and the second floor of town hall with the installation of an elevator. This move makes it possible for council to meet in “proper” chambers.
•Resurfaced the runway at the Princeton Airport and installed wildlife fencing.
•Resurfaced ball diamonds at Memorial Park.
•Paved roads including Moody Street, Carlson Lane, Pine Street and Second Street.
•Extended the Highway 5A water system to provide greater residential service and fire protection.
•Purchased a new fire truck, and a new sander.
•Invested in economic development through business workshops and surveys and a first ever trade show.
•Made sure water came out of the taps, potholes got filled and barking dogs got muzzled.
2016 – it was time well spent.