Council Priorities for 2008- 2009
Economic Development
- Implementation of Phase 1 of the Downtown Project, including the renovation of the Cook Street parking lot and the construction of the Spirit of Creston Square;
- Support the creation of a Community Pride Committee and joining the “Communities in Bloom” competition;
- Development and marketing of the downtown theme;
- Attract and facilitate opportunities for investors to build a hotel/conference centre;
- Support the development of a Business Plan for Airport improvements;
- Develop land use policies to support economic development and to make the best use of lands;
- Support the development of a regional economic development strategy in cooperation with the Creston Valley Development Authority and other related groups.
Downtown
- Implementation of Phases 2 and 3 of the Downtown Project;
- Work with community business interests and organizations to support a business association;
- Reclaim Canyon Street and route truck traffic to Cook Street;
- Develop long-term truck management strategy to substantially reduce truck traffic in the downtown core.
Health and Wellness
- Prepare a parks and trails inventory plan;
- Prepare a trails system implementation strategy;
- Develop partnerships with community groups to build and improve parks and trails;
- Explore and develop partnerships and recruitment initiatives with Health Care Professionals;
- Continue advocacy with the Interior Health Authority to retain and expand facilities and services.
Safety and Security
- Consider options for the development and implementation of a proposed Regional Fire Services Plan;
- Advocate for continuation of, and improved funding to the DARE and COPS Programs, together with other youth education programs;
- Continue liaison and regionalization with RCMP to enhance safety;
- Develop a traffic calming initiative and program;
- Increase lighting through a Lighting Implementation Program;
- Undertake risk assessments and safety audits.
Customer Service
- Create online internet payment options for taxes and parking tickets;
- Develop a Town website as part of the Town’s Information Management Plan;
- Develop a Town Information Management Plan for multi-year incremental program implementation;
- Implement staff training and develop a performance evaluation system.
Infrastructure
- Incorporation of sidewalks and trails in future development through amendments to the Works and Services Bylaw;
- Create an asset inventory data base for drainage, water and sewers and integrate in to management plans;
- Provide for assessment of all equipment and implement an equipment replacement program.