The Village of Big Valley council approved an infrastructure study after a discussion at the Nov. 18 regular meeting of council.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Colleen Mayne noted MPE Engineering’s report at 360 pages on virtually all of the municipality’s infrastructure was too large to include in the agenda, adding that the report covered village infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, water and sewer lines, fire hydrants, village-owned buildings and much more.
Councillors perused the massive report and discussed it briefly.
Mayne stated that the report is a good reference document, especially as the village will soon begin work on its interim 2025 budget.
She noted the Public Works department was also writing down a 2025 “wish list” of projects.
The CAO stated that if the public wishes to see the report a physical copy is available to read at the village office.
Councillors unanimously accepted the engineer’s infrastructure report.
Look to the future
Councillors discussed an upcoming strategic planning session scheduled with a consultant; Mayne noted in her report councillors had a chance to set priorities they feel are important to keep in mind for projects like budgeting.
The consultant, Parkland Community Planning Services (PCPS), suggested the following areas in no particular order: economic growth and job creation, affordable housing initiatives, population growth, financial sustainability, attracting new business, infrastructure improvements, social/sports/recreational facilities, educational and training institutions, community engagement enhancements and public safety/crime prevention.
The consultant also suggested an extra component common among other municipalities: a public survey to gather input from residents on Big Valley’s strategic plan.
As councillors began discussing priorities, financial sustainability was one of the first priorities mentioned.
Councillors also discussed community growth and lack of housing. It was mentioned during discussion that Big Valley has little housing either available for sale or available for rent.
The consultant mentioned in his email to the village that councillors previously mentioned the following areas to include in strategic planning: limited land for future development, distance from Hwy. #53, challenges attracting new business and dependence on community volunteers for maintaining recreational and social facilities.
Councillors accepted the consultant’s memo for information.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
