On behalf of Wolfville Council, I wish all of you - residents; students, faculty, administrators of Acadia; the business community; staff, the volunteers who contribute so much to our Town, a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
2023 saw us emerge grateful from the isolation of the past 2-plus years. Our world looked the same, but in ways we might not yet clearly see, we are changed. Times of transition can be challenging, but they also provide opportunities and I am grateful for the people around me who have provided guidance and support as together we travel through these new experiences.
Some of my fondest memories of the past year were the Sanskar Cultural Society’s Diwali Celebration held in Wolfville in November, the Town’s Night of Lights later that month – the highlight for me – definitely the Silent Disco.
The Welcome to Wolfville event celebrated by the community and our businesses to welcome Acadia’s students back for another year. The Fun of Mud Creek Days, participating in the Spring graduation events at Acadia, all the way back to the Levee of January 1st 2023 – our first since 2020.
Wolfville works and plays.
Growing the Town’s economic strength has been a particular interest of mine, starting with the task force on Economic Development in 2021. Last year I, along with members of Council, had the pleasure of touring some of the entrepreneurial operations at Acadia. We saw impressive developments and want to be a partner in growing those opportunities.
Wolfville rejoined the Valley Regional Economic Network and continues to support the aspirations of our local business community. Without jobs and economic development, we can’t attract and retain the innovators who will keep our community strong and healthy. Employment opportunities grow best in communities that are livable and vibrant.
Wolfville is reimagining its parks and open spaces so that they can meet the broad needs of the diverse ages, interests, and abilities throughout our Town, while being sensitive to the role our open spaces play in the careful management of our environment.
Regional Councils are working to revitalize our public transit system to meet the needs of todays commuters, to respond to environmental and lifestyle needs.
In 2023 a group of local physicians shared their concerns regarding their space needs. Health care in all its variety of services is critical to a healthy community and the Town wants to be a helpful partner. I look forward to furthering discussions at the Council table in 2024.
Council also supports the work of our staff to assist the Wolfville Children’s Centre in its growth aspirations.
Municipalities deliver so many of the services that make a municipality a community, and not all of those things fit into a short New Year message, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the truly positive relationship that has emerged with our police force.
As we move to a new policing model in 2024 I am grateful that the staff and officers currently with us will stay at the helm. The new openness and working relationship is stronger than I have experienced and I credit that to the current staff of the RCMP. People do make a difference.
Perhaps the biggest issue that our town, or any town in 2024, must address is the issue of housing. Not in my lifetime has this issue come so much to the forefront. This is a particular challenge to a small rural town. It will mean change – in population, in housing design – lot sizes, height and stories. I understand not everyone welcomes these changes, and I understand why. At the same time my heart goes out to those who can’t find accommodation at a cost that they can afford. Without housing you can’t be healthy, or get ready for your job, contribute to your community and family in a way that for so many years we have been able to do, seemingly as a matter of right. As Wolfville Council and staff traverse this new landscape I hope we will be open to new situations.
The recent approval of the East End Secondary Plan is a positive start. There are more ideas around the Council Table, living rooms and coffee shops. Together, I know that we have the know how and skills to address this serious situation of our time in a manner that will only make us stronger.
And finally, our relationship with Acadia can be the envy of any Town and Gown community. Wolfville Council was pleased to welcome Acadia’s new President Jeff Hennesey to his role. As sad as I am to lose our CAO to Acadia as their incoming Vice President of Administration and Finance, I know that absolutely bodes well for our joint future.
Together, our Town, our University, our many community, faith and service organizations, have an amazing opportunity to build something truly unique in our Community.
As we move into the last year of this Council Term, I wish everyone the very best in 2024, and that we make this a very good year to roll up our sleeves and Make it So.
Happy New Year to All.
Mayor Wendy Donovan, Town of Wolfville
