Message from the Board Chair

MESSAGE

FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

In the fall of 2019, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District Board created and adopted a Strategic Plan to guide us for the rest of our term in office. Nowhere in this document does it mention anything about a pandemic − showing us just how quickly our priorities had to shift in 2020. As the Chair of the Board, I am very proud of the CSRD’s continued response to the many rapid changes the pandemic has required. The CSRD’s philosophy from the outset of the pandemic is the show must go on. Despite the many tests and challenges, the CSRD proved its commitment to serve the citizens of the region with efficiency, safety and kindness in mind. While responding to the pandemic required a quick turnaround, the goals and ambitions of our strategic plan did not disappear. Progress has been made in all seven themes identified in the plan: Partnerships & Economy, Action on Environment & Climate, Responsible Governance, Healthy Communities, Transportation Advocacy, Culture of Engagement and Natural Disaster Mitigation. This report highlights our accomplishments in each of these areas. While some of the strategic initiatives needed to be delayed, they are now advancing − although sometimes in different ways. We have passed first reading of the Electoral Area E Official Community Plan. We have resumed the Sorrento-Blind Bay Incorporation Process. Work has continued on the Sicamous-to-Armstrong Rail Trail and the Golden Aquatic Centre Feasibility Study. We have had to address problems with new and inventive solutions, and find alternate ways to keep in touch with our constituents online through Zoom or by email and phone. There’s no going back. Changes that have been implemented as a result of the pandemic will influence our policies and procedures far into the future. As part of the Strategic Plan, the Board came together and agreed on key values at the foundation of our work – integrity, engagement, fairness, respect, innovation, positivity and empathy. The year 2020 has shown us that these values are at the foundation of our organization. With those values in place, we can be ready to respond to whatever the world has to throw at us. Thank you to my colleagues and staff for their tremendous efforts in 2020. I also wish to extend my appreciation to our constituents for their patience and understanding. As part of my commitment to the citizens of the CSRD, I want to extend my invitation to share any suggestions, questions or concerns with me. Residents can always email me directly at: BoardChair@csrd.bc.ca Based on the CSRD’s performance in 2020, I am confident in our ability to continue to provide high-quality service to residents no matter what challenges we encounter in 2021.

Board Chair Kevin Flynn