Significant Activities not Evident from the Financial Section

2021 continued to challenge the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, operations were able to open and restart during the summer and fall of this year. This event impacted municipalities significantly as we strived to provide information and leadership to our community. Municipalities worked by following directives and recommendations from Alberta Health Services and the Provincial and Federal governments. It had a huge impact on recreational facilities and financially the Town had to respond to lost revenue and closing of programs. The facilities that were hardest hit were arenas, pools, fitness facilities and meeting spaces. We responded by reallocating staff where possible to other services and reducing costs to counteract the lost revenue.

Overall, the Town was very successful in mitigating the financial effects of Covid-19 by reducing expenditures to match the losses in revenue.

The Waste Reduction strategy continues to progress. The 2019 Waste Reduction Strategy is guiding the Town of Rocky Mountain House towards increased diversion and overall reduction of waste going to Rocky Regional Landfill. Curbside organics was added in 2021 as a new service, and curbside recycling is coming in 2022. This is in effort to increase recycling behaviors from residents and reduce the activity at our Eco Centre. Diverting organics and recyclable materials will decrease the volume of waste being transported to the landfill which will both reduce costs and assist with CO2 emission reductions.

Ultimately, this will flow through the financial statements as success should enable the Town to reduce costs for landfill management and any future obligations or liabilities this could create.

Another major area currently under review that does not readily show in the financial statements is working with our neighbouring communities to review and update partnership agreements. The Town and Clearwater County have reached new agreements for fire services and waste management. A new Community Support Services agreement was also signed in 2021 which was a significant milestone to support regional collaboration and shared services.

Another unique long-term relationship is the partnership with our Twin Town of Kamikawa, Japan. This relationship was formalized in 1984 and continues through strong social ties and friendships. Additionally, Mayor and Council participate in meetings with provincial officials and Japanese envoys to explore partnerships for mutual economic benefit.

There is a continuous improvement cycle adopted by Council to review and improve processes and activities wherever possible to recognize the economy, position the Town for future growth and ensure strong value for dollar.