John Burrows - former reeve of Woodlands County (Woodlands County)
Woodlands County is keeping it positive heading into 2022.
In a year end interview with XM 105 FM, Woodlands County mayor John Burrows said that 2021 had been a difficult year for the County. There were new sets of challenges brought on by the pandemic, plus the economic downturn.
But Burrows says the important thing is the County soldiers on.
“Woodlands is still here. We are coming out of this economic crunch. Hopefully, we are coming out of COVID this year, and we have some good plans that are coming forward,” says Burrows.
The pandemic has highlighted a few issues with rural infrastructure. He notes that rural broadband internet is quickly becoming an issue, as COVID-19 has more people working from their homes.
“The amount of work-at-home that goes on right now, and the connectivity issues around being able to run a meeting or do business from home continues to be a challenge for rural Alberta,” elaborates Burrows.
Burrows was reluctant, however, to speak to the County’s goals for 2022. At the time of our interview, Woodlands County Council had not yet conducted any of its strategic planning sessions for 2022. But Burrows is looking forward to council coming together to develop their plan.
“It is really important for people to realize that this is a new council, it is a new time, and to recognize that everyone on council will have a significant contribution to that plan moving ahead,” says Burrows.
As 2022 begins, Burrows wants to assure county residents that Woodlands County is still working for them.
“The services are still being delivered. We are clearing the snow, we are getting things done, and we have got a plan to continue to move forward.”
