The Town of Whitecourt had a very eventful 2023. From dealing with natural disasters such as wild fires and floods to recruiting and retaining medical professionals and even battling the rising cost of living, Mayor Tom Pickard is proud of how his council, and the community as a whole, came together this year to support each other.
One of the most significant accomplishments for Mayor Pickard and his council was the 2023 budget, saying the proposed tax increase for Whitecourt residents in 2023 was originally set at 6.49 per cent but council was able to get that down to just 4.64 percent.
“Provincial support for municipalities has continued to decrease so we feel we had a significant accomplishment on our budget side,” says Mayor Pickard, noting that the 2024 proposed tax increase of 3.77 per cent aligns with the projected Consumer Price Index increase of 4.29 per cent. Pickard added, “We feel we’ve really worked hard to ensure that we have good value for our citizens.”
Pickard also noted the success of the Local Healthcare Attraction and Retention Committee, saying the program, “resulted in the recruitment of three doctors, two nurses, and seven medical students.”
Looking into 2024, Mayor Pickard believes Whitecourt residents can expect much of the same, saying, “We have to continue to work with industry partners to attract and retain a skilled workforce.”
According to Mayor Pickard, a big decision coming in 2024 is finalizing construction planning for the Culture and Events Centre. “We have an average age of 35 for Whitecourt residents, so we have to remain committed to working with our partners to ensure regional quality of life is maintained.” he points out.
With the current warm and dry conditions, Pickard says the Town of Whitecourt is looking to have resources and a plan in place for an increased risk of wildfires in the spring. “I think that any community that isn’t preparing for an increased wildfire season is going to be found lacking, we have to ensure that we are ready,” says Mayor Pickard.
Whitecourt’s growing population also raises some concerns for Pickard. However, he believes Whitecourt is up to the challenge. “Our population continues to grow and we have to continue to grow as well as a community. We have to ensure that we have the services and quality of life to continue to attract people to our region and to make sure that we have a community that people want to live in.”
With the Federal government putting more policing costs on municipalities, Mayor Pickard also says budgeting for things like RCMP salary increases and equipment has fallen on him and his council. “We’re looking at cost increases for new guns, body cameras, hard body armor, and forensic lab fees. Those are all things we can’t control but are still part of our commitment to ensuring every resident of Whitecourt is safe and they have adequate police protection and services available to them.”
Mayor Pickard says he and his council will continue to help Whitecourt grow in 2024. “I think it’s important that people in Whitecourt know that we’re committed to addressing and meeting the concerns of our region and our town. 2023 was a very tough year for all Canadians but I think Whitecourt business and industry addressed multiple issues with determination and resolve and we expect to add more of the same. As a council, we remain committed to Whitecourt and its residents.”
