Mayor Brent Feyter
A survey seeking public input on the Town of Fort Macleod’s strategic plan closes this week.
The on-line survey ends Friday, March 13.
“Council currently is working on our next four-year strategic plan, and now is the time we do need to hear from you,” Mayor Brent Feyter said.
Speaking at the Chamber of Commerce awards banquet, Feyter said if Fort Macleod residents see positive things in other communities, council wants to hear about them.
“Don’t be afraid to jot them down,” Feyter said. “We can’t see everything that’s going on.”
“If you see a cool thing going on in a different community, or you see something happening in our community right now that you like to see done better or improved, now is the time to add that feedback.”
The first section of the survey gathers some information about the person filling it out.
Section 2 of the survey asks about the vision and strategic direction of Fort Macleod.
The proposed visions is: “Fort Macleod is a vibrant, growing, and welcoming community that respects its heritage while building a sustainable and prosperous future.”
The survey asks people to rank the four major priorities on which the strategic plan is based:
- • Responsible growth and economic development.
- • Infrastructure sustainable and asset management.
- • Fiscal responsibility and affordability.
- • Safe, inclusive and connected community.
Section 3 of the survey seeks feedback on specific goals under each of the priorities:
The goal of the priority of responsible growth and economic development is “enable planned, sustainable growth that increases housing options, supports business development, and preserves community character.”
Survey participants are asked to choose three of the following for the town’s main focus:
- • Well-managed land use and development planning.
- • Ensuring development pays for development.
- • Expanding housing options (including seniors and affordable housing).
- • Attracting and supporting local businesses.
- • Strengthening regional and Indigenous partnerships.
- • Tourism, heritage and downtown revitalization.
The goal of the priority of infrastructure sustainability and asset management is “maintain and enhance infrastructure to support service levels and future growth in a fiscally sustainable way.
The specific goals for this priority are as follows:
- • Underground utilities such as water, waste-water, storm water.
- • Roads, sidewalks, and pathways.
- • Recreation facilities and parks such as the arena and swimming pool.
- • Community buildings and facilities such as the community hall and Scout Hall.
- • Accessibility and connectivity throughout town such as accessible sidewalks and lights.
The goal of the priority of fiscal responsibility and affordability is “deliver municipal services efficiently while keeping taxes and costs affordable.”
The specific goals for this priority are as follows:
- • Predictable and reasonable tax increases.
- • Long-term financial planning and reserves.
- • Reducing debt.
- • Transparency and clear budget reporting.
- • Exploring new revenue sources that limit tax pressure such as grants and rebate programs.
The goal of the fourth priority of a safe, inclusive and connected community is “foster a welcoming and connected community where residents feel supported and proud to live.”
The specific goals for this priority are as follows:
- • Health and well-being supports such as health care access and seniors care.
- • Community engagement and communication.
- • Inclusivity, diversity, and reconciliation.
Section 4 asks survey participants to choose which of the two priorities rank highest for them, and to list which one would have the biggest impact on Fort Macleod over the next five years.
