I may have mentioned before that it is easy for council to direct staff (through chief administrative officer Graham Statt) to do things.
Although sometimes there is significant debate before a vote, it is just as easy to forget that our decisions translate into more work for staff.
Today council is thanking each and every person who works at the District of Summerland for your significant efforts in 2021.
You do so much more than your job here, often going well beyond expectations.
You take pride in your work, accept opportunities for professional development, share innovative ideas and, above all, wholeheartedly accept your responsibility to serve the people of Summerland.
Under the leadership of Mr. Statt and within the constraints of the annual budget, early in 2021 district senior management staff developed their department’s work plan.
Other than emergent matters, these initiatives are closely aligned with council’s 2019-2022 Strategic Priorities and Principles.
By department, here are some of the many accomplishments of district staff in 2021:
Corporate Services
• Transitioned back to in-person council meetings. This required audiovisual and physical upgrades to council chambers.
• The District and the Penticton Indian Band are working on several initiatives including interpretative signage and exploring opportunities for joint public education and guardian patrols.
• The budget for the proposed new recreation centre includes a $10,000 allocation for Penticton Indian Band engagement on the project.
• The district’s investment in a new flexible waterline will also help protect fish spawning in Trout Creek from waterline failure and associated siltation.
• Key zoning decisions are being referred to the Penticton Indian Band for their review and response; band council members toured the proposed eco-village site and is conducting archaeological surveys on the site.
• Council and some District staff enjoyed two Indigenous awareness sessions conducted by a Penticton Indian Band member; these sessions have increased our understanding of the Penticton Indian Band/syilx worldview.
Human Resources
• Implemented a Code of Ethics Policy
Finance and IT
• Adapted financial planning to account for COVID-19
• Completed network upgrades at municipal hall and other district buildings; phone system transition
Community Services
• Implemented COVID-19 protocols to safely provide parks and recreation services with restrictions
• Progress on the proposed recreation centre Feasibility and Site Fit Study
• Progress on the proposed primary health care centre Feasibility Study
• Installed outdoor fitness equipment in Memorial Park
• Designed and installed of a temporary fenced off-leash dog park in Dale Meadows
• George Ryga Arts and Cultural Centre – renovations, lease agreement with the Summerland Arts Council, building naming
• Conducted comprehensive review and bylaw update of Parks and Recreation fees and charges
• With the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and others, conducted South Okanagan Similkameen Child Care Study
• Installed four new pickleball courts at Peach Orchard Campground
• Completed request for proposal process, design work and awarded contract for new destination playground at Memorial Park (to be installed spring 2022)
• Initiated the start up of the Waterfront Concept Plan (to be completed in 2022)
Public Works and Infrastructure
• Designed Giants Head Road water system separation project
• Completed design for Summerland Organics Processing Facility
• Completed new Summerland Landfill site office
• Completed design and tender of Canyon View watermain project
• Fenced Summerland Landfill
• Completed repairs and upgrading of Lakeshore Walkway
• Completed installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• Received Climate Action and Energy Award
• Completed design and tender for Washington Avenue sanitary sewer
Development Services
• On the advice of the chamber of commerce, implemented agri-tourism accommodation pilot
• Received funding for development services software to further improve development processes
• Started work on the proposed eco-village project (new council priority)
• Progress on downtown neighbourhood plan
• Substantial completion of new short-term rentals bylaw
• Streamlined district bylaw enforcement program
• Improved development process and development bylaws; this resulted in meeting timeframe targets.
Electric Utility
• Progress on Solar + Battery Storage Project
• Drafted energy strategy
• Refined operational process in the utility
• Implemented a tool to track customer issues and concerns
• Improved process for tracking inventory and procuring materials
• Reduced backlog on electric meter service requests and renewal
• Created a process to estimate subdivision costs at time of application
In 2021 and in years past, district staff have saved lives, protected property, volunteered on their own time to countless hours of community service, and supported Summerland residents and neighbouring communities in need of assistance.
This recent email illustrates how a particular staff member views working at the district: “Just wanting to say thank you for your Years of Service recognition card. Feeling very blessed and honoured this morning with my coworkers and bosses.
“It has been an honour to serve the District of Summerland over the years and myself and family are very grateful for the opportunities this fine community have provided.”
Council also thanks the dozens for residents who volunteer to sit on a council committee.
We recognize that doing so takes time away from your family and your personal and social activities – an especially big ask during this time of reduced social interactions.
Finally, to the hundreds of Summerland residents who shared their thoughts and concerns in one or several ways on the many projects and initiatives in 2021, thank you.
Council does not have all the answers and community engagement is very helpful in our decision-making.
On behalf of council, the best of the season to all.
And may 2022 be everything you hope it will be.
Toni Boot is the mayor of Summerland.
To report a typo, email:
news@summerlandreview.com.
news@summerlandreview.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.