Future looks bright for Longview

Longview’s mayor envisions a bright future going into the New Year as the village sees the start of some new developments.

Mayor Kathie Wight said 2019 saw the start of three homes being constructed that should be complete in the new year, as well as plans progressing for a development on Main Street east of Highway 22 that will include a car wash and store.

“We hope construction will start in the new year,” said Wight. “That will be nice to have some new development and businesses.”

One of the village’s biggest projects slated for 2020 is a sewer upgrade along Highway 22 from south of the Tales & Trails Campground to Foothills Drive, said Wight.

“We hope to get it done by June because the Alberta government is supposed to be paving the highway in 2021,” she said. “There might be some disruptions traffic-wise, but not much. Hopefully it will be done before the holiday traffic starts.”

Another project slated for completion, said Wight, is the Legacy Trail pathway – implemented by the Longview Arts, Recreation and Community Society – that runs along the ridge of the Highwood River west of Longview.

“There’s about two weeks of work left, about 400 feet of the pathway,” she said. “We hope for good weather. It does get used, which is good. Hopefully when it’s all finished it will get even more use.”

The Village of Longview is currently gaining interest with its display of 20,000 feet of lights along Highway 22 and the Tales & Trails Campground in its Light Up display. Wight said the outdoor skating rink, which remained closed last year due to warm weather – has been popular with people skating during the day as well as in the evening to the dancing lights.

Wight said some accomplishments in the village the past year include the purchase of a 20-passenger wheelchair accessible bus by the Longview and Area Seniors Association to transport seniors to social activities, shopping and appointments. Funding the bus was possible through grants and fundraising initiatives.

In addition, the Longview Economic Development Committee’s branding subcommittee unveiled a proposed logo and tagline in late 2019 as it works to propel Longview forward in boosting tourism and economic development.

“We’re not going to make a decision about that until at least March, but a lot of residents are involved in that decision and it will be a long time coming I’m sure,” Wight said.

Wight said her six years on council, and three as mayor, is a constant learning curve with its struggles.

“Government moves slow and money is always a concern and cutbacks don’t help,” she said. “It takes time to do work and stuff that you wish you could get done yesterday.”