Tourism, business attraction among forum topics

Candidates seeking a seat on council in Turner Valley’s byelection shared thoughts on topics ranging from attracting businesses to transparency at Monday night’s forum.

More than 40 people attended a candidates forum at the Valley Neighbours Club on March 11, with another 25 people viewing the live video via Facebook.

The Turner Valley Rate Payers Board hosted the event.

Among the most discussed topics was attracting businesses to Turner Valley, prompted by a question from resident Robert Dallas.

Candidate Randy Williamson, who ran in the 2017 municipal election, suggested a marketing campaign.

“They’re not expensive to do,” he said. “We need to sit down with the town planner and put out a template so people know what’s expected of them when they come here.”

Williamson said he’s concerned about local businesses, particularly since changes were made to water billing that has some paying $800 every two months.

“It’s really hurting our businesses,” he said. “We’ve got to turn things around. Let’s find new ways to support our local businesses, decide what type of businesses we want in town and let’s offer incentives. We cannot afford to let these businesses leave Turner Valley.”

Candidate Kathryn McGuire suggested council approve tax incentives for small businesses.

“I would ask council to come up with a tax incentive for all new small businesses for two years so they can save money on the initial cost of set up and running,” she said. “I would really like to see growth in our community.”

The solution, according to candidate Richard Brotherston, would include streamlining what businesses need to get started.

“It’s having a town administration that’s responsive to their needs and answering questions, making it easier for them to start a business and get things going,” he said.

Candidate Brenda Smethurst said she would rather see council build on what Turner Valley already has.

“It’s important to attract new business, but we must also concentrate on what we have and how we can enhance services already in place,” she said.

Smethurst said with a drought in the Foothills, it’s not the time to attract new businesses to Turner Valley.

“We don’t really have enough water to supply Black Diamond, Turner Valley and the MD,” she said. “Even in the winter we’re on water restrictions so why would we be inviting new businesses to open before we’re out of a drought situation.”

Also discussed amongst some candidates was the importance of bringing more tourists to Turner Valley.

Candidate Greg Pyra, who also ran for council in the 2017 municipal election, said designated walking areas adjacent to the Sheep River and around the Turner Valley Gas Plant would draw more people, as well as appeal to existing residents.

Pyra added that with so many artists in the area, the Town should host an annual arts festival to draw artists from across Alberta.

“We need to bring in more tourists,” he said. “Millarville is an example of ‘people will come here’ but we have to have an attraction.”

In her opening comments, McGuire suggested Turner Valley host a summer market, saying businesses would profit from the people such an event would draw to town.

Some of the candidates also discussed public engagement and transparency, of which candidate Jamie Wilkie said is of utmost importance.

“I want to hold an informal get together a couple times a year (if elected),” he said. “Let’s talk about what’s working for you and what’s not working for you. I want to focus on being a part of an effective team, hopefully working towards bringing our community together again. We need to come together and move forward with a common vision.”

According to Brotherston, if elected to council, he would commit to making public engagement a priority.

“I believe that public engagement, along with transparency and governance, are the basis for a healthy vibrant and progressive community,” he said.

The candidates were asked which committees they would like to represent if elected.

Wilkie told those in attendance that municipal planning has always held an interest to him, and that he’d also like to be involved with parks and recreation. McGuire also stated an interest in parks and pathways, having been a past committee member.

Smethurst said she’s passionate about the library, having worked there for five years, and although she’s served on the cemetery board she would like to try something new.

Both Pyra and Williamson stated an interest in water. Willliamson said he’s also interest in planning.

Brotherston said he doesn’t have a special interest in a specific committee at the time.

The Western Wheel will feature each of the candidates in the coming weeks.

A second forum will be hosted at the Valley Neighbours Club March 28 at 7 p.m.

Voting takes place April 8 at council chambers from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with advance polls on March 26 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.