The next step in shared service. Golden Star Q2

The agreement to fund the operating expenses for the swimming pool from the EOF is a gesture of good faith by the Regional Director, recognizing that the swimming pool is a shared service that benefits everyone. The decision by the Regional Director is a tremendous step towards a partnership. It is clear; many facilities and services are shared and these arrangements between the Town and Area A need to be reviewed and updated.  

Shared service agreement is more than just money; it’s the spirit of partnership and creating constructive, productive, and beneficial relationships. As a member of the Town Council, I believe my involvement was helpful in building a cooperative bridge between the Town and Area A. Efforts such as these and continued open dialogue are crucial in supporting our Region’s development.

As Mayor, I will establish a Shared Services Task Force working in concert with the Regional Director to formulate a comprehensive Agreement. All facilities, services, and associated costs will be reviewed using sound asset management principles to meet our long-term plans. My commitment to the community is to build a mutually beneficial Shared Services Agreement between the Town of Golden and Area A by the end of 2015.

Economic Development

Economic Development is driven by a process that supports established businesses, entrepreneurs creating new businesses, and dedicated individuals and volunteer groups building our community. In support of economic development, The Town of Golden’s elected leaders are responsible for creating a level playing field by removing the barriers to entry, encouraging economic development, and allowing it to flourish.

As a Resort Municipality, recreational and tourism infrastructure in and around Golden are key to the continued growth and sustainability of this industry. This industry has been driven by individuals and volunteer groups with a passion for their sport and a vision of the possibilities. 

This passion and vision were the force behind the White Tooth Ski Hill development; the Golden and District Golf Club; the Mount 7 Hang Gliding Centre, the Kinsmen Curling Club; the Rod and Gun Club’s shooting range; the Rotary Hiking Trails; the Nordic Club’s x-country ski trails at Dawn Mountain; the Golden Cycling Club network of bike trails;  and the Snowmobile Club’s trails. 

These are just a sample of the efforts to build the foundation for continued growth and development of the Golden lifestyle; adventure, and authenticity. 

Bringing all of these efforts together is Tourism Golden through its continued support in marketing our world class attractions to the adventure tourist. The challenge today is to translate the efforts of our tourism assets into a working model that promotes and supports an effective and affordable economic development approach. 

As a first step toward this approach in 2014 Golden joined Invest Kootenays. Administered through the Chamber of Commerce, it is the first point of contact for entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors interested in exploring economic opportunities in our region. 

As Mayor, my goal will be to collaborate with Invest Kootenays to establish a steering committee of volunteers to direct economic development in Golden. The steering committee would bring together government, businesses, the Chamber, and individuals to guide our economic development future. 

In order to support the business community, attract new businesses, and create jobs for our residents, the Town of Golden needs to invest in a vision, a direction for the future, and build from within. An updated Official Community Plan is the key policy framework to support our residents, businesses, and tourism industry. With a revised and updated OCP, the Town of Golden will have the policy framework that gives direction to our actions.

The opinions expressed in this blog are my personal opinions and may not represent the opinions of other Councillors nor the opinion of council.

BC on the move

I attended a planning meeting with the Ministry of Transportation on Wednesday in Revelstoke. The MOT are looking for input to update the 10-year transportation plan.

You can find a discussion guide and survey at

http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/

Take a few minutes to answer the short survey.

Regards

Keith W Hern, Councillor

Town of Golden

http://councillorhern.blogspot.ca/

The opinions expressed in this blog are my personal opinions and may not represent the opinions of other Councillors nor the opinions of council.

Golden Star Question 1

The Golden Star has asking candidates to submit answers of 200 words or less to a question every week leading up to the election. This week's question is "What's your most valuable asset that you will bring to the role of Mayor" For those who do not read the paper below is my answer.

The most valuable assets I bring to the position of mayor are my leadership skills, some innate and some learned.

While I have demonstrated leadership roles in both successful businesses and professional associations, I also have extensive experience in volunteer positions.

In my teens I was head boy, captain of one rugby team and coach for another, and captain of the swim team. 

Later I became a director of the Alberta Squash Rackets Association, a volunteer Canadian Ski Patroller, and treasurer and president of Silver Springs Court Condominium Corporation.

I was president of the Canadian Hobie Cat Association and represented Canada in two world championships.

While treasurer and commodore of the Calgary Yacht Club finances improved, the membership grew and the club developed a strong junior program. I was elected president of the Alberta Sailing Association and Regatta Chairman of the Western Canada Intermediate Sailing Championships. 

I led the team that developed and hosted the Annual Nancy Greene skill awards festival attracting over 350 athletes and coaches to Lake Louise.

I became president of Calgary's National Alpine Training Centre and volunteered countless hours for the Lake Louise World Cup and the provincial teams who trained on the course.

Swimming Pool funding from EOF

You will hear much about Shared Service Agreements during the election campaign so it is worth spending time explaining some of the issues. Services provided in Kicking Horse Country can be used by town residents, residents of Area A, and visitors to the region. Who should pay for these shared services?

The concept of shared service has been applied in the valley for many years, however over the past two decades the burden of payment for shared services has shifted onto the taxpayers of Golden and the allocation of expenses must undergo a comprehensive review. There are a number of funding models under the heading of shared service agreements that need to be considered.

The arena has operated under a Shared Service Agreement since inception. The arena is owned by the regional district and operating expenses are shared between the town and Area A based on population, roughly 47-53 in 2014. The allocation of expenses could be based a number of variables such as BC assessment values, population, or facility usage. 

Kicking Horse Culture, another shared service, was funded in equal parts by the taxpayers of Golden and the taxpayers of Area A. In 2013 KHC was funded by the Economic Opportunity Fund (EOF). 

In 2014 a 3-year agreement was reached between the town and Area A to fully fund KHC through the EOF. The EOF is just part of the payments made by BC Hydro in lieu of property taxes for the dams and generating facilities. In essence BC Hydro is paying for Kicking Horse Culture and, as a result, the taxpayers of Golden and Area A will no longer be footing the bill. 

A key strategy to eliminating the annual financial deficit and building a strong financial foundation is to develop other financing models for our shared services. A case in point would be the swimming pool. The swimming pool is owned and operated by the town at a cost of $275,000 per year paid solely by the taxpayers of Golden. 

The director for Area A has agreed to allocate EOF funds for this facility for 2015. If a long-term shared-funding model can be negotiated which is fair to both parties, the annual deficit for the town of Golden will be reduced significantly.

To support all the facilities and services that make Golden a great place to live, we need to build a strong financial foundation. Long-term Shared Service Agreements are critical to securing the future for our children and grandchildren.

Golden needs a decisive mayor with a strong financial background. I have the ability and desire to bring these negotiations with Area A to a successful conclusion. I ask for your support to do so.

The opinions expressed in this blog are my personal opinions and may not be the opinions of other Councillors nor the opinion of council.