A new year of hope and optimism.
Happy New Year! As I pen this message to each of you, I'm filled with optimism and hope and a sense of excitement for what is to come, despite what the infamous global transformer Omicron has tried to throw at us.
We're a resilient lot and we've got this if we all do our part.
As we look to the New Year, in the words of CS Lewis, “There are far, far better things ahead, than any we leave behind.” That's saying a lot, because 2021 saw so many amazing projects completed. While I can't fully predict what's in store for 2022, I do have a bit of a glimpse. Let's take a peek together:
We'll start with the obvious: THE CAT RETURNS! We've missed her desperately, but we have used the time wisely. Nine million was spent on the terminal, Bar Harbour is a go and we are ready to welcome our U.S. family and friends once again.
As was the case when we lost the service in 2012, it's important we each do our part to be ready for her return. Yes, we will need all hands on deck. I know you're up to the task. The question remains, what will you as an individual, business or organization do to help us get ready for the CAT's return? Will you plant flowers? Paint a building? Weed some gardens? Train staff in customer service? Speak positively about our community? Learn about the experiences here so you can readily pass them on to visitors? The possibilities are endless.
Our local tourism agency, YASTA, does an amazing job promoting the region as a destination. Let's do our part. Jobs and livelihoods depend on it.
Speaking of visitors, Yarmouth (through YASTA) is hosting TMAC 2022 (The Travel Media Association of Canada Conference) in June. What a huge opportunity this is to showcase our destination to Canada's best and most active professional travel writers, broadcasters, editors, bloggers, online influencers, publishers and photographers who will spread the word about us far and wide. Events like this are crucial to our region as those attending learn more about us, spend time in our accommodations and shop and eat locally. Winwin.
Raise your hand if you committed to more exercise in 2022? Me too! We'll continue to extend our multi-use active-transportation trails. So far we've managed to extend the Haley Road trail as far as Starrs Road, add a new section of sidewalk on Starrs Road (in front of Home Hardware) and build a new trail down Forest Street in front of the high school. In 2022, the residents of Haley Road between Forest and Argyle Streets will see the trail connected — their first serviced sidewalk. The goal is to connect the entire town and beyond.
In 2022, we will put our very first Accessibility Action Plan in place. The Town is doing its part to meet the province's mandate to be fully accessible by 2030. Thank you to our dedicated Accessibility Advisory Committee as they work hard to have the plan released by spring.
And who can forget Mariners on Main? It was one of the biggest successes of last year and the team will have much more to bring us in 2022.
Thank you to the entire region for the support of this project. It matters. Oh … do you have your membership?
Work continues on the Mariners Centre expansion of course as we look to the future, the Splash Park folks are raising funds at an amazing pace (don't forget to donate!) and we are doing everything we can to make our region THE place to live, work and play.
Your Monthly FYIs for January
Remember, winter parking regulations are in effect. Please follow these rules so our plow drivers can do their job:
▪ No parking on the street between the hours of 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. of the same day.
▪ Don't park or leave a vehicle (attended or unattended) on the streets that might interfere with or obstruct snow removal or winter maintenance operations.
▪ Don't park on any street during the period from one hour after a snowstorm has begun to two hours after the storm has stopped.
Grants to organizations – The Town of Yarmouth is now accepting applications for financial assistance from non-profit organizations. Applications are available on our website or by e-mailing admin@townofyarmouth.ca. Deadline to apply is Jan. 28.
▪ Town of Yarmouth 2022 waste collection calendars are being delivered door-to-door. You can also get a copy at Town Hall when it reopens or online at townofyarmouth. ca.
▪ The next regular council meeting is Thursday, Jan. 13, at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be a virtual meeting, but you can watch live through our livestream or the re-airing on Eastlink January 18th at 9pm
Here's to a healthy, prosperous and safe 2022!