My dear Red Deerians, we have come to the end of 2023, and my goodness, what a year we have had. Earlier this year, I declared 2023 to be the Year of the Volunteer – and boy, has it been an incredible year. Now, the year is not over, and I have a challenge for all of you, Red Deer, to finish this year with a bang and to continue to focus on helping each other up during this season of giving.
Opportunities are abound in our community, whether that be supporting a local food drive, dropping off a gift for the Christmas Bureau, volunteering at the Mustard Seed or Food Bank to help out those in our community who need a hand up this time of year, or just reaching out to your neighbours and friends – there is a role for all of us in making our community the best it can be.
I also know that inflation and day to day cost of living has impacted every single one of us this past year. I recently received an email from a dear citizen who is struggling with the cost of living in our community. I keep this email on my desk as a reminder of the needs of our community, of the struggles we are facing, and as a reminder to continue to fight for the right we all have for safe and affordable housing.
In fact, a personal goal of mine for 2024 is to take a community approach to affordable housing. We need to rally together as a community and fight for the fundamental rights of safe and affordable housing.
I truly believe that community can make an impact. There are so many incredible people in Red Deer who will help in achieving this goal, and I would love for that to occur, on a personal level, in 2024.
As I look back on 2023, I continue to be so grateful for the opportunity and privilege of being your Mayor, Red Deer. I have had over 580 meetings with citizens, community groups, business and individuals, and I continue to grow and learn from the strength and wisdom of our community.
If I could sum up the year of 2023 in four words, I would have to say Community, Renewal, Connection and Gratitude. In all my travel across the community this year – these are the words that sum up what I had the privilege of learning, experiencing and sharing.
For 2024, I look forward to being able to share more information with you about the ongoing shelter file for our community, I know you all want and need to know where we are at, as a Council, and I look forward to being able to share more with you in the coming months. I look forward to the continued success of our Capstone area and economic growth as a whole. With our recent annexation project officially approved, we have much optimism about growth in the north west area of our community.
I look forward to continuing to connect with you Red Deer, at the many events, cultural gatherings, meetings and greetings on the street and in our local shops, and meetings with our provincial and federal counterparts to fight for what Red Deer needs and wants.
2024 is, I think, going to be a marvelous year. Council and I have two years under our belts together, and we have continued to gel as a team and as a unit working together for the best of our community.
Thank you for your grace and support over the past year, and I can’t wait to see what the new year brings. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and all the best in 2024.
Happy holidays, and a safe & healthy New Year.
Ken Johnston is the Mayor of Red Deer.