The Capital Region Board - an insider's perspective
Published February 26, 2010
Much has been written about the Capital Region Board (CRB) and its possible/perceived effect on Strathcona County. I have been there right from the start and have gone to more meetings than I can count and have, what I would consider, much insight into the whole issue.
The first and foremost thing to remember is that the CRB was created by legislation and whether we like it or not, we have no choice but to be there. Certainly some might argue it is distasteful that we have to be legislated together but we have to deal in the reality of the moment. I would rather be there and negotiate a solution rather than have one imposed on us.
It would be folly for me to say that everything was peaches and cream throughout the entire process. Certainly at the onset there were considerable stressors and I think it would be fair to say, rather strenuous disagreement in some instances. Also, a very short time line was imposed upon the 25 member Board to reach agreement on Land Use, Transit, Housing and a Geographic Information System. I recall some of the first meetings I went to and wondered how we would ever get there given the enormity of the task.
As time progressed and the Board and its Committees came together, we all came to the realization that we had many things in common, we had many of the same problems and if we were to get anywhere, we would all have to be flexible and to put it bluntly, give some things up to gain others. Many meetings were punctuated with acrimony and anger but also with courtesy, civility and a genuine need to attain the goal. When all was said and done, we did attain the goal.
So out of all this did Strathcona County suffer? In my opinion, I would say no. Did we have to give things up? Yes. Did we make gains? Yes. All in all, I would say Strathcona County came out of it as best as we possibly could. We were seen as leaders in the Municipal Development Plan area and ours was frequently referred to throughout the process. We now have a very positive relationship with the City of Edmonton, which to say the least was strained before. I believe that the County is now seen as a forward-thinker amongst the CRB communities. Our Mayor, Cathy Olesen, has established an outstanding reputation amongst the Board for her leadership. Likewise, our administration, has also earned a stellar reputation.
As we move forward, will there be challenges? Of course there will and we will meet them head on. Nothing remains the same forever and to grow and thrive we must adapt and change. I remain fully confident that Strathcona County is very well positioned to meet all we will face.
Peter Wlodarczak
Councillor, Ward 4
780-464-8146
wlodarczak@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Page ID: 5255