Several County councillors are hosting Town Hall meetings in the coming weeks, seeking to connect with local residents on a number of issues.
Upcoming events include three in Division 7, one in Division 1 and a joint event at the Springbank Heritage Club, put on by divisions 2 and 3 councillors Kim Magnuson and Margaret Bahcheli on Nov. 9 from 4 to 8 p.m.
“We want to hear from constituents what their priorities are right now and what information they need from the County to keep them well informed,” said Bahcheli.
Councillor Rick Butler will be hosting his event Nov. 1 at the Bragg Creek Community Centre from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Up for discussion will be land-use planning, and an update on the water and wastewater plant, West Bragg Creek Road and the hamlet initiative.
Butler’s last meeting attracted 80 people and he is confident this event will get a lot of interest.
“They are seen as chances to get updated and provide input on the issues and projects moving forward,” said Butler.
In addition to the community meetings, several County representatives, including councillors Al Sacuta, Magnuson and Butler, also send regular email updates to constituents.
Councillor Lois Habberfield is hoping to set up a similar distribution list, and is hosting three upcoming drop-in meetings: Nov 19 at Goldenrod Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 26 at Madden Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Balzac Community Hall between 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Habberfield is hoping to get more people engaged and is inviting comments on any issues of concern.
“My main focus is communication,” said Habberfield. “This is two-way… I need to get in touch with the folks.”
She is also seeking input on how often and with what method she should contact constituents.
“I am hoping people will drop by to share interests near and dear to their hearts,” said Habberfield.
Habberfield is expecting people to bring their concerns about the mailing address changes in Balzac and the proposed New Life Centre near Madden, but welcomes all attendees, even if they just want the opportunity to visit with her and their neighbours.
This will be Magnuson’s third meeting, with the first, held last December, attracting 100 people.
The Springbank-area councillor said she has been getting requests for another.
“They want to come mainly to find out if anything is changing, what we are talking about at council,” said Magnuson.
“Bring me your bouquet, whatever is on your mind,” said Magnuson.
“One of my mandates is to give people information and keep the lines of communication wide open.”
