For Barrhead Mayor Brian Schulz the spirit of volunteerism throughout the town is an enormous source of pride.
It fills him with hope as the town prepares for one of the biggest events in its history – the 2013 55-plus Summer Games.
“Getting the games is a compliment to our volunteer base, which is very strong and visible,” he said.
In many ways the games have helped shape 2012, added Schulz, with Barrhead striving to look its best for the showpiece event, which will require a huge army of volunteers.
Of course, success will not just depend on volunteers. As ever, it requires a community-wide effort – from businesses to the RCMP, firefighters and ambulance crews to doctors, Town staff to government agencies.
“It is because of people working together that Barrhead is a fantastic place to live,” said Schulz.
“The thing I am most grateful for is the people who step up and make a difference.”
It is with this sense of gratitude that Schulz reviews 2012 and looks ahead to 2013.
55-plus Summer Games/Beautification plans: “The games have made us more conscious of what our community looks like,” said Schulz.
“It has made us get a little more active in making sure our town looks beautiful.”
A key appointment, he said, was Greg Bell, the Town’s Parks and Recreation Foreman.
“He has great experience in parks and looking after them. He is a very hands-on guy.”
Schulz said Bell was an example of someone with a desire to improve the community.
New “welcome to Barrhead” signs have also been installed, said Schulz.
“People have been very positive about them,” he said. “They bring a brighter, fresher new face to Barrhead. The north side sign will be placed in spring of 2013.”
Another addition to the town has been new tennis courts, which will be used during the summer games.
“We put them in a safe place by the school,” said Schulz. “That project will be finished in early part of 2013.”
Infrastructure: The 55-plus games have spurred moves to boost the town’s infrastructure, including road projects that are targeted for completion in 2013, said Schulz.
The Town Council and administration, he said, were well prepared for applying for federal and provincial grants.
The last grant enabled to Town to accelerate infrastructure plans.
“We are seven years ahead of schedule in our infrastructure,” he said. “The future looks very bright as far as infrastructure is concerned.”
A major construction project has been the upgrading of the water treatment plan.
“It should be up and running by May 2013,” said Schulz. “The project is completely on budget and on time.”
Twinning: “One of my highlights of 2012 was being able to celebrate 20 years of twinning and going to Tokoro, Japan,” said Schulz. “I was proud to represent Barrhead at the big celebration. We are grateful for the ability we have to continue a twinning process with Japan, Australia and Mexico.”
Schulz said such twinning arrangements enriched the community culturally, giving it an extra flavour.
July flooding: “It was a traumatic event,” said Schulz. “It was devastating to too many people. If there is any way we can lessen the pain that comes along to the homeowners we must do it. We have brought in our engineers and technicians to work hard and come up with a solution that will resolve all possible problems with infrastructure.”
Schulz said he was happy that MLA Maureen Kubinec had worked hard with the Town’s administration to set up a financial relief program for flooding victims.
New doctors: “We are blessed to have a couple of new physicians move into our community,” said Schulz. “They have settled in our community and that is a huge positive. The doctors here are very community orientated.”
Schulz said Barrhead was very fortunate to have the great expertise of doctors old and new.
Main Street: “Main Street is looking better. A brand new building has just gone up, and potentially another business is going to be building on Main Street. The business community’s future in Barrhead looks strong. I think the Chamber of Commerce is doing a great job in promoting community in our area.”
Swimming pool: Working with the County, the Town plans to build a new pool very much needed in the community, said Schulz.
“We plan it to be a senior friendly pool,” he said.”
County Council relationships: “I want to see a continued close relationship with they County Council,” said Schulz. “I believe they are doing a great job and the cooperation that we receive from them is excellent.”
