Taber mayor pleased with 2019, looking forward to the New Year

“That’s roughly a $3-million bill, due to be completed some time in the March-April area. That’s moved to more of a central location in the downtown core of Taber. That’s been a big project that’s on-going and we’re just right in the middle of it as we speak now,” he said.

The second project was the Trout Pond and West Trail Extension, which saw the restocking of the old trout pond west of the town and improvements to campground areas.

The third is improvements to the Taber water treatment plant and the town’s BNR (Biological and Nutrient Removal) plant.

“Fifth would be our fourth ball diamond at the Ken McDonald Park. That’s a $150,000 project that’s just near the completion stage.”

BOMB THREATS AND MOTHER NATURE

Prokop noted that Taber was hit with one unique challenge at the beginning of 2019 – bomb threats to various locations in February.

“A heavy response was required; it caused our community a lot of grief. In the end though, through the IT format, the informational-technical side, they were able to track the individual making the calls,” Prokop explained.

“We’re very happy with how that turned out, all things considered. Besides the grief and hardship it caused for the community and residents, it cost us about a $25,000 bill that’s non-recoverable, it obviously wasn’t budgeted for. That’s one of those things that nobody should have to deal with, particularly when you involve kids at the schools [in Taber], that’s [an] extra strain.”

“It was a few days of pretty serious mayhem around here while that was going on,” Prokop remarked.

Months later, in August, local farms were hit hard by a summer hailstorm.

“This was not a great farming season at all for Taber and area. It started with the hail and the windstorms earlier in the season and caused a lot of damage to the corn crops, pumpkins and grain crops as well, to the point where the pumpkin and/or corn were almost entirely wiped out,” Prokop said.

Prokop added that fortunately, there was corn available for the ever-popular Taber Cornfest. Unfortunately, sugar beet growers also felt the wrath of Mother Nature.

About 45 percent of the 2019 crop was unable to be harvested because of harsh late season weather. Processor Lantic Sugar operates the sugar factory based in Taber.

Prokop said it’s disheartening, because when you’re dealing with Mother Nature, there’s no control over what conditions may arise.

HOPES FOR 2020

Prokop said looking ahead at 2020, the Town is hoping to see more new businesses set up shop in the area. He believes there were about 40 new businesses that arrived in Taber over the last 12 months.

“Some are home-based businesses in that number mix. Overall, that’s a benefit for sure for the community and area as well for new entrepreneurs, [because we’re] still dealing with the recession issues in the province, [so] it’s impressive that people are willing to take those kinds of risks and actually are successful with those businesses going forward, for the most part,” he said.

One major project announced in November set to bring more people to Taber is a new cannabis, hemp and agri-food complex.

Project organizers believe around 200 new jobs will be created from that project. Prokop is optimistic.

He said there is usually concern when people hear the word cannabis but emphasized that it’s not just cannabis that’s involved in the project.

“There’s a lot of areas related to the hemp products that they’re able to make and sell on the market as well as the agri-grow side is part of this mix there,” he said.

“We’re excited about that and anytime you can boost that kind of employment in any economy, it’s really a win-win for any municipality.”

Prokop added that teamwork is important for any community to thrive and noted Taber’s strong relationships with Conservative MLA for Taber-Warner, Grant Hunter and Bow River MP Martin Shields as being something beneficial for the municipality.

He said his council always tries to be transparent and honest with the community and encourages the public to talk with either himself or council members any time they have any concerns.

“We certainly like to instill that message and help the public out as best as we can and look forward to hearing any concerns they have and hopefully we can help as best as we can going forward as well.”

Prokop said the Town will do whatever they can to continue providing a high level of service for residents now and into the New Year.

by Justin Goulet

Taber mayor pleased with 2019, looking forward to the New Year

Our Community