A Note from Langdon Council

The Newsy Neighbour

January Issue #111

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Article provided by: Rolly Ashdown

This has been one of the more interesting years I have had in Rocky View County. We had some weather wins and losses. The end of last winter was pretty benign; I can't recall any crazy snow events like we have grown accustomed to from time to time. It appeared we were going to have a nice summer and then it rained and rained. We didn't get a big huge hit but a combination of multiple small rains soaked the land to the point of exposing any storm water weaknesses in the area. Pumping in the rural areas seem to go on forever; I know the County pumping budget wasn't just bumped a bit – it was blown apart! By the end of the year, the Ag producers scrambled a bit around the weather but seemed to get the fields cleared, I heard of 11 combines in one field, a nice story of co-operation but I'm sure they were a little nervous at the time. The year is going out like a lamb, I have been free of snow complaints so far – none! – for the first time since I was elected! I admit, I kind of miss it – I do like hearing from people. It's hard to have snow problems when there is no snow.

Early in the year we got through the Area Structure Plan update, not ideal in my humble opinion, but workable. It was interesting to watch the process unfold, it taught me just how busy people's lives are in general, and it also taught me that there are many ways people let their views be known. I think governments of all sorts need to adjust how they receive information in general, communication has definitely changed. I take pride in being available to receive information in every style of media there is and some days I get more from social media and email than anyone ever got from ordinary mail and phone calls, times have changed. 

One of the biggest successes this year was witnessing the strides that have been made by the volunteer groups in Langdon. They way everyone is working together is not just impressive but it is also award winning. The Langdon Community Collaborative, a groups of groups, was recognized for its great work and it is fast becoming the benchmark other communities are aspiring to. We had CBC radio broadcasting from the Prairie Grounds coffee shop a short time ago and the LCC was the subject of one of the segments, impressive indeed.

Christmas is upon us, I see our community takes part in the Yuletide decorating. I think there are more lights in Langdon than most communities, in time maybe we will be known for it, prompting even more. That's how things get going, the good stuff seems to catch on, maybe there will be more next year and more the year after. Someday, who knows, maybe Langdon will be the community where people go to look at the Christmas lights. That is one of the best things about being part of a growing Community, we get to watch it get better and better. It gives me a great sense of pride being part of it, I am constantly impressed with the drive of our not-so-little hamlet, thank you everyone who puts forward any effort you can, collectively it matters. I can hardly wait until next year to see what strides we can make!

Rolly Ashdown, Councillor
Rocky View County 
Rashdown@rockyview.ca