Dear Editor:
Most of us aren’t too interested in the inner workings of local government. People behind the scenes are quietly getting the work done. As long as our taps keep dispensing water, our sewage system is working, and our roads are maintained, we don’t give district government much thought. Yet good communities don’t make themselves. Look around. We have a lot to be grateful for, and we all need to do our part to keep it going.
The District of Invermere is currently reviewing their strategic priorities. The draft includes some important sectors – sewage infrastructure, affordable housing, organic waste diversion – good choices for priorities given ageing infrastructure and increased population pressure. What is lacking is climate change mitigation and adaptation. A changing climate will affect all sectors of local government and should be planned for across all sectors.
I know from conversations with local elected officials that the district is busy keeping things running smoothly, everyone is busy, and there isn’t any time or money left at the end of the day.
This is where we can do our part as citizens – we need to tell the local government that having municipalities do their part to curb greenhouse gas emissions and having them prepare for a changing climate, thereby avoiding the worst impacts – these things are important to us! We need to be willing to invest in what we want for the future – with our time, our interest, our support and our finances.
Take the time to review the draft strategic priority document, come to the next District of Invermere council meeting (July 13) to tell the council what you expect, and be prepared to support a plan that will provide a better future for us all.
Tracy Flynn, Fairmont Hot Springs
