A look back, a look ahead
A New Year's message from Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood
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In what feels like the blink of an eye, 2024 has arrived, and with it the inquisitive need to look back and ahead. 2023 was a busy year, one with many accomplishments for the region, and at the same time, one of frustrations and some sadness.
Let's start with some of the positives.
The Mariners Centre expansion is moving forward at a great pace. It's the largest project ever undertaken by the three municipalities of Yarmouth County.
The ATV trails connection has finally happened with riders allowed to pass through Water Street in Yarmouth.
Our active transportation trails have been extended.
The deer management committee is working hard to find a solution to our deer issue. The accessibility committee is in full swing.
The ferry brought in tens of thousands of visitors who love Yarmouth County. Visitors and locals alike love the newly-painted Welcome to Yarmouth sign with bright, fun colours that tell folks who we are.
The town ordered two new transit buses that are currently being built. We've recruited doctors who love Yarmouth's friendly folks. We came to a new firefighting agreement with the Municipality
of the District of Yarmouth.
And, the names of those who were last lost to the sea were added to the Lost to the Sea monument in remembrance of who we are as a fishing community and what these brave fishers have risked for us. May they all rest in peace. We love that our elementary students plant flowers around the monument yearly.
Speaking of students, we love our youth and want to make sure they have lots of opportunities to be great citizens. They never disappoint. Our students have shown up at town hall for flag raisings, tree decorating, events and more. I was thrilled to have the first “Mayor for the Day” – Yarmouth Elementary School Grade 5 student Oliver Gorman who helped me with several mayoral duties. He toured town hall and asked the very best questions. Thank you, Oliver – I mean, Your Worship!
The YASTA team landed Music Week again. Seafest was amazing. The car show – closing down Main Street and seeing thousands of people all at once walking, laughing, meeting friends old and new – it's community at its best. A huge, heartfelt thank you to every volunteer whose selfless service allows us to shine.
We are proud of our diversity and do all we can to ensure we are welcoming and safe for all. And who doesn't love that we can get everything including Lebanese (my personal favorite, but I'm biased!), Mexican, Japanese, Korean, Philippino, Vietnamese food and more. Plus, a plethora of fresh seafood is always at our fingertips.
My top three positives for 2023, in no particular order are:
• No. 2 Construction Battalion monument event
• Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony in Frost Park with Wasoqopa'q First Nation
• Municipality of Argyle became owners of the Mariners Centre with the Town and the Municipality of Yarmouth
And one more that includes a happy dance. In July 2023, the Town of Yarmouth became debt-free as a result of solid decisions and acute attention to our budget and needs by the council and staff.
Because this is life, with the good comes the not-so-good. The wildfires wreaked havoc on our neighbours. We are blessed to have a fire department of firefighters and topnotch equipment that quickly assisted. Residents loaded up vehicles with food donations, clothing and other needs.
In 2023, we also saw two of the coldest nights ever and a storm a few months later. The fire hall was set up as a comfort centre in both cases. No one had to take advantage of it, but community donations were at a high.
The rising cost of absolutely everything has caused distress on many fronts. As with every town and city in the country, we continue to have housing issues, most of which are affordability and stock-based. The town has a number of housing files on the go. While we can only manage what is under our control, fingers crossed that more housing is on the way sooner than later.
Your taking care of each other has been off-the-charts Yarmouth, and comes as no surprise. Your deep, almost primal need to ensure no one goes without is incredible. From toys to meals to clothing and everything in between, you've given of yourselves and your talents to those most in need. Again, community at its best.
We've accomplished much together. A wonderful community of folks, partners who understand working together helps us all, and a great staff that makes it all happen.
And from my seat, a council unafraid of making difficult decisions, putting our different views on the table, and coming through with the best decisions for the town and region.
I simply and deeply love this community.
May you each be blessed with a happy, prosperous and joy-filled 2024.