"We are all looking forward to spring and the end of the COVID winter, the two-year COVID winter, and I know that businesses are chomping to make things happen and so are we (the Town)." That from Altona Mayor Al Friesen who delivered his annual State of the Community address Thursday at the annual general meeting for the Altona & District Chamber of Commerce.

"Our recreation department has a number of new projects and things on the go for this year, and this would be an opportunity for them, as soon as the snow, and I know our town staff needs to move snow in order for the water to flow, but as soon as that takes place we are ready to go," added Friesen.

Friesen used his address to draw attention to some of the things Council and administration is working toward in the coming year, as well as the positive attention the Town's expanded industrial park has been receiving.

"We're enthused about that," said Friesen, noting two of the four lots put up for sale earlier this year have now been sold. "It's an existing Altona business that feels the proximity to Bunge and the commercial truck traffic is the right location for them."

He noted, there is additional interest for business development in Altona both from within and outside of the community.

Friesen also highlighted the completion of the downtown drainage project this past year. However, there is one more aspect to the project that will get some attention in 2022.

"We obviously want to redo 2nd Street Northeast...that would be the final step, and we think that's a huge event and one that is sorely needed by the community."

There will also be a refocus on the Southwest Drainage Project this year.

"We set aside some revenue for that last year, but because of circumstances downtown we were unable to make any real progress with that so we're committed to making progress on that this year," added Friesen.

Town Council has also increased its sidewalk and pathways budget for 2022, which also includes funds dedicated to trees and boulevards throughout the community.

"We want to be active community. We want to be a community where people have the opportunity to exercise and do all of that," said Friesen.

As well, Council, along with Fire Chief Greg Zimmerman, will further explore the purchase of a foam fire truck for Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services.

More details on these items and more are expected when Council presents its 2022/23 operating budget next Tuesday.

Additionally in 2022, Friesen said the Town will continue to partner with local organizations it feels are doing some exciting things for the community.

That includes an effort to relocate the Altona Branch of the South Central Regional Library and continued efforts to build a new 135-space child care centre.