Mayor Steve Fairbairn said 2023 was a year of success and progress for Elkford.
2023 was Fairbairn’s first full year as mayor and he said the community has changed for the better in that time.
“There have been lots of highlights. I think being here to see the end of the paving program, getting that completed and seeing it done is exciting,” said Fairbairn. “Seeing the foundation being poured for the seniors housing complex is exciting. It’s not a District of Elkford project, it’s the (Elkford Housing Society) doing that, but we’re all one big family.”
Fairbairn said Elkford also opened the doors of its new childcare centre in the spring of 2023.
“It was a great project to see finished,” said Fairbairn. “It’s full and has a waiting list and the Chamber of Commerce is moving in there. It’s a big success.”
The mayor said Elkford’s municipal staff have been a pleasure to work with through the year.
“They work really hard and they’ve tried, very successfully, to do things differently this year,” said Fairbairn. “I think a lot of our employees look forward to coming to work in the morning.”
The community’s healthcare sector is still struggling and Elkford’s Emergency Department has remained closed through the year.
However, Fairbairn remains hopeful.
“I think the progress that has been made with the clinic and hopefully some stabilization of staffing, and working towards a long-term solution to the provision of appropriate health care has moved down the road a bit,” said Fairbairn. “I take that as a big success.”
Staffing issues led to a ‘temporary’ closure of Elkford’s Emergency Department on September 29, 2021, and it has been closed ever since.
Fairbairn said he will continue to advocate for the community with the goal of stabilizing health care in Elkford.
“The big challenge is recognizing people’s concerns and health care needs and continually trying to make sure they are heard by bureaucrats and politicians at upper levels,” said Fairbairn.
Fairbairn said he is hopeful for continued progress and success in 2024.