Message from the Mayor 2020 Year in Review
Greetings from Mayor and Council.
A year to remember! COVID-19 pandemic has dominated the past year and has presented many challenges for our community. With the announcement of a vaccine on the way, this is good news as we move into 2021.
Council wishes to send out a big thank you to all of the front-line workers who, on a daily basis, are working to keep us healthy and safe.
Wembley Medical Clinic
The Wembley Medical Clinic opened its doors in August 2020 with one doctor to start and welcomed its second doctor in November. For a Town of our size, we are very fortunate to have this service in our community.
Municipal Development Plan (MDP) By-Law #726
On June 8, 2020, Town council adopted the first ever Municipal Development Plan as a requirement of the Municipal Government Act. The primary purpose of an MDP is to inform residents and developers of the Town’s future land use strategy and to provide clear direction to Council, Development and Subdivision Authorities, and the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board in making land use decisions. The plan is intended to guide the future growth and development of the Town by identifying policies regarding future land use, transportation, and servicing; and providing support and direction for the administration of the Land Use By-Law, and review of subdivision and development applications.
Land Use By-law #733
ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. was engaged by the Town of Wembley in March 2020 to review and re-write the Town’s Land Use By-law. The current by-law was 22 years old and there was a need to update, address gaps identified through technical review, input from administration and the public, and to reflect new requirements of the Municipal Government Act to reflect developmental best practices. The purpose of this by-law is to manage the use and development of land and buildings within the Town, to achieve the orderly, economical, and beneficial development of land in Wembley.
New Fire Truck
Wembley Volunteer Fire Department took possession of new rescue engine #622 for the safe and effective operation of our Fire Department, and with the sole purpose of giving our community the best level of fire protection. The rescue unit is set up for all firefighting capabilities for residential, commercial, and rural properties. The goal was to acquire a unit that will support all of our current needs for the units 15-year projected service life. The Fire Department currently has one full time fire chief and 20 plus dedicated volunteers.
Town Administration and Staff
It is another year of many challenges and learning to adjust to ever changing situations brought on by the pandemic situation. With the Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST), administration and staff can accommodate to the various requirements and restrictions to curve the pandemic. The Town is now able to provide virtual access to the public for Council meeting.
In closing, Council wishes everyone the very best for 2021!