Town should just get along

Rocky View Weekly staff were saddened, although not surpised, to learn that the Town of Irricana recently presented one of its councillors with a stop order.

The stop order is a bill charging Councillor Frank Dusome nearly $1,200 for alleged damage and to confirm the property line between Founder’s Park and his property. (See story page 4)

Although Irricana gives the appearance of being a town where neighbours get together and everyone watches out for one another, it seems the reality is different.

Over the past few years, we at the Rocky View Weekly have enjoyed covering wonderful events in Irricana such as Irricana Sports Day and the grand opening of Centennial Park. While visiting the community, we reporters have enjoyed talking with folks who are pleasant and down-to-earth.

However, as of late, bad news has become more prevelant.

It seems council members are divided. Fighting is a part of nearly every meeting and residents have complained of alleged intimidation from Town staff and councillors. Residents show up in droves to council meetings with a list of complaints and air their views on an online forum.

The Town is also awaiting results of an investigation by Alberta’s Municipal Affairs.

By contrast, the Village of Beiseker is the polar opposite. Councillors seem to enjoy the meetings and get along.

Residents rarely show up with problems and the mood is light.

We don’t know how to fix Irricana’s problems, but we think better communication and more transparency is key.

If residents, councillors and Village staff want Irricana to thrive, everyone needs to come together.

It’s time to set aside petty differences and make the town what it could be.