DIDSBURY - The town’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has been very active and busy in recent months, town councillors heard at the recent regularly scheduled Didsbury council meeting.
In his quarterly report to council, chief administrative officer Ethan Gorner outlined recent activities, projects and programs taking place in the municipality, including regarding parks, aquatics, the arena and FCSS.
“The Didsbury FCSS program has a very busy second quarter,” said Gorner. “Partnerships were key to the success of many programs, including Boys and Girls Club of Olds, public health, the Didsbury Museum, Didsbury library, the 5-0 Club, and many more.
“Our annual Seniors Week activities in June were well-attended and a great way to celebrate our Didsbury senior population. As new FCSS Facebook page was launched, focusing on specific programs and services offered by our local FCSS office.”
Regarding parks, he said despite the departure of one longtime staff member, “the crew bounced back very quickly, and gratefully was made up of three returning staff members from previous seasons who were able to offer continuity and leadership to the new crew members.
“The weather was very cooperative this season, allowing the crews to work efficiently and thoroughly within their schedule. Many compliments were received for parks this season as they kept Didsbury looking beautiful and maintained all season long.”
As for the aquatic centre, he said staffing levels were achieved in the recent quarter, allowing the centre to be open full-time for the first time since March 2020.
“Spring was busy at the pool with school lessons wrapping up, and the return of our Aqua Jets Swim Club and their annual swim meet,” he said.
The area experienced a slower spring in 2023 as some of the larger events have not returned after COVID closures, he said.
“We hosted the Stringers Lacrosse Club and Didsbury In-Line, as well as bookings from other communities for floor-time. The Aqua Jets Swim Club and Didsbury High School grad returned to full events in 2023. We are looking to utilize this space more fully in 2024,” he said.
Gorner also reported on the Mountain View Regional Film Office (MVRFO) being nominated for a national award.
“Every year, the Economic Development Association of Canada is calling for nominations for their prestigious Canada Marketing Award. Town of Didsbury Economic Development has applied on behalf of the MVRFO for three national marketing awards, in the categories of website, promotional video, and community collaboration,” he said.
“All three applications were deemed eligible and were accepted as nominations and therefore are featured on the Economic Development Association of Canada website.”
The winners of the 2023 Marketing Canada Awards will be announced by Oct. 3.
Council accepted the CAO report as information.
