As we enter the new year of 2003 we do so with great anticipation and excitement. We will be completing the final phase of our Millennium Plan, which is the completion and official opening of our Exhibition Centre sometime this summer. This event will take a considerable amount of staff time as an overall operations policy for the Centre will need to established and we all understand that with something new you need to adjust to growing pains and I am sure that we will need to work through our share of them as we take over the functioning of this building.

Our trails system has also received a lot of support from the Altona residents. During the course of this year we want to put up clear signage so that we know which trails and sidewalks are part of the trails system. We also want to recall the original Trails Development Committee and ask them to help us seek ways that can help us move over some of the bumps that we are experiencing as we move ahead with this program.

Our Community & Social Development Committee is also reviewing the recommendations of an architectural firm that made some interesting drawings for the expansion and beautification of our Cemetery. It is expected that these drawings will be modified somewhat and that the plans will be phased in as the need for extra plots becomes real.

In our vision statement we also state that we want Altona to be capable of providing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. We are fortunate to have many stable and community minded businesses in our area that provide an excellent source of employment and income for our residents in Altona and the surrounding communities.

During this past year we did have considerable expansion in the Industrial Park. We have seen Meli Woodworking, Winners Circle, S & E Lawn & Garden, Alpha Structural Insulated Panels and Secure Storage all take up residence within the park. This growth in the Industrial Park is creating a positive problem for us. We need to construct and upgrade some more streets in those areas. Council is planning to sell a debenture allowing us to construct these needed new streets, and this debenture will also provide funds for us to reconstruct and provide an asphalt-overlay to many of our present streets.

In addition to the growth in the Industrial Park, we have also seen an expansion of the retail sector within our business community. There have been numerous “grand openings” held this year such as: The Ice Cream Hut, McDonalds, Esso, Top Up, Bumper to Bumper and Herbal Lifestyles.

Mayor Mel Klassen 

We have almost zero unemployment. Most of our young people who want part time employment find work in Altona. Last year, our total building permit value reached $5.8 million, compared to $2.8 million in 2001. This, in a year many of us thought was a slow year for building in Altona.

Local people are investing in other ways as well. Council is pleased to announce that the debenture for the new Exhibition Centre has been sold. The entire debenture, in various multiples, was purchased by local investors and institutions. We are happy that this money will be recycled in Altona.

Council has begun preparing the budget for the year 2003. This process will be completed in April. We are aware that our taxes need to be competitive and will make every effort to be good stewards of our tax dollars.

Have a Happy New Year!
- Ted Klassen

Our phone number is 324-6468 or come by in person.

For Specific Inquiries Regarding the Town of Altona you can contact the following:

Attention Residents In S.W. Corner

Please note that as of January 6, 2003 garbage pick up in the S.W. Corner of Altona will be picked up on Mondays. We thank you in advance for your cooperation with this change.

Attention Contractors, Auctioneers, Piano Teachers, Etc.

Please be advised that the Town of Altona has Business Licence By-law. Under this by-law you must hold a current Town of Altona Business Licence in order to conduct business within the corporate limits of the Town of Altona. You may obtain such a Business Licence by purchasing it at the Town of Altona Administration Office.

Attention Pet Owners

Please make sure to register your cat(s) and/or dog(s) at the Altona Town office. All cats and dogs must have a new licence every year. Please keep your pets on a leash and respect other people’s property by cleaning up after your pets.

TOWN OF ALTONA BY-LAW

Responsibility of the pet owners:

THAT NO OWNER SHALL:

• Permit his/her animal to defecate on any private property;
• Permit his/her animal to defecate on property other than the property of its owner without causing such excrement to be removed immediately.

If you see any infractions against the above by-law contact the Animal Control Officer at 324-4644.

Attention Dog Owners

Altona Animal Control presently has two dogs in the pound. Both dogs appear to have wandered into Altona:

1. Male: mid size light brown in colour with a white chest, and white front paws with a black collar
2. Female: mid size light brown in colour with a white chest, and white front paws with a black collar.

Please phone Animal Control at 324-4644 if you are missing a dog. If you are missing a dog please do not assume that your dog has run away and will not be back. Every year our Animal Control Officer picks up dozens of dogs and we try very hard to find the owners, so if your missing a dog please call us, we may just have your pet.

Seasons Greetings from the Branch Librarians Desk!

A New Year is upon us and we have lots in store for 2003 at the Altona Branch Library! LOTS of new titles are being ordered and should arrive shortly. Check out our selection of videos and talking books, or stop by and learn how to send emails using our Internet stations. The staff at the library wish everyone a Happy New Year and encourage you to drop by and get a library card if you don’t have one!

PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME REGISTRATION!

Registration for Preschool Story Time will take place on January 21st. Spots are limited so be sure to register on that date. (Due to the overwhelming response to preschool story time we cannot accept registrations before January 21st- sorry.) Call 324-1503.

Family Literacy Night at the Altona Library! Bring your teddy bear, wear your pyjamas and listen to bedtime stories! Thursday, January 23rd, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. Bedtime snack will be served! See you then!

2nd Annual Winter Festival...

The Town of Altona & Altona & District Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend the 2nd Annual Winter Festival in the Altona Centennial Park on Saturday, February 1st, 2003We are planning a day jam packed full of Fun in the Winter Sun!

• Cardboard Toboggan Races
• Free Snowmobile Rides (weather permitting)
• Snow Creations Competition
• Snow boarding Competition
• Kiddie Corner (Adult Supervision required)
• Inner Tube Ice Sliding
• Free Horse & Sleigh/Wagon Rides
• Chili Cook Out (Altona Mall)
• Biggest Snowman Competition (Sponsored by Altona Co-op)
• Silent Auction (Altona Mall)
• Wiener Roast, Hot Choc & Roasted Marshmallow - $2.00 each
• Candle light walk in the Park (Fund raiser for Kiddie Sunshine Centre)
• Tea & Dessert at the Schwartz Heritage Home

For more information contact the Altona & Area Recreation at 324-9005.