There is still work to do and other initiatives that Marc Yaworski wants to see happen.
That’s part of the reason why he has decided to run for re-election as a Ponoka town councillor.
“I believe we have the town moving in the right direction. We just have to have some continuity. I really believe we are on the edge of something great.”
There are two pieces he hopes to see go ahead — the new recreational field house and a new facility for law enforcement.
“I think we have to put a priority on building the field house, and in saying that, we also have to put a priority on that new RCMP building,” Yaworski explained, noting Ponoka is fortunate to have both the RCMP and the Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit.
“It’s not a very glamorous job, but it is something that has to be done. We have got the RCMP and Sheriffs working together and that keeps all of us here safer. But, if we want to keep these people together, we need a new building and one has been promised for seven or eight years. It’s time now to build it and go on.”
In addition, Yaworski is proud to have been a part of getting the new bridge finally built as well as getting the new learning centre established.
“Imagine if we didn’t have that bridge. We were able to do it because we came together as a council. People were saying, ‘Don’t do this,’ had people fighting us on it, but once it was there everybody was happy,” he stated.
“As for the learning centre, what an incredible project for our town. The last four years, economically-wise, our province has been in a funk and we had the resolve here to move forward. Four years ago, if someone had told you we would have post-secondary education in Ponoka, most people would have said, ‘No.’”
Yaworski added another proud moment was seeing the police advisory committee operational after more than two years of working on it.
“It’s not very romantic or interesting, but it’s the day-to-day workings of town. So, no matter what anyone has said, this council has taken our town forward.”
He also stated people need to look at the bigger picture when it comes to infrastructure, noting the way work is being done now as opposed to five years ago is saving Ponoka money and making operations more efficient.
Yet, there has been one dominant the past two years still floating out there, which Yaworski believes can be fixed.
“I really think everybody believes we have to have a better relationship with the county. But it has to be with more than just the county, it has to be with the towns around us,” he said.
“The way technology is now, I think we can build a network where we’re not relying solely on information or help from the county. I think we can share ideas and maybe even resources with the towns around us. Maybe we can help them and maybe they can help us. If we can sit and negotiate fairly, I’m all for it.”
As for the situation that brought the town and county to butt heads, Yaworski did not say what will happen with the fire department issue.
“We have to have full and meaningful discussions first, so I can’t go into what exactly may or may not happen with the fire department. We need to just build our relationship first and from there. It’s mutual cooperation, not domination.”