By David Raven, Mayor of Revelstoke
On behalf of the City of Revelstoke, I am privileged and honoured to welcome all former Revelstokians to the 2014 Homecoming Reunion from August 15–17. Homecoming is a tradition that brings friends and family together for a weekend of festivities and friendship. We look forward to providing you with a warm experience that will create lasting memories. These memories are a way of holding onto the things you love, who you are, and the community you never want to lose. Homecoming is for all former and current residents and those who love Revelstoke.
Revelstoke has a strong history of “famigilia” being a united group that pulls together to support each other through hard times and to celebrate each others success. This is the “Spirit of Revelstoke.” Reuniting during homecoming brings extended families together again and there is nothing like the warm feeling of an old friend’s hand.
I would like to thank the volunteers and local organizations who have spent countless hours organizing endless opportunities for everyone to celebrate with each other and our beautiful community. These festivities extend from nostalgic tours, to a golf tournament, breakfast at Revelstoke Mountain Resort-including a gondola ride, the railway museum’s family day, live music downtown, beer gardens and even a heritage garden afternoon tea, among many, many others. I am sure everyone will find something enjoyable to do no matter what your age or interest.
Throughout the last decade Revelstoke has embraced many changes including a more diversified economy, active and healthy lifestyle and the vibrancy of young families moving to our city. These changes build on and respect our heritage of a friendly, safe, caring, proud and respectful community with a strong vision and promising future.
Since the last homecoming five years ago, Revelstoke has continued to evolve and thrive during these changing times. The city has met a number of challenges head on with success while ensuring the sustainably of the community. The completion of the Integrated Community Sustainably Plan has assisted council in establishing its goals and objectives.
These goals have lead the fiscal plans and budgets as Council has committed to protecting its healthy infrastructure for current and future generations. The city is currently replacing its streetlights and fire hydrants on a five year program and is continually replacing water, sewer and storm drains as required.
Council is dedicated to establishing service levels for both core and non-core activities and programs that are in harmony with fiscal priorities and limitations.
The city has undergone a major restructuring process to optimize human and financial resources in an effort to improve customer service and reduce operating costs. This restructure included the consolidation of the Planning Department, Building Department, and Engineering into the Development Services Department, as well as combining Bylaw Enforcement, Administration and Communications into Corporate Administration. The Economic Development staff moved into the new visitor information centre building and will continue to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and community development staff. Finally, emergency preparedness and planning has been reassigned to the Fire Department.
Council is committed to improving the Revelstoke experience with the use of traditional and modern methods of communication with the public, improving the interaction and exchange of ideas with its citizens and visitors, ensuring a greater transparency and accountability. A community satisfaction survey was well received by the citizens of Revelstoke in 2013; it produced valued feedback and community perception on many city programs and services. The information gained was used to assist council and staff in the planning and management of its diverse array of programs and services.
Throughout 2014 there will be many projects that reflect the community goals and objectives as we continue to move forward with our changing sustainable community.
Once again I would like to encourage everyone to have a great time, be safe, use a designated driver program and most of all enjoy each other in the amazing “Spirit of Revelstoke”.
Thank you,
David Raven, Mayor