By Andrew de Souza

Mayor calls for ‘Positive Attitude’ for 2011

Jan 20, 2011 | 11:53 AM

Prince Albert can attribute last year’s strong economic performance and this year’s bright future to one thing says Mayor Jim Scarrow — positive attitude.

“What I began to realize was the reason for P.A.’s booming economy and confidence was our attitude,” said Scarrow.

“Because of our attitude, we dug deeper, we toiled harder, we stayed the course, we worked together because the core of our community believed and invested their heart and finances into their businesses, homes and neighbourhoods.”

That was the tone of Scarrow’s annual State of the City address, which took place today the Ches Leach Lounge. He was so proud of the good work of the city that he unveiled his personal revamping of the city’s commonly used initials.

“I will never look at Prince Albert the same again,” he said.

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

41m ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

4h ago

Raiders AGM

Raiders impact on Prince Albert local economy continues to go up: AGM report

22h ago

“I will always see something representative in Prince Albert that has truly always been, and is now, the secret of our success. I hope that you too will be proud to be known as P.A. because it stands for Positive Attitude.”

With that, players from the Prince Albert Raiders passed gold pins with the optimistic saying throughout the crowd.

Hope for industries

Scarrow’s speech was more than just an upbeat look at the past. He said the year coming up was set to see some real changes with the revitalization of the forestry sector, with a possible sale of the pulp mill, and the mining sector with the opening of the Star-Orion south diamond mine project.

“It certainly is time for an active engagement of all parties in doing the right thing,” he said.

As well, Scarrow said that Prince Albert’s position as main throughway would benefit citizens greatly with the growth oil production and uranium mining.

“Earlier I stated that 2010 was Canada’s and Saskatchewan’s year, it is my confident prediction that 2011 will be Prince Albert’s year,”

Challenges recognized

While the tone of Scarrow’s speech was positive for the most part, he also took the time to recognize challenges the city faces into the New Year.

He said it would be wrong to not address the issue of the city’s debt since so many people were talking about.

He said the city held $19 million to outside lending institutions and that that amount was reasonable.

“Prince Albert’s manageable debt is necessary for safe drinking water, responsible treatment of waste water and sanitation, property development and recreation needs of our citizens,” said Scarrow.

“We are not alone as every major city in the province has taken on debt as part of a growth strategy.”
Scarrow added that the city also has borrowed $10 million from its own internal reserves.

Scarrow ended by saying everyone has the right to take pride in the city for the hard work done and bright future created.

Click here for the complete speech

adesouza@panow.com

See related:

– Q & A with Mayor Jim Scarrow