It is that time of the year where the world, at least our little part of it, seems to pause to take a deep breath.
It might have something to do with the usual chilly temperatures of January.
Or, perhaps it is the empty wallets left from the holidays of December.
In either case we tend to find the chesterfield the ideal place at this time of year, which does allow for some reflection on things.
Considering we are now into the second decade of this century it seems an ideal time for some community wide reflection on exactly where we hope to see our city go in the short, medium and long term.
It was back in 2010 when then Yorkton Mayor James Wilson initiated what was essentially a community visioning process bringing together a wide range of individuals, many representing user groups in the community, and other individuals who were considered involved enough locally to add to the discussion.
Out of the Community Strategic Plan Conference came something of a vision for the City, one that has been referred to by Yorkton City Administration and Council on numerous occasions since when dealing with items that have elements that have dovetailed with the community document.
It was a worthwhile effort at the time, but like most things, time alters things.
The priorities of a community change.
That might be because certain things seen as important have since been accomplished.
In other instances time has simply meant an idea once thought needed has been rendered of far less importance for a variety of reasons.
Priorities change as well over time.
Two extreme rain events which caused extensive damage in the city since 2000 are testament to that. We collectively think more about the potential damage of flooding today than we did before the rain events hit.
Similarly, a facility such as the Kinsmen Arena was seen as having years of good service left when last the community brainstormed a vision. The facility has a far shorter useful life expectancy today.
It seems like we need to revisit our community plan, to tweak and adjust the vision with near two-decades gone since it was undertaken.
Some might think 2020, with only months left in the current term of Council as a strange time to start the process, but it should be ideal.
On the one hand it would give anyone seeking election to Council this fall a close-up look at what the community wants moving forward.
And the Council elected in October would have a virtual blueprint to guide it as it starts its four-year run.
