The 2010 Winter Olympics have come to a dramatic close with Canada winning the most Gold medals in history. The 2010 Paralympic Games will open on March 12 and we will be treated to a whole new suite of powerful experiences.
Of all the legacies of these Games, the one highlighted by John Furlong at the closing ceremonies was the inspiration the athletes and volunteers have provided us. In 撸奶社区we don't have to look far for such inspiration.
We have an abundance of Olympians living among us who have dared to dream, worked hard, overcome adversity and competed successfully at the highest level.
We even have our own gold medallist, Ma毛lle Ricker, who inspired us not only as the first female Canadian to win gold on home soil but also as a gracious victor.
撸奶社区supplied a hugely disproportionate number of volunteers to the Games. Locals took time off work, got up at ridiculous times and worked long hours in the rain to support all of the venues in Whistler and the Callaghan Valley with no expectation of recognition or glory.
This is another example of our quiet excellence. It was no coincidence that Mr. Furlong mentioned 撸奶社区in his closing remarks.
What do we do with such inspiration? My hope is that we will use it to positively impact our daily lives. That we will become better role models at home and more productive in our workplaces. That we will handle adversity better and strive for excellence - even when no one is looking.
My expectation is that our municipal government, the District of Squamish, will also be inspired to continue to improve. We have important work to do.
Our Official Community Plan, the vision document for our future, will go to public hearing and adoption. We will strive to complete a high quality trails master plan that will be the template for effective management of our world class trail system. We must move forward with our solid waste strategy on terms that ensure economic and environmental sustainability.
We will continue working to ensure that each person in our organization is well-suited for their role, has appropriate training and is held accountable for the important responsibilities they have.
We will work hard to ensure that Squamish's suggested improvements to the Regional Growth Strategy will be incorporated so that the decision makers can be held accountable through the democratic process.
We are starting an overdue review and update of our zoning bylaw that will improve accuracy and clarity in land use.
The Oceanfront process will enter the next stage of creating a sub-area plan incorporating the vision for our downtown oceanfront peninsula. Our progressive initiative on a downtown neighbourhood energy utility will be advanced with the completion of the feasibility study.
When we return to our daily lives without the constant inspiration of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, let's not settle for ordinary. Instead, let us strive for excellence and take pride in what we do just as those athletes have.
That would be a great 2010 legacy.
