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Happy New Year to all Cobalt Citizens and wannabe Cobalt Citizens. As we close out and say goodbye to 2011 it is worth reviewing some of the business from last year.
The Fraser project had to be the most consuming of our endeavours. I have to say that I am disappointed that it is not yet ready but it should be ready for occupation in the spring. Check the update on the Fraser for progress to date.
The projects undertaken through the Historic Cobalt Mining Camp were for the most part completed. The mini-putt opened in mid-summer and is a great venue. If someone is interested in taking on the management and adding a chip wagon at the park, we would certainly entertain this project.
The Right-of way mine near the Larose bridge was finished and added to the attractions available in our community as well as the Keevil Walking Trail which is part of the Teck Park project.
The Bunker Military Museum undertook a successful fundraising and has qualified for a grant to assist in the move to their new facility at the Fraser. The official opening is slated for early June.
A new access and security system was installed at the Hoist Room Fitness Center. This facility continues to be very popular and members have been very good about keeping the equipment clean and in good repair.
We updated a number of by-laws which will be abbreviated and should be on the web-site by mid-February along with council minutes. We are also looking at adding the events calendar and a guest book.
I must admit that my biggest disappointment was our unsuccessful attempt to keep the Cobalt-Coleman Public School open. The Board of Education , in its finite wisdom, chose to house the combined student populations in the Haileybury Public School. In the committee's report to the Board, no reason was given to substantiate their recommendation of Haileybury over Cobalt. The school is 100 years old, will require over $2 million to repair and will operate at an occupancy rate of under 50%. Now the Board is going to the Province for money to build a new school, because the one they have is beyond repair... Meanwhile, the perfectly pristine Cobalt School will be empty!!
As we enter into 2012, we look forward to new undertakings and infusing a bit of technology into our business dealings. We are in the process of migrating our business functions to an accounting system that was purchased in 2010. Once that is completed, tracking of budgets and costs should be considerably easier.
We have applied for funds to develop a business communications centre which would be located in the community hall and fireplace room. This video-conferencing facility will be available to Coleman and Latchford for their use as well as local business that will use the facility for conducting workshops or professional development seminars.
We will also be working on finding suitable tenants for the main floor of the Fraser and the train station. We want the tenants to attract people to Cobalt who can also take in the numerous historic attractions available.
An Historic Cobalt Coordinating Committee had its first meeting on January 7th to develop a strategy and vision for the various historic and cultural groups that we have in town. They have decided on a name..The Cobalt Cultural Network. We will be developing a marketing plan and some interesting activities to engage local citizens in the wonderful venues that are available to them. This will be available towards the end of January.
We did get approval for the feasibility study for transitional housing for seniors. Many of our citizens are having to relocate to Haileybury and New Liskeard and we want to help them stay here. We will keep you apprised.
As I say goodbye to 2011, I want to thank the councillors who helped make 2011 a successful year, our town employees and the numerous citizens of Cobalt, Coleman, Latchford and Temiskaming Shores who give of their time to make this the great little town that it is. It's a joy and an honour to be in your company.
Happy New Year
Tina Sartoretto
Mayor