Community priorities.

The municipality doesn't run our hospital or control the healthcare system, but that doesn't mean we should sit on the sidelines.

We can advocate. We can build stronger relationships with healthcare providers and other levels of government. And we can work harder to make 100 Mile House and the South Cariboo a place where doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals want to build both a career and a life.

That's also why attracting people and telling our story matters.

But wanting something and knowing it makes sense are two different things.

A pool would be a significant investment, not only to build, but to operate for decades to come. And with a relatively small population inside the municipal boundaries of 100 Mile House, it couldn't realistically be looked at as a town project alone. It would need to be a regional conversation.

What would it actually cost? What would the ongoing operating costs be? What funding opportunities exist? Is there enough regional support? And ultimately, is it something our communities can responsibly afford? I think those are questions worth asking.

Under many of those roads are the water, sewer and other utilities our community depends on. Before we spend significant taxpayer dollars rebuilding a road, we need to understand the condition of what's underneath it. The last thing we want is to rebuild a road and then tear it up again because the infrastructure below it needs replacing.

I believe we need to look at our roads, water systems and underground infrastructure together, prioritize what needs attention and develop a responsible long-term plan. Then we need to pursue grants and other funding opportunities wherever possible to help get that work done.

People from across the South Cariboo work here, shop here, access healthcare here, use recreation and other services here, and contribute to our economy. Many of the biggest issues facing us don't stop at the municipal boundary either.

Healthcare. Recreation. Economic development. Infrastructure. Emergency services. Attracting new people and investment.

That's why strong relationships with the Cariboo Regional District, neighbouring communities, local First Nations and other levels of government matter.

We won't always agree. We don't need to.

Over the past several years, our community has lost two mills. That has meant fewer good jobs, less local spending and a significant reduction in our tax base. It has also shown us the risk of depending too heavily on a small number of major employers.

We can't wait and hope that something identical will replace what we've lost. We need to build a more diverse and resilient economy by making the most of the strengths we already have.

100 Mile House offers competitively priced land for industry, housing that remains more affordable than in many larger centres and a strategic location on Highway 97, the main north-south corridor through the Interior.

Every day, people, goods and commerce move through our community. While many small towns are located away from major transportation routes, 100 Mile House sits right on one. That is a significant economic advantage, and we need to make better use of it.

Our future doesn't need to depend on one enormous employer. It can grow through new industries, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, remote professionals and people ready to invest in our community.

Municipal government can't build that economy alone. But it can support existing businesses, welcome new investment, respond quickly to opportunities and ensure good ideas get a fair hearing.

Rebuilding and diversifying our tax base won't happen overnight. But we have real advantages and a strong foundation to build on.