SUMMERSIDE - Basil Stewart is celebrating his 25th year as mayor of Summerside and it's been a year of extreme highs and lows for the man who has guided the western capital through unprecedented changes.
"2009 has been a year that will stick out in my memory somewhat for a couple of reasons," Stewart said in a year-end interview. "I lost my dad just a little over a month ago on Nov. 9. I got elected president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in June of 2009 and we've been through another year of successful things here in Summerside. Another year full of memories."
Stewart says one of the stand-out events for the city was hosting the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Canada Summerside Games along with the activation of the wind turbines at the North St. Eleanors wind farm.
"Being elected president of the FCM is quite an experience," Stewart said. "We've got close to 2,000 national members representing cities and towns across the country."
One of the major accomplishments the FCM has achieved, he says, is the federal gas tax rebate. Summerside alone recoups $1.4 million annually under this program.
Stewart says Summerside's profile has been elevated across the country through his participation in the FCM.
One of the issues coming down in 2010 the city will be following is the land and local governance commissioner's report. The city is seeking to extend its boundaries to include Slemon Park, which could open the door to some major economic development for the city.
One big disappointment for Stewart in 2009 was the decision by Bell Aliant to relocate 11 jobs from Summerside to Charlottetown.
According to the mayor, five of the 11 employees from the Summerside office will not be moving to Charlottetown and are looking for new jobs.
"It was the same thing around Atlantic Canada," he said. "A lot of people couldn't make the move. I think they got their lay-off with that announcement. We are very disappointed with that."
Stewart continues to maintain that jobs are a priority for any municipality and the loss of even 11 is 11 too many.
"You've got to fight for every job for the community," he said.
With that in mind Stewart is keeping a close watch on the provincial plan for a centralized 911 service that could affect jobs in Summerside.
Stewart said another issue that could play a major economic role for the city is the future of the Summerside port. Once a mainstay of the local economy the port's role has diminished over the years and Transport Canada is looking to sell it off.
"Hopefully, whatever happens there, our community will benefit," he said.
The new year brings with it municipal elections and after a quarter century as the chief political officer for Summerside, and as with every previous election call, Stewart is adopting a wait-and-see position.
"I haven't made any decisions," he said. "I've got some strength in this frame yet and I've already been asked if I'm going to run again. We'll just wait and see."
2009 HIGHLIGHTS
- Canada Games Opening Ceremonies
- Activating wind turbines
- State-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant
- SRW renovations
- Holman Building renovations
- Move of the Dept. of Education to Summerside
- Stewart's election as FCM president
