Bow Island reflects on packed year

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

2023 was a very busy year for Bow Island, from events to several projects underway.

“Several of our regular and annual events were quite successful: Market in the Park, the Friday Market, the 32nd Annual Children’s Festival, the Annual Slo-Pitch tournament, the EMC Gospel Jamboree and the Christmas Parade of Lights. Our very enthusiastic and dedicated Tourism Committee worked hard to decorate and promote the Town and brought back the Harvest Festival,” said Mayor Gordon Reynolds. 

This past year also marked 30 years for Blues at the Bow, as well as a happy first year to Pinpoint Pinto, something used to highlight local businesses to great success.

The past year also marked work to create housing for the town, both in the Westview area and in filling some gaps in other parts of town. This went along with the housing needs assessment that was conducted, giving a direction as to what was needed in town for accommodations.

“One of the interesting facts that came out of the assessment is that 49 per cent of our population is under the age of 25, meaning Bow Island is a young community,” said Reynolds.

“This past year the Town staff came together as a team to accomplish a great deal.  Another 600 metres of water line went into the ground. The parks, cemetery, campground and common areas have seldom looked better. The long mild fall allowed them to complete quite a bit of sidewalk and pavement replacement,” said Reynolds.

The young community saw a lot of development and change, as well, from Councillor Rob Ficiur stepping down after nine years on Council, to celebrating Dr. Woodruff’s retirement, and welcoming new faces to both the council chambers and the health centre to keep the town running smoothly.

The RCMP detachment also began to return to fully operational status, no longer considered part of a “hub” based system, with the plan being to eventually have four constables, a sergeant and a corporal supported by two administrative staff.

“Bow Island and the area has been fortunate to have had so many dedicated healthcare professionals and workers serving our community for many years,” said Reynolds. “We are grateful for the doctors, nurses and support staff who have cared for area residents for decades.”