2010 was an Olympic year in Golden! A year that was full of progression and advancement into a new era of living. Large or small, matters of all sizes must be taken care of because even the smallest affair to some, could be paramount to others.
“2010 had many impressive accomplishments and changes for the Town of Golden. But, along with these accomplishments are the day-to-day operations, not so visible in nature but essential to quality of life. Simple things like keeping the water running, toilets flushing, and streets clear are what truly makes the town function,” Mayor of Golden, Christina Benty said, recapping 2010.
Besides the general maintenance of the community, maintenance that keeps the arms of the town’s clock ticking, it was truly a big year, one of Olympic proportions.
“The torch-relay in late January was an enormous success; it was a week of festivities. There was a ton of community participation and it seemed like nearly 2000 people came out for the actual torch-run. Sid’s (the torchbearer for Golden) speech was great…it is something I’ll always remember. The whole community had such excitement and the organization was unbelievable; a huge success!” Mayor Benty said as if the event happened just yesterday.
Winter led to spring, as it always does, bringing with it the official completion of Spirit Square. The now focal point for downtown was an accomplishment that was once a pipe dream, but is now a draw that brings visitors to that part of town.
“Spirit Square has brought new life to the downtown area, benefiting tourism and businesses in the area,” Mayor Benty said of Spirit Square.
“With its waterfalls and great landscaping, Spirit Square really brings downtown together in a beautiful manner. It has become a focal point for our community,” Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Golden, David Allen added.
With the entire world slowly roaming towards the “green” light, Golden remains one of the most innovative communities in British Columbia with regards to this movement. Active transportation is the way of the future, a path that, in part, is being forged by Golden.
“Golden is such an active community that we are really emphasizing cycling and walking, as a means of transportation. The concept of our Bike Sharing Program is something almost entirely new to not only the community, but to the entire country,” Mayor Benty said.
“We also have the new bike path in the works, coming down the Golden hill from the Visitor Centre. This path will connect those living up there on the hill with downtown and the rest of the community for that matter. The total cost for the path is $1.3-million, but Golden’s portion is merely $185,000; it is quite a good deal for such an important project. It has been something the community has wanted for some time,” David Allen added.
From bike paths to buildings, there was perhaps nothing as important as the revitalization of one of Golden’s hallmark structures, the Golden Civic Centre.
“With a project like this, the idea is to refurbish one of Golden’s most important buildings. Once complete, the Civic Centre will add a lot to the community; it will become the new hub for arts and culture in Golden,” Mayor Benty said.
“The whole project has a price tag of over $2-million. But, with our tireless process of applying for grants, Golden’s price tag is only 13 per cent,” David Allen said while talking about financing the project.
The fundraising and grant applications did not stop there. As temperatures began to rise come summer time in Golden, Gusher’s Spray Park was unveiled to the community.
“The Spray Park is something fun for parents and children to do on those hot summer days. With things like the Spray Park and the Golden Summer Camps, the level of commitment in supporting such services is exceptional. These projects are also helped along with grants and the hard work of fundraising,” Mayor Benty said, dreaming of the warm weather.
The list of accomplishments for the Town of Golden does not stop there. From improving the Golden Campground to the grass parking lot at the United Church, the town continues to roll in the right direction. A direction of technological advancement, like the bringing of community broadband and high-speed fiber optics into the downtown corridor. Or in the direction of community spirit, like the Canada Day celebrations, the Fall Faire, and many others that have brought Golden together and made 2010 a great year to remember.
