Michael Cox is hoping to bring the experience and knowledge he gained during his first term on Martensville City Council back to the council table following the November 9 municipal election.
“I am excited about the possibility of serving on council in this next term,” said Cox in an e-mail to the Gazette.
“ I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve this term. It’s been a tremendous learning experience and I have enjoyed working alongside the great people on this council and the amazing team at City Hall.”
Cox said the city is in good shape financially and continues to manage growth well.
But at the same time, he noted, there are areas that should be a priority over the next four years. These include construction and completion of the new multi-purpose recreation facility; and providing a greater range of housing and care options for seniors.
Cox said the multi-purpose recreation facility, which would include a second indoor ice surface, has been on council’s wish list for at least seven years. But now, he added, it’s getting close to becoming a reality.
“We have made so many strides these past four years to see this facility come to fruition,” said Cox. “The City is contributing $6.5 million towards the project. The foundation for the whole thing was laid by the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) volunteers through their fundraising campaign.
“Most recently the announcement of the location for the facility on the west side of Highway 12, as part of Canwest and North Prairie Developments’ Trilogy Ranch subdivision, means we’re very close to seeing shovels in the ground.
“I can’t wait to see this facility open during this next term.”
Cox said he believes the next council needs to help increase the number of seniors housing and care facilities in Martensville.
“It is no secret that Martensville is a relatively young community,” he said. “But we also know we have parents and grandparents who want to be close to their families or remain in their home community as they age.
“Unfortunately, there currently aren’t enough affordable seniors housing or care facilities in our community to meet the demand. Martensville seniors are having to make a choice to leave our community to find affordable housing or long-term care facilities.”
Cox said while elected and administrative officials have done some work to address this lack of seniors housing this past term, including development of feasibility studies, the next step is finding a way to address this shortage of available housing and care facilities in the community.