Courtesy of the Town of Valleyview:
As I cruise the town this morning, it is great to see so many residents have made it back home.
For those of you still waiting to come home, our hearts go out to you. We are thinking of you and hope to see you in the very near future.
As many of you saw yesterday on our website, the Town has downgraded to an alert with a four-hour evacuation readiness rather than one hour. Please remain vigilant in staying abreast of the on-going wildfire situation and highway closures around us.
There are so many individuals, businesses and organizations deserving our gratitude throughout these trying times. While I can’t name everyone, I would like to recognize a few that took on jobs, many without being asked.
Firstly, I would like to thank local contractors and farmers assisting with creating fireguards around town. This was integral in being able to downgrade to a 4-hour notice evacuation alert.
Thank you also to the Ag society for creating a volunteer base to look after approximately 160 pets; to Glitz’d and friends for accepting donations of clothes and everything else imaginable; to BeSpoke for accepting donations; to all businesses and residents donating food, working the reception centre and doing all other jobs required.
The amazing part about this, is most people helped without being asked. This is what makes living in our community so special.
Lastly, and definitely not least, I would like to thank Town of Valleyview Council, administration and staff; RCMP and other security; and local firefighters. People are proud to call Valleyview home and you people are the reason why.
I was told once, the best resource your community has is not facilities and amenities, it is the people living in it. There may never have been a time more so than the events of past weeks that has demonstrated this.
While we continue to watch the fires to the North and West, we will pray for rain, and for the safety of those on the front line.
Great to see you home.
Sincerely,
Vern Lymburner
Mayor
Town of Valleyview
