It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Village of Harrison Hot Springs new website.  I know that you will be pleased with the new features and I hope you will find it easy to locate the information you’re seeking. 

A lot has been accomplished in the last year and there are many more projects planned or underway for the future.  Despite the ups and downs of the economy, the Village has been able to maintain a healthy financial position as we move ahead with some major capital projects.

The new water reservoir is nearing completion and will be in service by the end of 2009.  This will provide a significant increase in capacity as well as additional fire protection for the entire Village.  With the expanded capacity we will now have the ability to provide service to areas not currently served by the municipal system as well as have capacity to enable new development in the Village.   Plans are currently underway to extend the water system to the south end of the Village along Hot Springs Road. 

Planning is also underway to upgrade our wastewater treatment system.  One option we are working on is connecting to the District of Kent.  A decision to move forward with this project will be made in early 2010 following a complete review of cost estimates and budgets.  This project is currently funded equally by Municipal Rural Infrastructure funds from the Provincial and Federal governments and the Village.

The Village is taking a strong focus on economic development and will be hiring a Community and Economic Development Officer who will be working with the Economic Development Commission to attract new investment and development to the Village.  The CED Officer will also be working closely with the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Harrison Lake Harbour Commission. 

We are anticipating some exiting proposals in our housing market in the next few years.  A major land purchase by a local developer and the start of two long awaited major condominium projects should provide much needed stimulus to our local economy.

The Village is committed to improving our recreational features including the beachfront, parks, trails and walkways. Boating and access to Harrison Lake is an important contributor to the local economy.  Tourism Harrison, Chamber of Commerce and the Festival of the Arts also play a big role in bringing people to the community.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Harrison Hot Springs, please take some time to enjoy this wonderful jewel we call the Village.  Go for a walk along the beach or on one of the many trails.  Enjoy a coffee or lunch at some of our great little cafes and treat yourself to a night out with dinner from one of our great restaurants.

I look forward to meeting and talking with many of you during the year ahead.

Ken Becotte, Mayor