Picture Butte: Looking back and focused on the future

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

A

s Mayor Cathy Moore considers the past year she notes, “As another year draws to a close, it’s a privilege to reflect on the progress, challenges, and successes our community has experienced over the past twelve months. Serving as Mayor of Picture Butte is both an honour and a responsibility, one that brings with it countless rewarding moments.”

Those moments include seeing how the town has pulled together time and time again.

“This year, the most fulfilling aspect of my role has been witnessing the dedication and resilience of our residents,” Mayor Moore says. “Whether through community events, volunteer efforts, or the everyday kindness shared between neighbours, it’s clear that Picture Butte’s greatest strength lies in its people.”

She continues, “Our town has seen meaningful growth in 2024, marked notably by the completion of phase two of Sunset Park Subdivision. This phase represents not just new homes, but also new opportunities for families to build their lives in our community. It’s a symbol of our town’s commitment to sustainable development and forward-thinking growth.”

However, that is not the only success. Mayor Moore goes on to note, “There have been many proud moments this year, but the common thread through all of them is our community’s ability to come together. From celebrating milestones to supporting one another during challenges, the people of Picture Butte continue to demonstrate what it means to be part of a strong and caring community.

“Of course, leading a community also means navigating diverse opinions and priorities. It’s no secret that in a town as vibrant as ours, perspectives can vary widely. Balancing these perspectives requires transparency, active listening, and a commitment to respectful dialogue. Decisions aren’t always easy, but by keeping the best interests of the community at heart, we can continue to move forward together,” she said. 

Moving forward involves a plan with priorities for 2025. Moore discusses three of those key priorities:

• Walking Path Completion: “With collaboration with Walk on the Wild Side, this project will provide a safe, accessible, and scenic space for walking, jogging, and connecting with nature—an investment in both physical and mental well-being for our residents.”

• Sustained Infrastructure Improvements: “With the completion of our sanitary main line upgrades, we’ve made significant strides in securing essential services for the future. Maintaining and improving infrastructure will remain a core focus.”

• Community Engagement and Sustainable Growth: “Whether through events, strategic planning, or supporting local businesses, we will continue working to strengthen our community ties and encourage responsible growth.”

Mayor Moore concluded, “As we step into the new year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every resident of Picture Butte. Your support, resilience, and pride in our town are what drive our progress. Together, we’ve achieved much, and I’m confident that 2025 will bring even greater success. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.”