Year In Review: Jack Van Rijn, Mayor of Coaldale

He told LNN he was proud to host the Coaldale Summer Fest this year, saying it not only brought the community together with thousands in attendance, but showcased the town’s “vibrant spirit and cultural richness.”

Van Rijn added that it was also great to see the new high school being named “Coaldale Prairie Winds Secondary.” It is set to open its doors to students in grades 7-12 in the 2024/25 school year.

In order to facilitate the opening of the new school, which is located on the northern end of the train tracks, the town will be undertaking work in the new year to allow students and staff cross the tracks and Highway 3 safely.

“We received funding for the at-grade crossing,” the mayor explained. “That’ll take place from Land-O-Lakes Drive across Highway 3 and across the CP [Rail] tracks, and it’ll connect to a pathway system that will take our residents to the new multi-use rec centre and the new high school.”

One thing that Van Rijn was not overly excited about was council’s decision to increase property taxes. For residential property owners, they will pay an additional 2.65 per cent in 2024 while non-residential rate payers will see their taxes go up by 3.89 per cent.

“We need to keep the lights on, we need to keep the buildings and facilities heated, and we need to keep the streets in good shape and the snow removed. With all that being said, that all comes with a price tag, so it’s always tough for our council when we’re trying to set our budget. For me, that was the biggest challenge,” said Van Rijn.

However, as much as Van Rijn stated that 2023 should be celebrated, he believes that 2024 is shaping up to be an even more exciting year for the Town of Coaldale.

In addition to the opening of the recreational centre and high school, Van Rijn said the MPE LINK Pathway should be fully completed next year. It is a 15 kilometre walking and cycling trail that will connect Coaldale and Lethbridge. Construction on the first phase commenced this past year, while the second is set to get underway in the summer of 2024.

Van Rijn said all of Coaldale is excited to host the 2024 Southern Alberta Summer Games this coming July. The event is expected to bring nearly 2,000 athletes and coaches from across the province to compete in 19 different events.

The mayor also teased “exciting news” about a major new investment in the town, as well as the development of the next phase of the north side’s industrial park.

“Our current industrial parks are completely sold out, so this will be a big bonus for the town to have more land available for industrial and commercial use,” said Van Rijn.

He praised the town’s “fantastic” administrative team, who, alongside what he called a more-than competent council, can help new and existing businesses to thrive.

by David Opinko

Year In Review: Jack Van Rijn, Mayor of Coaldale

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