As we start a new year—our 31st year as a municipality—I would like to wish every Lake Country resident a safe, happy, and healthy 2026. I also want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made together as a community. This past year has been marked by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to making Lake Country an even better place to live, work, and play.
Public safety remains one of Council’s top priorities, and this year we took significant steps forward. In June, Council considered plans for a long-awaited emergency egress for the Copper Hill and Clearwater neighbourhoods. Construction of a new access road began in July, providing a controlled route for development traffic and, most importantly, a secondary emergency exit for residents. A secondary egress improvement was also completed in the Lakes subdivision, and we continue to work diligently on planning an additional exit and entry for this area. These projects address long-standing concerns and will ensure stronger emergency response capabilities for years to come.
We also celebrated a major milestone in policing. Lake Country officially welcomed Staff Sergeant Jon Collins as the first Commander of our RCMP Detachment. This change provides our community with greater autonomy and accountability in addressing local priorities, from traffic enforcement to 24-hour policing. With Jon’s leadership and experience, we are well-positioned to meet the needs of our growing population.
Infrastructure will be a major focus in the coming year. We are working hard to deliver several significant road projects while remaining committed to stable and responsible tax increases—not only this year, but in the years ahead. Over the past year, Council has also focused on tax diversification. Thirty acres of light industrial land have been rezoned, another 50 acres are currently in the rezoning process, and the 200-acre Lake Country Business Park is moving closer to reality. These initiatives will help reduce the tax burden on homeowners and support long-term economic growth. We also have a number of housing projects coming to our core to help provide more attainable housing options.
Creating vibrant, inclusive spaces for residents has also been a key focus. In May, construction began on major upgrades to Swalwell Park, including a new destination playground, splash park enhancements, outdoor fitness equipment, and improved pathways. These improvements will help make our Town Centre an even more welcoming hub for families and visitors.
We proudly opened the Lake Country Bike Park—a $500,000 purpose-built facility designed for riders of all ages and abilities. This incredible amenity was made possible through strong community input and partnerships and is already becoming a favorite spot for recreation and skill-building. The grand opening in May was a day to remember, showcasing the spirit of Lake Country and our commitment to healthy, active lifestyles.
Our Live! in Lake Country concert series kicked off with record-breaking attendance, with more than 3,300 people enjoying music, food, and community at Swalwell Park. These free summer concerts continue to bring people together and highlight the vibrant culture that makes Lake Country unique.
We also celebrated an extraordinary achievement this year. Joy Haxton, Executive Director of the Lake Country Food Assistance Society, received the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her leadership in food security. Joy’s dedication and compassion have strengthened our community and inspired countless others.
Finally, we continued to prioritize wildfire safety through the FireSmart Green Waste Disposal program, making it easier for residents to reduce fire risks on their properties. This initiative reflects our shared responsibility to protect our homes and natural spaces.
Lake Country’s new Official Community Plan kicked off this past year, and there is still plenty of time for residents to have their say. OCP discussions will be coming to all four wards to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate. Online engagement will also continue through letstalk.lakecountry.bc.ca.
As we look ahead to 2026, Council remains committed to advancing projects that enhance safety, sustainability, and quality of life—while preserving the strong community identity we have built together. Thank you to everyone who contributed to these successes. Your engagement and support truly make a difference.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone.
With gratitude,
Mayor Ireland
