Town of Two Hills Mayor Elect Advocate for Regional Collaboration

 Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

On Sept. 22, Michael Tarkowski was acclaimed as Mayor for the Town of Two Hills. He has served four terms of office and is looking forward to officially becoming Mayor on Oct. 28 during a swearing-in ceremony.

As to why he put his name forward to run as Mayor this election, Tarkowski explained that, “In the last two terms, we had a really good Mayor (Leonard Ewanishan) and the timing wasn’t right to run for Mayor. Now seemed to be the right time to put my name forward for Mayor.”

Tarkowski is Chair of the Town of Two Hills Economic Development Committee as well as Chair of the Regional Economic Development Committee which is comprised of the Town of Two Hills, County of Two Hills, Village of Myrnam along with the supporting hamlets of Willingdon and Derwent.  The purpose, added Tarkowski, “Is to bring everybody together with one voice, one path to better the region.”

Tarkowski said they will be applying for grants this fall to support the hiring a permanent full-time Economic Development Officer (EDO). Besides focusing on attracting new businesses and retaining existing businesses, an EDO would look at different ways to enhance quality of life for residents, and seek out opportunities to collaborate with volunteer organizations throughout the region.

As well, Tarkowski said they are looking at possibility of regional chamber of commerce, and will be having a luncheon meeting in late November to see if there is an interest for that within the County of Two Hills.

A number of projects have been realized. Tarkowski pointed to the Two Hills & District Agricultural Society that was successful in receiving a grant through Co-op Community Spaces for the Market Square project and the Revitalization Project that included the instillation of a solar field that will power the Centennial Arena and Two Hills Recreation Centre as well as put excess power back onto the grid. Two EV charging stations are now located on the east side of recreation centre, and an ice plant is expected to be installed towards end of December.

Additionally, a new public works shop was constructed this summer. Upcoming, is the proposed development of residential lots adjacent to the Two Hills Lions Golf & Country Club. “Currently, we’re going through engineering to design a plan. Also, we’re looking at attracting developers for the project.”