A dedicated community

Mayor Dieter Bogs is proud of Trail's citizens and he is excited about the future

Mayor Dieter Bogs of Trail, B.C. — Photo courtesy City of Trail

Dieter Bogs, the mayor of Trail, has represented the thriving city for one of the longest periods of time in the West Kootenay. He proudly gushes about the engaged citizens of the  community, but he also recognizes the need for improvements.

Development

Trail has a population of about 7,237 people, but Bogs is hoping to see growth in a number of critical areas of the city during his next term as mayor.

“We feel that Trail is underdeveloped,” he said.

Over the next few weeks, the City will be preparing presentations for developers in the Okanagan. Bogs anticipates that meetings will follow shortly afterwards.

“We have a very active community,” said Bogs, “with an incredible volunteer base for community development.”

There are several committees dedicated to creating ideas to present to council members, and each group includes minimal staff members as well as an extensive network of volunteers. One of the most notable committees in Trail is the Downtown Opportunities and Action Committee. This particular committee was created by the merchants of downtown Trail, and they often make regular recommendations for council to consider. Some of their tasks include asking council to expand the local interpretive centre and they have facilities for the community like a library, a museum and a visitors centre.

Seniors housing

There is a large population of baby boomers in the area and, according to Bogs, there is a shortage of housing options available for low-income families. He would like to see options for high-income families too; planning an area to build condos for this generation is a potential alternative.

Creating jobs

According to Bogs, the vacancy rate is low in Trail and he anticipates that the Waneta Dam will create more jobs in the area. This is the second year in a five-year plan that will create between 150 and 180 jobs in the area this spring and summer. The Waneta Dam will be essential for generating energy in an additional operating station for the two alternative facilities that are currently being used. The project is valued at $900 million.

E-waste furnace

Bogs is proud of the e-waste furnace that was recently approved in Trail. The furnace will create steam, and Bogs said the hope is that the accumulated steam will be a large power source in the area.

Governance

There are five municipalities in two areas and Bogs is hoping that he can unite all of these areas by bringing developers into the locations from other regions. His priority is to create a sustainable living environment and long-term improvements in the community; in an attempt to do this, he pointed out the positive effects of the new acid plant being built in Trail.