Progressive times in Trail, B.C.

The mayor and council in Trail, B.C., are at work on some ambitious projects

by Marie Milner — December 08, 2015

Mayor Mike Martin of Trail, B.C., has completed his first year in office. — Photo courtesy City of Trail

The development that’s happening in Trail, B.C., has the citizens excited and engaged, and it has the city’s administration, its mayor and its council hard at work. We spoke with Mike Martin, Trail’s mayor, asking him a few questions about his first year in office at this exciting time.

What have you learned about your community this year?

I am amazed at the number of different matters that come before the mayor and council. It’s challenging, it’s interesting and it provides an opportunity to support the community to move forward.

Our business walk, arranged through our economic development office, was one of the most revealing experiences that I’ve had and one that was quite energizing. It helped bring into perspective how we, as a council, can help the business community. It was very much a reality check.

What have you learned about yourself in the past year?

Now that I have a year under my belt and I’m feeling far more comfortable in the role, I realize that I need to take stock and find every opportunity to better engage with the community.

If all conditions were favourable right now, what’s the first thing you’d like to focus on for the community?

We have some major projects underway in Trail right now, and it’s a balancing act to decide what we can afford and what we can manage to move forward with.

Mayor Mike Martin with heavy equipment that will be used to construct the City of Trail's pipeline/pedestrian bridge.

We’re building a new pipeline-pedestrian bridge, which is a major accomplishment and a collaboration with Warfield and Rossland.

We have approval for a new library-museum facility—about a $7-million project. We hope to break ground in the fall of 2016 and take occupancy in 2017.

We’re working hard to attract a developer for our esplanade area, the downtown river frontage. We’re looking at a combination retail and condominium complex.

Along with the Downtown Opportunities in Action Committee, we’ve raised $175,000 towards architecturally lighting the Victoria Street Bridge. Our goal is to have this landmark feature completed in time for May Days next year.

Our Trail Regional Airport. It’s a very important project and we continue to work on its further development.

What, for you, are important components of success in your role?

Regional harmony. We all believe in regional collaboration and we want to continue our success in that collaboration.
To bring these projects to a successful conclusion, or at least solid progress.
To make our services and amenities more broadly known, to make Trail more attractive to potential new residents—both families and retirees.

What do you see as your council’s greatest strengths?

We have a range of knowledge and experience that bring a wide perspective to the table and makes a balanced council and improved decision making. We have a strategic plan for our priorities, and even with all the challenges thrown at us, the council has kept its focus. I think that’s a strength.

What’s the best compliment you’ve been given this past year?

We got lots of compliments on our success with working through the web of negotiations on the pipe-pedestrian bridge. We not only had to get our partners on board, we had to get the regional district and the province, and we were able to do it in very quick order.

What’s been the biggest stretch for you this year?

The learning associated with operating within an elected office. It has some of the same leadership principles as a corporate environment, but balancing all of the stakeholders involved and trying to work towards consensus on key issues is certainly a different challenge. I do find it really satisfying and enjoyable.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Making the decision to run for an elected office, which I’d never done before.

What’s a piece of good advice you’ve received?

“Don’t lose sight of why you took on this role.” Reminding myself of that helps me to keep my focus.

Do you have a favourite quote?

“Everything happens for a reason.” This is a quote that was given to me by my mother, and over the years I’ve seen it to be so true.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

I believed that running for the mayor’s job would allow me to give back to the community in a way that otherwise would not be possible. That has been affirmed for me now, and for that reason I am truly delighted to be in this role. I bring all my energy to it and it’s an absolute honour to be in this position. I don’t lose sight of the fact that I’m here because a lot of people put their faith in me.