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Councilor Richard Backs
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Richard Backs is currently serving his second term on Town Council. He has been
a resident of Sylvan Lake for 11 years and is an active volunteer within the
community.
After a 30-year career with Telus, Councilor Backs has dedicated himself to the
town he calls home by sitting on various boards and community groups. However,
his interest in Sylvan Lake stretches far beyond politics.
“Besides Town Council, I remain active as a volunteer with the Sylvan Lake
Curling Club as well as the Rotary Club,” Backs explains. “My wife, Marti, and I
enjoy taking long walks around the lake with our dog, Pepsi. We also enjoy
hiking in the mountains, day trips on our motorcycle, kayaking on the lake, and
sitting around the camp fire with friends and family.”
Backs chose to become involved with Town Council because he has always believed
in giving back to the community.
“Council offers an opportunity to not only
participate in the day to day workings of our community, but also an opportunity
to use business and leadership skills honed over many years in developing a
vision and long range plan for our community.”
Backs said he is most excited about Council’s new focus on commercial and
residential growth. With a new vision for Lakeshore Development (in the downtown
core), he feels Council has a greater focus on year-round tourism, while making
development suitable for the citizens of Sylvan Lake a priority.
“We have almost completed a residential and commercial visioning plan for the
next 10 years as Sylvan grows to 25,000 residents within our current boundaries
-- then beyond, as we consider our options for growth management over the next
20-30 years.”
Backs is involved in a number of community boards including the Municipal
Planning Committee, Community and Social Development, the Sylvan Lake Lodge
Foundation, Central Alberta Waste Management, Central Alberta Regional Waste
Water Systems Committee, Sylvan Lake Regional Sewer and Water Committee, and the
Sylvan Lake Library Board.
Overall, Councilor Backs feels that Sylvan Lake is one of the most beautiful
areas within the province of Alberta, and that as a growing community; it is on
the fast-track to success.
“We have a proud history and a truly exciting future,” he said. “Nothing can
hold us back!”
Email Richard at: rbacks@sylvanlake.ca
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