Looking back and looking ahead

As you read this, it is hoped that the ice storm retro look has melted away.  As the freezing rain descended on our region on December 26, it is certain that our collective thoughts went back 10 years to the ice storm of 1998, especially when the lights flickered and went out.
It is at this time of year that we reflect on the year behind us even as we make big plans for the year ahead. But as we roll over into a new decade, the passing of time seems even more palpable. Since the memorable turning of time from the 1900s to 2000, we have survived the Y2K bug, paid lots of taxes and many children have been born or left the region to attend school. New councils and mayors have taken office, new schools have been built, Hawkesbury has a new fire station and made improvements to its water and sewage works as have many other municipalities.
Drinking water legislation has become more stringent to protect us; rural land is now eyed not only for residential development but as a location for alternative energy. Since 2000, the internet has become an almost-overwhelming presence in our lives. High-speed access is on the way for Prescott-Russell residents.
Cellular telephones are a must for almost everyone.
Small towns have dwindled some since 2000 and there are far fewer independent retail outlets now compared to 10 years ago.
A partial-clean-up is poised to begin at the CIP lagoons in Hawkesbury, compared to 10 years ago, when hope for a clean-up was almost lost.
A few years ago, a contingent from the United Counties of Prescott-Russell secured one of the largest rural events in Canada: the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, which is set to take place in East Hawkesbury in 2011.
Prescott-Russell municipalities located closest to Ottawa have seen significant growth as commuters look further east on their quest to live outside of urban areas. So it is no surprise that as we begin to consider that kind of growth reaching even further into rural areas that a commuter transport system is moving higher up our regional priority list.
Likewise, in the Lachute and Brownsburg-Chatham region, there is significan residential growth.
Prescott-Russell retained its name after a brief foray into a new-name process.
Hawkesbury residents elected their first female mayor. The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital team is working to raise one-third of the funds required for a $21-million expansion.
This short list is just a random take on some of the news from the past decade.
While there are many ways to categorize them, it is interesting to note which items are those initiated by us and which are merely reacting to situations.
While fresh initiatives are always welcome, it is important to note that we can also turn problems into opportunities to move our communities forward.
We know we are moving ahead, but it is up to us to contribute and decide upon the direction we take.           L.S.