The Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie Kam Blight says 2021 has been challenging, but he’s proud of what the council was able to accomplish despite the circumstances.

Blight says the biggest issue to start off the year was having a fear of the unknown. Nobody had the blueprint for what to do if a pandemic broke out, but he notes he believes he, along with the rest of the council, was able to provide their duties well.

He mentions he’s grateful that farmers had an okay harvest, considering the serious doubt left behind from the drought.

“It's really hard to stress over something that you can’t control,” explains Blight. “Fortunately, you know the producers are still able to pull off a half-decent crop given the circumstances.”

As he looks forward to next year, he says there isn’t too much he’s allowed to comment on but says economic development will be a strong focus.

“We're trying to provide opportunities for our residents,” explains Blight. “We're going to continue trying to improve the infrastructure that we have in our municipality throughout.”

Kam Blight, along with the rest of the council, would like to remind everyone that it may be a tough holiday season, but urges everyone to do what they can to help fight COVID-19.

“I know, myself, with the loss of a loved one this past year, that it is very difficult over the holiday season,” says Blight. “So, I want to just make sure you take the time to embrace your family, respect and appreciate your neighbour's, and make sure we remember we're all in this together and we're going to get through this.”