Raymond capitalizing on success in 2024: Mayor Depew

Posted on February 6, 2025 by admin

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Raymond Mayor Jim Depew described 2024 as a ‘very busy year.’

2024, Mayor Depew says, was busy because construction commenced on a $10 million wastewater treatment system expansion, the longstanding Stampede grounds were relocated, and construction of Raymond’s new $50+ million high school began. 

“We were able to reduce its overall water consumption by over 20 per cent when compared to 2023 and we would like to thank the public for their cooperation in achieving this goal,” said Mayor Depew. “The first stampede at our new stampede grounds was also a tremendous success and we would like to thank the countless hours contributed by town staff, Stampede Society members, community volunteers and local contractors for making the 2024 Stampede a tremendous success.”

In addition to that, Mayor Depew stated, the town had 10 new custom homes, and three multi-family dwellings begin construction, saw the attraction and expansion of a few local businesses, and ArchGuard Fireplaces from Mission B.C. became a member of the community. 

“Raymond is positioning itself as a very attractive, growing community that has tremendous amenities to support a family focused culture,” said Mayor Depew. “This growth will continue to build off the last 15 years of investment and I believe that this is just the start of a transformative period in Raymond’s history.”

Council, Mayor Depew says, is currently finalizing its 2025-2029 Capital Spending Plan, a plan which aims to see the completion of the Wastewater Treatment system expansion. The expansion, according to Mayor Depew, will provide Raymond with significant capacity to accommodate future growth. 

“We are very focused in attracting new residential and non-residential investment by being a development friendly community, exercising responsible fiscal oversite by coming in below our operating budget and reducing the town’s outstanding long-term debt,” said Mayor Depew.

The Town of Raymond will also be holding their municipal elections on October 20, 2025, Mayor Depew says.

“Anyone who is interested in running for Council is welcome to meet with me and ask any questions they might have as to what to expect,” said Mayor Depew.