It would have probably been about the same time last December that I took pen to paper to write my Mayors column. No one could have envisioned the pandemic that was about to encompass the whole world. We had all just finished celebrating Christmas with family and friends. The new year 2020 was on the horizon and again we were preparing to ring it in. Who would have guessed that in a different part of the world a virus was starting to infect people. It spread so quick that it became a global pandemic in no time. Dealing with a global pandemic without any previous experience was definitely a challenge for every level of government and every citizen. Every country, province, state or municipality tried to keep its citizens protected from this virus. This has led people to either agree or disagree with the laws passed. These laws were to protect people and to try stop the spread of the virus. Through all of this, unlimited resources were used to find a vaccine to combat this virus. To date, Health Canada has given the green light to two vaccines and they are being distributed. As fast as the vaccine can be produced and shipped, we all will be able to receive it. As the vaccine is rolled out in Canada, we will be able to begin a new, normal life. No one is sure what this new normal will look like but we will make the best of it no matter what it is. For as a Country, we have faced world wars, diseases and all types of disasters. We have managed to conquer all these and moved forward with a resilience that is truly Canadian. As we move from 2020 to 2021, we do not know what awaits us. What we do know is that there is a light at the end of this long tunnel. It may be dim now but as we move further into 2021, it will get brighter. To all of our businesses and residents who adjusted your lives and livelihood to follow all the Covid rules, I would like to say, “Thank you very much.” I know at times it was not easy but through all your efforts, we were making a safer community environment for everyone. Your resilience through these trying times helped our community grow and prosper. Council and administration will endeavor to continue to create an environment for both businesses and residents to prosper. May 2021 bring you all good health, happiness and prosperity. On behalf of council, administration and our families, please stay safe and healthy. Better times are ahead!!!