Mayor Dan Hamilton says he expects good things for Cypress County in 2026, a big reason why he chose to run again this past October.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Cypress County is reflecting on a good year despite some minor hiccups, and is hoping for a strong 2026.
The year was a good one financially, says Mayor Dan Hamilton, with them able to maintain a tax rate below 20 per cent among the other municipalities while still improving services, investing in economic development and supporting community programs.
“We had a small hiccup with the election, but everything’s over on that front with only one new person. So that shows that we must be doing a pretty good job,” said Hamilton.
They were glad to be able to host the third annual Agricultural Connections Conference to great success, as well as working to reduce red tape and merging municipal planning commission meetings with regular council meetings, to get projects approved faster than before.
The year was not without difficulties, such as a wildfire in September and the recent water main break in Walsh, but in both circumstances they were able to quickly get control of the situation thanks to regional partners and the work of their emergency planning.
“Cypress is pretty blessed with the staff and the workers we have. We have a pretty good bunch of guys taking care of us,” said Hamilton.
Looking forward to the future, the county is excited to be participating in the 2026 Site Link Forum, where officials will showcase opportunities in the county and economic development for the region, as well as some development in Dunmore Junction.
Overall, Hamilton predicts the coming year will be a good one, part of the reason he decided to run again for council.
“I see the positive direction the county’s going and hopefully some economic development that takes the pressure off of oil and gas having to depend on that and be able to set ourself up to sustain ourselves for the next 40 or 50 years to come, if not longer,” said Hamilton.
There is more “on the books,” said Hamilton, that is yet to be announced, but he shared that it seems they are ready to put their best foot forward in the county.
“From council to the county, everybody have a good New Year’s,” said Hamilton. “And from council to all our staff, thank you for all your hard work. We look forward to 2026.”
