I'm off again!

Well guys I’m off again. I just feel like I returned from Greece and now I’m off to Belgium and Holland for work.

The difference in this trip is that I’m putting the paper out in Europe. So, when you read the September 18 and 25 issue it will have been put together by me in Belgium and then in Holland.

It’s funny when I tell people that I’m heading off for work overseas and I say it with trepidation, they think I’m nuts. To be honest, I’m just getting over my flight and jet lag from Greece and now I’m off for another eight-hour time difference.

The only saving grace is that this time away from home is good right now. It’s a quiet house without my Quinner in it. He’s thriving at university and I’m just sad. I’m trying to be upbeat and acknowledge that I did a great job raising strong, confident, kind children who are willing and accepting of change. I’m sure in time I will get there, but I’m not there right now.

On Thursday, September 5 the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass hosted their annual Fall Community BBQ. It took take place at Gazebo Park, and it was packed full of people. The Lion’s Club cooked burgers and hot dogs and over 1000 went through the burger/hot dog line and you know what, everyone was so nice! It was so awesome and a welcome change!

I don’t know if it is just my imagination, but our community seems busier than I’ve ever seen it. I had a friend call me, looking for accommodation because their family chose the Crowsnest Pass as their destination holiday. They didn’t choose it for the camping opportunities but rather all the things they could do with their children. 

When you think about it, we have so much to offer a family on a holiday. You can visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, the Bellevue Mine, the Museum and the Alberta Provincial Police Barracks. Pretty soon you can see live music at the Roxy Theatre.

For those into the outdoors there is hiking everywhere, and, thanks to UROC, mountain biking trails other communities dream about.

We have an amazing outdoor pool and the outdoor water park, an incredible community market; mini train rides from the Blairmore Lions and incredible parks and walking trails throughout the community.

When you list the things this community has, boy it puts a lot into perspective.

I feel we are becoming a destination place.

I loved hearing that comment! We are a destination place full of incredible restaurants, breweries and people. We need to continue growing our community and with growth comes growing pains. We need to ensure we provide housing for those in our community who are the most vulnerable and we need industry to lower the taxes. I truly believe we can have both industry and tourism. We can have a coal mine, and the best trail  running in Alberta. With industry the taxes will lower, and the community will thrive!

I know some of us do not want development in our back yard, but at some point, we need to step up or step out of the way. I have no sympathy for the “Not in My Back Yard” mentality. 

We made it another summer without a fire, knock on wood, and soon the cool weather will negate the issue. We also need to keep in mind that our bears are heading into hibernation, so we need to be vigilant with our garbage, fruit trees and bird feeders. I’m glad Fall is coming in the sense it seems to get into a routine. I like routine, and of course Halloween is coming down the pipe and Thanksgiving is close, and my boys will be home!

I hope you all had an incredible Summer and look forward to a Fall and Winter that will be the best yet!

So, the office will not be open for the two weeks that I’m gone. You can contact us via email, and we will be able to help you with anything you need, we just won’t have physical office time. Tot snel!