We’re about to christen a new year in the Alberni Valley, and with the crisp, cold weather comes the promise of good things for the future.
We have a new city council that appears to have renewed vigour in making Port Alberni a more economically sound place to live. And with the higher numbers of people who turned out to the polls during the last election, we seem to have more people vocally invested in our community.
Hopefully, the new council will continue to take public input into consideration as they gain experience as a team, and the public will continue to hold them accountable.
So, what do we want for our city in 2015? The old cliché of peace and goodwill towards mankind is a good place to start.
The annual Peace Walk takes place on Jan. 1, starting at Glenwood Centre and culminating at Abbeyfield House on Redford Street. While walkers may spread a global message of peace, we would like to see more peace and less turmoil at city council.
The Polar Bear Swim taking place for a second year at Canal Beach can remind us not to throw cold water on new ideas, just because we don’t understand them.
(The Boxing Day shopping frenzy can also be a good reminder not to spend money we don’t have on something just because we want it right that moment; a little restraint goes a long way.)
As the sunshine brings out smiles in everyone, let us remember to smile even when it is cloudy, for it can brighten our days and our outlook. As the temperatures drop, let us try and make sure our tempers don’t drop with it—keeping a civil tongue when speaking with others.
As far as goodwill, we challenge everyone to think positively of Port Alberni this year, despite what anyone else says (or at least poke fun at who we are—we’re looking at you, #WorstPlaceToLive).
If something doesn’t sit right with you, come up with constructive criticism, or better yet, a solution. Let’s leave the negativity in 2014.
—Alberni Valley News
