Stampede festivities begin tomorrow, the start of a busy and fun weekend. Enjoy.
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With the passing of Gerry Bracewell, we’ve lost one of our special local legends. Gerry was known as the first female big game hunting guide, but she was much more than that. Along with being a popular guide, Gerry was a tireless community worker, a tourism promoter, writer, cowboy poet, and always, a lady. I feel privileged for having known her.
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One news story that should get community attention was the meeting of the powers-that-be — politicians, government people, and “multiple stakeholders” — who intend to find ways to keep the Atlantic Power plant in operation. This group should have the means to ensure it happens. The plant is not only important to our local economy with taxes, jobs, etc., but we might really need the electricity it produces. BC Hydro relies heavily on water sources, and, according to reports, it has had problems already. If the current weather patterns continue, there will be more.
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Well, Edmonton lost. The Stanley cup remains in the U.S. I didn’t think I’d care, but I do. Whatever, the playoffs were a winner. The seven games provided thousands of fans on both sides of the border with a lot of excitement. What will be exciting now? The provincial and U.S. elections? Donald Trump could provide some comic relief if the thought of his becoming president wasn’t so scary.
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Another significant weekend event was the election of former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi as NDP leader in Alberta. During his campaign, membership in the party grew from about 16,000 to about 84,000, making it the largest provincial political party in Canada. That’s quite an accomplishment. What did it, his charisma — or Alberta’s desire to balance Premier Danielle Smith?
