Spring is a time of renewal and new growth- herring roe, nettles, narcissus emerging. And as always Spring brings a new energy forward with more activity, sunlight, and projects.

There are quite a few topics locally under debate which are unfolding in a way that seems to be increasing separation rather than collaboration.

I want to remind folks of the special nature of our community.

The dog leash bylaw, opposition to the CCFC Anvil Lake logging, arguments over responsible management of resident geese, vacation rental rules.

We are a microcosm of the the macro world. We have an opportunity to effect local change in a unique way. And these things need not tear us apart or divide us.

What about suspending biased and accepting that all of us are engaging with these issues from a place of good intentions? Tireless volunteers are working towards visions developed over time, with deep consideration of the ecosystem, our residents, and our local community.

There are a lot of people putting in the time by being on a board or acting in a community service capacity and those people deserve our empathy and appreciation regardless of whether or not we see eye to eye on individual issues.

It is a big world out there. Extensive clear cutting of the world’s forests, human trafficking, melting glaciers, violence in Palestine. We are so blessed to be guests here, living and working on the territory of the First Nations peoples who have been here since time immemorial.

The sky is blue, the sun is returning. Let us not let our small island’s struggles eat away at our sense of togetherness and community because in the end, it is all we will have.