"Let's do it."

"Right now. We need it."

A meeting was held at the LREC on 22Mar07 with the goal of discussing issues related to our school. It turned out to be a forum of issues facing our community as a whole. It was evident from the outset that there were many interested parties in the room who all believe in Leaf Rapids' ability to respond to the challenges thrust upon us by the Ruttan Mine closure.

The Amisk Centre Director, Brad Stoneman, spoke often, admirably it must be noted, on some of the social issues. One comment that grabbed me was his challenge to the Frontier School Division Superintendent, Gordon Shead, as well as to all of us in the room, when he respond to facing these challenges by saying, "Let's do it."

Another one of the attendees, Leaf Rapids Mayor Ed Charrier, spoke on numerous occasions, addressing some of these issues as well. His tone was serious and determined. He wants to see our community not only survive, but to thrive as well. One of the Mayor's comments that caught my attention in particular was in response to government agencies dragging their collective feet. He stated in unequivocal terms that Leaf Rapids requires these vital services. In his own words, "Right now. We need it."

The talented and passionate group that came together for this meeting has decided to embark on what I call a Working Together WorkGroup. The objective of the group, with the deft facilitation of Dale Seddon, Leaf Rapids CEDO, is to draft a 3-5 year plan on how the community will deal with and reconcile the widespread social issues that permeate our local culture and the resulting negative effect on both our education system and the heart and soul of Leaf Rapids.

All of us need to find a way to work together. Hatchets need to be buried, differences must be put aside for the future of our children and the community. Will we agree on everything? What community has total consensus? Well some, but odds are they are geographically located in a country governed by a fascist dictator. No, we will still be at odds over issues, but it is the act of moving to common ground where individuals can state their opinion in a respectful public forum. This approach and nothing short of it, will mobilize the population to take up the challenge. We have amazing untapped resources in our version of small town Canada and I'm not talkin' iron ore or zinc. I'm speaking of the unexploited human resources. Tackling the deep rooted problems in our community head on will require everyone making a colossal effort to find that common ground. What could be more common ground than that upon which we all walk. Sure the common ground is a huge sand esker, sure it is under 10' of snow right now, but it is our sand esker and we love it. The question is, do we love it enough to put aside differences, learn to respect each other and work together?

My answer? I'm all in... always have been, always will be.

I was just checking my email when I noticed a google alert about Leaf Rapids. It was an article in the Globe & Mail about the shopping bag ban Leaf Rapids Town Council is about to approve. There is a quote from the Town Administrator, Bond Ryan.
Mr Ryan tells the Globe, "The big issue is not to be the first. It's to take a stand.” So I'm reading this and thinking, wow, this guy deserves a compliment, an acknowledgement of his environmental efforts.

So, congratulations Mr Ryan, Mayor & Council on an important environmental initiative. I couldn't agree more, it is time to take a stand.

Well done! I thank you & Gaia thanks you...

Leaf Rapids "Need To Know" Campaign



Wow, what a deal. As of 01Mar07, Leaf Rapids loses the tax dollars from the 66 properties once held in the CMHC portfolio. Leaf Rapids also loses the Care & Maintenance revenue from CMHC. The reintroduction of 66 properties into an already dismal real estate market is the stuff Harvard case studies are made of. Due to a complete lack of communication or involvement between the community and the local governing body, many are left wondering who our new neighbours will be. Let's explore the options:

1. Will homes be sold to wealthy Americans & Albertans who only visit the community for a few days once a year? GW Bush lovin' Mr Lahey & Randy would love that scenario. The configuration of well heeled Yanks & the nouveau rich 'Bertans would be devastating to the local economy. Sure the muni govt would be all smiles, but local industry and social based services see a virtual ZERO return.

2. Diavik or another fly in mine could 'snap' up homes and bring families here to live while daddy or mommy fly out for work, but that requires a hell of a sales job equivalent to selling the recipe for ice cubes to the Inuit. Sure Leaf Rapids looks nice, it should since our muni payroll is 85% care & maintenance (Great job on the roads guys, btw), but start scratching the surface and we have significant dysfunctional obstacles for families to overcome for relocation, not the least of which is a lack of transparency in local govt. You gotta be Superman to get anything outta these despots.
*editors note: Leaf in Brief is a good initiative towards communication, openness & transparency, but the accuracy and editorial bias require major adjustments.

3. A Leaf Rapids Home Purchasing Plan (LRHPP) is the logical, sustainable development option. Reaching out to those who want to live here but have difficulty purchasing homes will provide an endless list of potential candidates. This demographic is local or regional, often with family already in the community or in the north. No need to negotiate through Bands/First Nations, go directly to the people who are dealing with a housing crisis.

What is the criteria for determining who will live in our community? Will we reach past our local/regional family & neighbours to roll out the red carpet for Yanks & 'Bertans? Or will we get down to the task of building our community social infrastructure so we are an appealing community to family oriented home seekers?


Tomorrow... We try to make sense of the deal points between our community & CMHC. Did the LRCDC buy the homes as reported or is it the Town of Leaf Rapids? Who is guiding us through this process and do they have the skills to make this move a success?

Stay Wired...

"...Aggressive municipal government measures to protect our environment."

How?

Banning garbage bags. Great decoy. How about the pollution particulates from burning trailers. More pollution is created from the burning of one trailer than 20 years of shopping bags. Pollutant particulates that have a diameter of less than 0.1 microns are defined as "ultrafine particles" — particles so small they can easily deposit deeply into the lungs, agitating asthma and some cardiovascular illnesses. Lung cancer and heart disease are commonly known as diseases related to high exposure of ultrafine particles that can be inhaled.
Our children inhale this. Not too many children inhaling shopping bags...



Mr Lahey, our mayor, is a big fan of George Dubya. No wonder Leaf Rapids' new motto is Albertans & Americans are IN, Aboriginals and those on Assistance are OUT.

Who is on the B of D for the LRCDC? Seems they have been making decisions about the future of our community behind closed doors. Transparency? Community Involvement? George Orwell?

Available Now at Fine book stores across North America, Europe, The Far East & Antarctica!

A great new book by three pioneers in advanced nutrition...

drdemarco.com

We have the organic technology to help build healthier children(think Steve Austin/$6M Man), to fight diabetes & malnutrition, to create superior skeletal structure, to amplify cognitive skills, reduce physician/hospital visits and improve the chances of living an active, healthy life!

Sunday, March 04, 2007

A sunny -30 this morning.
There is another chill in the air.
The frigidness that accompanies corruption, discrimination & conflict of interest. Consider for a moment those who actually believe they operate in a state of exemption from recrimination or punishment. Impunity & diplomatic immunity? Struggling with the concept of democracy is a very public and painful process for our elected officials. Like children that just don't know or have not been taught, we must continue to be patient as the decisionmakers catch up to the modern world.

I suggest crossing your fingers vs the breath hold.

CRITICAL MASS HYSTERIA
Hues x Hughes
Contemporary Art Exhibition
National Exhibition Centre
Leaf Rapids.MB
Vernissage: 03Mar07 @ 1400hrs