Funny how some issues resonate with or even infuriate some people.
Earlier this month our front-page story on the new "giant-sized" digital sign for the gateway entrance on the town's east side caused quite a stir on social media. It was similar to the story a while ago on the proposed downtown clock, an initiative brought forward with a $12,000 donation by longtime local business owner Deb Stoski, who created the Downtown Business Association.
Judging by the response on social media for both, it seems there is a lot of anger about making bold moves to revitalize the downtown and eastern entranceway to town.
"How is the sign going to improve the lives of the citizens? Are we going to advertise all the vacant and closing businesses? Or maybe we can use it to post the unsold property this town developed at our expense," opined Dave Reynolds on the Province's Facebook page.
His thoughts are valid, sure. But the scribbler opts instead to salute Deb Stoski, the Town of Innisfail, and the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce.
Everyone involved in both projects are dreamers, beautiful dreamers. They saw a problem and they are boldly moving forward with innovative ideas. They are not just standing pat and sitting on some lawn chair complaining about the sad state of affairs in our world, or whether young Vladimir Guerrero Ramos Jr. will make a difference for the Toronto Blue Jays, or even about the lousy promoter's decision to unfairly cancel The Who concert in Edmonton this October.
No, Stoski and the chamber's Mark Kemball are beyond all that. They have a purpose, and the pros for both ideas greatly outweigh the cons.
Innisfail's downtown needs a huge kick-start. Mayor Jim Romane had a vision a decade ago to revitalize the downtown. He was responsible for pushing the $9-million downtown revitalization project forward but further work was stalled about the same time he decided to leave politics for one term.
Romane is back of course and Main Street needs a second boost. The downtown clock and gateway signs are both excellent starts. Both will absolutely draw visitors to the downtown. The clock site at Bankers Corner will be a gathering place. The digital sign will add a bit of flair to the dreariness of the town's eastern gateway.
As for those who dare to continue to dream, German filmmaker and writer Wim Wenders may have said it best:
"Without dreams, there can be no courage. And without courage, there can be no action."
Johnnie Bachusky is the editor of the Innisfail Province.
