Opinion

The fallout of the May long weekend continues with reports that youth were once again partying too hard and making one fine mess in wilderness areas in and around Rocky Mountain campgrounds.

Last week the provincial government sent out a press release announcing five Albertans and three organizations have been honoured for their exceptional volunteer service to seniors. None of those honoured were from Red Deer.

The City of Red Deer has led the country with its efforts to end homelessness. In the province, Calgary and Edmonton followed Red Deer's lead.

During the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games slam poet Shane Koyczan, between all the pageantry and glitz, gave the world his take on what defines Canada.

The renovations to the G.H. Dawe Community Centre, costing at least $29.9 million, are nearly complete. Come September the upgraded facility will at last be reopened for Red Deerians.

The City is already busying itself with the 2010 budget – holding public meetings and forums. That is fine. It is good strategic planning. So now, let us ask some questions.

For Red Deer hockey fans this year has not been the time of their lives. The Rebels were quickly blown out in the playoffs and the NHL Flames and Oilers both failed to earn the right to move beyond the regular season.

Where have all the fine candidates gone? In past Red Deer municipal elections, reams of candidates have stepped forward to throw their hats in the ring for posts as councillor or mayor.

While the City of Red Deer has for the most part moved at a snail's pace over the past decade to make the downtown core more exciting and attractive for visitors there is cause to celebrate today.

When Kyle Reed took his two-year-old son Elijah down the new slide during last week's opening of the revitalized G.H. Dawe Community Centre we wonder if the big smiles were small snapshots of contented Red Deerians or just dad and son having fun.