Focus Magazine November 2008

In September, I was asked to submit my vision of a "dream city" in 150 words or less. I was excited....but terrified. I can't say ANYTHING in 150 words!

I started writing and at least 10 thousands words came out. With some cutting and snipping I arrived at something just under 150.

This month, Focus published it. Here is what I submitted:

My "Dream City"

People of all ages are active and engaged citizens. Committees and commissions never lack for volunteers. The work is valued, respected and meaningful. Public consultation is frequent. Voter turnout is over 70%.
Development reflects the diverse cultures and values of the community.

Small businesses are places of lively conversation. They prosper.

Sports facilities, schools and parks are focal points. They foster connections and life long friendships. They are never considered “surplus to need.”

Music and the arts are affordable and accessible for everyone.

Public Transit, walking and cycling are the most popular options for travel. Residential streets host more road hockey than traffic.

Local food is abundant. All children have the opportunity to tend the soil.

Local newsletters welcome newcomers. The stories of our history and the possibilities of our future are shared.

We have more than a sustainable city. We do more than just sustain. We thrive.

Tales of my Fleeting Youth

My children think that I grew up in a quaint and charming time. No home computers, no iPods, no microwaves and no DVDs. Yesterday, they were spellbound, as I told the true tale of the first video rental stores. Places where you rented not only the video, but the VCR as well. My kids are growing up in a different world than I did.

The point is...I am not young anymore. In fact, I think the only place where I am regularly the youngest person in the room is in Council Chambers. That concerns me. I would love to see a more diverse range of ages actively taking part.

Ladysmith has just announced that they are undergoing a "Community Sustainability Visioning Process" with HB Lanarc Consultants. This process includes launching a new website- www.definingthefuture.ca designed to maximize opportunities for public participation. In the press release, Mayor Rob Hutchins comments, "We also hope to engage youth through our presence on sites such as Flickr, MySpace and Facebook."

I'm really interested in seeing how this process engages youth in Ladysmith. I'd love to see more young people at Esquimalt Council meetings. I'd be happy to welcome them with my spellbinding tales of BetaVision and 8-tracks.