Opinion

'My first impressions as I passed through the gate were of surprise and confusion. Confusion because what I was greeted with was not a beautiful natural preserve, nor an old forest, or even the delicately landscaped sanctuary I had been told to expect. As a professional arborist and passionate nature enthusiast, what I saw was more or less a neglected parking lot.'

'It would be nice if the market was moved from downtown. ... I’d love to shop downtown if there were more retail spaces at ground level, too.'

'The St. A square looks great online, but the way it looks today is years away from that becoming a reality, if ever, not to mention the inherent danger of expensive cranes and lifts raised into the air — an accident literally waiting to happen.'

'Children on crosswalk patrol are better educated on the issue, and always wait for cars to stop completely before allowing pedestrian traffic. Ironically, they are models for many adults.'

Having thousands of cars needlessly idling away hour after hour and day after day for no reason is shameful for a city which lists, as its sixth priority: “Environmental Stewardship: Explore innovative environmental and conservation opportunities.” 

'There are many steps we can take to take care of one another, which should include supporting trans and gender non-conforming people to build a safer and better community. St. Albert’s announcement of its first gender-neutral washroom opening in St. Albert Place is a significant step toward fostering inclusivity.'

'A card forced on Indigenous peoples to prove their blood line in their own homeland gives me validation and roots for the first time in this journey.'

'Far beyond the unveiling of fresh potholes and yes, the advent of construction season, too, is the opportunity for each of us to put a little spring — pun intended — in our step.'

D. Marcinyshyn should first do some homework before assuming that building the Urban Village will mean that “trouble and crime will follow.”

'The Gazette features so many articles of community generosity that when I come across a Your View letter like this, I cannot let it go without comment.'