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Monumental moments

As St. Albertans prepare for the arrival of a new year, thoughts inevitably turn to events over the past 12 months that have left an indelible mark on this city.

As St. Albertans prepare for the arrival of a new year, thoughts inevitably turn to events over the past 12 months that have left an indelible mark on this city.

There are many that come to mind, but two in particular left their legacy in 2018: the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash that threw St. Albert, Canada and the international hockey community into mourning; and the legalization of marijuana, the effects of which are still rippling country-wide.

While the pall cast by the deaths of four St. Albert Raiders Hockey Club alumni in the April 6 bus crash has eased slightly for some of us in the ensuing months, the tragedy is never far from the minds of local residents – especially those who spend time at the rinks.

Jaxon Joseph, Stephen Wack, Logan Hunter and Conner Lukan were among 16 people killed in a bus-semi truck collision on a rural Saskatchewan highway. They will never be forgotten.

The fatal crash – the worst in Canadian athletic history – spurred a staggering outpouring of support from around the globe, uniting grieving strangers in a common goal to help the victims and their families.

Hockey sticks were left on front porches from coast to coast to coast in a touching tribute to the players. People from more than 80 countries donated $15 million to a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign.

And in the city where Jaxon, Stephen, Logan and Conner played minor hockey before embarking on their junior careers, more than 600 people turned out to the Jersey Gala, a major fundraiser held in late October. A total of $438,000 was donated to set up four scholarships in the players’ names, ensuring their legacy will live on.

St. Albertans came through in a big way, showing they care about the foursome whose lives were cut short and the families left to mourn.

It is comforting to know our community will always answer the call to assist when tragedy befalls our own.

This year will also be remembered for the historic legalization of marijuana.

As of Oct. 17, St. Albertans have been able to buy government-sanctioned pot, after almost 100 years of prohibition.

But they can’t consume any form of cannabis on public property, thanks to a ban imposed by the City of St. Albert.

Despite fears that legalized pot would create major headaches for the city, police and society as a whole, that doesn’t appear to be the case so far.

In the 10 weeks since legalization, St. Albert RCMP have yet to sound an alarm about a spike in pot users being caught behind the wheel or nabbed for criminal activity.

Statistics released on Dec. 7 showed the Mounties issued one 24-hour suspension between Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 to a driver who had cannabis in their system. A more detailed quarterly police report, expected next month, will provide a clearer picture.

The major challenge since legalization, which is plaguing the province and pot shops, is keeping up with the demand for recreational marijuana.

That challenge will no doubt persist in the new year, as will the memories of St. Albert’s four hockey stars.

It has been a year of monumental moments, overwhelming loss and enduring kindness. We hope the latter prevails above all else in 2019.

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