How ironic to open the Feb. 3 St. Albert Gazette to see on the front page the headline “City Unwraps ‘Cultivate Life' brand.”
The article goes on to say "St. Albert will soon be known as the place to come and cultivate life, and that residents are encouraged to "grow in areas that are important to them, whether it be gardening, artistry, or athletics." As good as this message is, that vision becomes daunting when what remaining small parks and green spaces are taken away for more urban construction, tax generation and destruction of nature. To ensure that "the city will be known as Alberta's botanical arts capital" it would seem logical that we preserve the existing undeveloped areas.
I have to say this new slogan generated a very strong emotional reaction within our family, which has lived in the area for the last 20 years. After hearing the recent news of potentially losing one of the area's most significant parks and green spaces (Attwood Park), one wonders about the sincerity of this new message! The park has been proposed for a new development consisting of a 58 unit, two-storey townhouse development! How does this fit in with the city's new brand? It is very disappointing indeed.
I will not repeat what has been said by my numerous neighbours over the last few weeks in their letters. I only wish to appeal to our mayor and councillors to really practice what is preached and demonstrate leadership with respect to 'living' the values they wish to espouse with your new brand of "Cultivating Life."
Now is the time to really demonstrate, through action, that you are serious about this new branding of St. Albert. As Coun. Carol Watamaniuk was quoted as saying, "I think the concept is absolutely right on. It has endless possibilities …" Well, these possibilities are only endless if we work at preserving the already cultivated life and space that we currently cherish.
Joanne, Ken, Danielle and Marc Baxter, St. Albert
