As this will be the last Councillor Column of 2020, I thought I would look back on a year that none of us will ever forget.
The beginning of 2020 brought a re-organization to town staff as well as the sudden departure of our former CAO. While Council had varying opinions, the one thing we all agreed on, was rebuilding trust and moving forward.
Until ... Boom ... COVID-19.
With interim CAO Drew Hyndman, stepping up to the plate, we paused major town projects to allow time to see how our budget was impacted.
The first initial lockdown saw the closure of businesses and parents homeschooling, yet it was still met with optimism. People reached out and checked on their neighbours, strangers bought other people’s groceries, and the world seemed to slow down while we all took a much-needed breath.
As things slowly re-opened, I thought surely, we would all be more appreciative of life’s simple pleasures. But, I get it— Job loss, anxiety, stress of the unknown and when/if the world would ever return to normal has taken something away from all of us.
It has caused a number of us to be more critical, demanding, entitled and without purpose. Some worry now more about themselves rather than each other like in the early days and THAT is what needs to change.
We are all frustrated, worried, stressed and wanting to know what the future holds, but in reality … All we know, is now.
Both personally and professionally, this year has been heavy and full of changes, but the one thing I hold onto is Cochrane’s strong sense of community.
It is something I got to recently witness with the community parades. As I was able to ride shotgun with Cochrane Fire Services, my heart became full again. It was the smiles, clapping, bags and bags of donations and even signs saying thank you.
I know this Christmas will be hard. I have never given up hope though, that together, as a community we are incredibly strong. My hope is that no matter your circumstance, we take a moment to appreciate what we have and each other.
Merry Christmas Cochrane!
