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Time to welcome the ski world

For the first time since the 2010 Whistler/Vancouver Olympics, cross-country ski athletes from around the world are back in Canada – in Quebec and in our Valley.

For the first time since the 2010 Whistler/Vancouver Olympics, cross-country ski athletes from around the world are back in Canada – in Quebec and in our Valley.

Being that some of our Valley athletes are likely to be taking a spot on the podium in their respective competitions and, being that the weather report looks good and, being that this Alberta World Cup is right on our doorsteps at the Nordic Centre, we encourage everyone to take in some of the events.

It’s expected 35 million viewers around the world will be watching, so why not everybody on the local front? At the Nordic Centre, many of the estimated 10,000 who will attend, live in person, will be loud and proud in urging athletes from 20 nations on – likely armed with cowbells and the like – so it’s on us to be out there cheering on the Canadians with the same enthusiasm.

Last week’s World Cup in Quebec City (Dec. 8-9) was something to behold as thousands of flag-waving, face-painted fans congregated around a track laid down through the city centre. We need to show that same enthusiasm here, even without a downtown snow track to congregate around.

One of the great things about having the Nordic Centre located here in the Valley is that it attracts events just like the World Cup.

Thanks to big events like this weekend’s World Cup, Canmore takes on an international flavour for a few days as downtown light poles are festooned with national flags, teams of athletes can be spotted around town, international media is broadcasting to the world and awards ceremonies are held in the downtown core.

Once again, local volunteers have stepped up to make a difference. In all, more than 400 volunteers are working to make the World Cup a success and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Along with the volunteers, the World Cup society has done a great job in putting the event together – backed by municipal, provincial and federal governments, major sponsors and athletic organizations.

Who knows what kind of economic and tourism impact the World Cup will have? Like Lake Louise World Cup alpine events, the eyes of the world do settle on the community for a few spectacular days.

Then again, who knows what effect holding an event like a World Cup will have on local youth who have the opportunity to see home-grown Olympians like Chandra Crawford, or national teamers who call Canmore home, competing in front of them?

Déjŕ vu all over again

Again, Banff’s Mineral Springs Hospital is closing the doors on its labour and delivery ward.

The last time this happened, in 2009, closure for a few months was due to a staff shortage. This closure already seems more permanent, with both Covenant Health and Alberta Health Services apparently on board.

While greater efficiencies are important, and it’s understandable staff requirements may need to be adjusted through any given period of time – two things are of concern.

First, if no babies are to be born in Banff, some degree of community feeling will be lost. No question. Obstetrics, barring occasional unexpected deliveries by visitors, is a service with real local, community feel. Most expectant parents expect to go through the process in their town, with the culmination being the big day at the local hospital.

Second, if all Valley births are to be in Canmore, is there a guarantee that obstetric services staff won’t be overburdened, resulting in the kind of safety issue which is supposedly being avoided by closure in Banff? For parents and babies as well?

While this closure looks to be a sure thing, now is the time to speak out against the possibility of no more births in Banff.


Rocky Mountain Outlook

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