Editor:
Having just returned to my home in Canmore from a two-week roadtrip that included Jackson Hole, Aspen and Sun Valley, I feel moved to share my gratitude for the wonderful town we live in here.
I visited some amazing places on this trip, with amazing geography, expensive stores, fantastic restaurants, etc., but none with quite the charm of Canmore. And I think I know what that vital quality is - Canmore is such a friendly town.
I don’t just mean in the downtown - I mean everywhere - on the trails, in the grocery store, in the parks, everyone is always friendly and smiling, and happy to help. A cheery face can make a big difference to everyday life.
After nine years in Canmore, it is easy to take this for granted, but each year my summer vacation reminds me how special and unique this is. In this respect, our town excels, and I wanted to share my gratitude for this.
Now the negative .... The biggest danger, as I see it, is that, with ongoing staffing issues in many restaurants and stores in town, there has been a consequent decline in customer service and general friendliness by staff (not across the board, but on the average). We have all noticed it, I’m sure, over the past three years - the cafes on Main Street are the worst culprits.
Whether workers are young or old, it is up to their managers to ensure they have a basic level of training. Youthful shyness or boredom is no excuse – just be friendly. It costs nothing and benefits everyone.
Tom Wanless,
Canmore
