Editor: It has been an interesting month re: wildlife issues in the Bow Valley.
It is more than apparent that people are passionate about their wildlife and that there is more work to be done. Wildlife managers are taking the heat from a number of folks who disagree with translocating #148, closing (or not) certain areas and the list goes on. The public continue to not carry bear spray, enter closed areas and travel with their dogs off leash.
Much of the commentary and concern over the last few weeks has not changed from past decades.
We continue to question government officials and demand that our neighbours live and recreate smarter with wildlife. One could argue that this is what makes Canmore a special place: concern and a desire to be better. As past accomplishments indicate (bear proof bins, crossing structures, wildlife corridors, highway fencing, Bow Valley WildSmart to name a few), respectful discourse and engagement can move the ball forward.
What does not make us better though, is when the discourse becomes accusatory, mean and downright cruel. When people, who have little basis of fact, can write derogatory, mean and cruel posts on social media to a teenage girl who has been hospitalized due to a bear attack – you have gone too far. Way too far.
What kind of community hits someone when they are down, especially our own youth? These kids should be supported by us, not dragged through the mud by a bunch of self-righteous keyboard fanatics. This does not make a better Canmore. Where is the empathy?
If you have a concern with how things are being managed, ask someone about it – directly, preferably to their face. Many of us who live in the valley would love to sit down and discuss ideas about how to improve things. This is the difference between then and now.
It is time to step up, Canmore, and stop with the constant negativity and entitlement – take it upon yourselves to make this place better through your own actions. Offer up some solutions and stop taking the easy way out by constantly criticizing and offering nothing positive in return.
Jay Honeyman,
Canmore
