Editor:
As a diehard observer of human nature, I am aware of the many reasons we have for living in the Bow Valley: natural beauty, recreation, wilderness, work opportunities, proximity to Calgary, the small town vibe, but with amazing amenities, and all kinds of awesome people (apparently a great number of whom are liberal and left-wing – hmm …).
Maybe you were born here. More likely you chose to live here – to find some work-life balance, to raise your kids, to retire in luxury, to recreate, your work permit decreed it, or maybe you want to open your eyes every morning and see those beautiful mountains.
It doesn’t hurt to make effort, take care of what there is, to listen to each other, to give a little back, to protect not just the beauty, but also the integrity of nature in all its glory, red in tooth and claw.
I was raised to help others now and then, and taught that taxes are necessary for infrastructure and to support the general good and that humans are not the only species that counts.
So sign me up to pay a conservation tax. I think it’s a fabulous idea. I lived in this neck of the woods before bearproof bins were in place (not to mention when I first worked at the Banff Springs Hotel in 1984, the garbage dump behind what is now the Waldhaus offered unbelievable bear viewing opportunities).
Simple changes or additions can make a big difference. Why would we not try to preserve what’s left?
Kat Wiebe,
Canmore
