We have to say, we’re not running full tilt into 2017 with arms wide open.
This past year has been another sobering one for the planet – and this city.
But let’s try to just keep this local, because, well, tackling the whole planet thing seems a bit overwhelming as we ponder the gaping maw of the future. And even our past modest hopes often seem overly optimistic when we look into the rear view mirror.
For example: We tenderly tiptoed into 2015 with some modest hopes for that year. We had hoped the local BCA leaders who pledged to extend their tent and include more and varying views would keep those pledges. Well, we didn’t see a huge difference then, but in 2016 we did see more independent voices in the BCA questioning the status quo. Perhaps there is still hope that in 2017 we will see more outreach and listening to divergent views.
Also last year we naively shared our “pipe dreams” for Burnaby. We said we hoped that “saner minds prevail and an expanded pipeline is not rammed through Burnaby Mountain.”
Well, we don’t know about sanity in political decisions, but we can safely predict that the approval of the pipeline will continue to trigger protests and concern. Also pretty much every new year we hope that Derek Corrigan will follow neighbouring New Westminster’s lead in offering permanent shelter for the homeless (perhaps we should just leave this as an annual wish and copy and paste it each year).
Corrigan continues to stubbornly point fingers at other levels of government.
But, on the plus side, the mayor did offer to sit down and chat with housing advocates who have made ‘demoviction’ a common word – this is a big step in Burnaby. Baby steps, baby steps.
But if we’re a bit timid about 2017, we always have the good people of Burnaby to refresh our optimism.
We are fortunate in the news biz to have folks share their finest, kindest and most uplifting stories with us and our readers.
This past year was no exception.
If it wasn’t for those phone calls and emails from readers passing on tips and stories to share, we’d be a much sadder lot.
From rescued critters, to fabulous photos, and Good Samaritans and people who pitch in just to make the city a better place – we thank all of you for sharing your stories with our readers.We simply couldn’t do it without you.
May 2017 be full of good news for all
