The beginning...

I just came back from a vacation in Penticton B.C. It was fantastic. Clear cool lake on a hot day, making sand castles with the kids, what could be better? Well, the beach was clean, the public restrooms were clean, everything there seemed to clean and well kept. The city had a small town feel to it, much like Grande Prairie used to be. It seems that the oil industry brings revenue and a perception of being, well, dirty. When you look around though, we have done a pretty good job of taking care of this city. Maybe its that we've lost that small town feeling, maybe its that we are too busy putting in long hours and worrying about paying for our toys that we dont stop to say hello. Too often I hear "theres nothing to do", but there is plenty! Is it just that nobody talks? What can be done to get that sense of community back? How do we make Grande Prairie more welcomming and show people what there is to do and see here?