Localmom,
I’m sorry you had such a bad time in Fernie, something obviously put you off the small town feeling that exists here.
I grew up in a place even smaller, less socially and culturally diverse and even more remote than Fernie, and I say a silent thank you to my parents every day for moving me as a two year old from a big city, to a place where I was free to roam and express myself.
We made regular trips to various cities so my brothers and I could experience “life’s rich tapestry” of museums, sporting & cultural events and big city atmosphere. We ate in expensive restaurants, and stayed in nice hotels. Movies and McDonalds were a twice-a-year special treat, instead of the weekly event that now seems to be the norm. Riding on a bus or in a taxi was a huge excitement. But after a few days I couldn’t wait to get in the car and go home, where we didn’t need to lock our doors and I could wander the hills to my heart’s content. Kids need to be kids, and to me that means riding your bike for miles, building remote mountain fortresses and climbing trees. In other words, free stuff that builds the imagination and encourages the spirit. Public transport and careers are for adults, and yes that might mean moving away, but Fernie is full of young people who came back pretty damn quick.
I don’t know why there are so few kids in the parks. It puzzles me too. Maybe they are all out mountain biking, skiing, fishing or off for a day at the lake. Street hockey? Still see that a lot in the annex in the summer, and plenty of hoops up on garage doors.
I hope one day you will come back and see how wonderful it is here, breathe the clean air instead of the pollution and walk down the street without worrying about your bag being stolen.
seasonsgreetings
