Welcome folks, grab yourself a ‘Cup of Joe’, sit back, relax, and let’s chat for a while about some of the things happening around Windsor-Essex and around the world
In his 1859 classic, A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens penned the famous words, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Dickens tale was reflecting the tumultuous times experienced in Europe during the French Revolution. However, most generations can equally apply his words to the events and circumstances of their time in history. Our present time is no exception to this.
Taking Dickens’ words in reverse order, we can describe the world in which we live as experiencing some of the worst of times. We need look no further than to our neighbours to the south and the political turmoil they find themselves embroiled in. And, looking beyond our southern border and across the oceans, there is the growing threat of nuclear proliferation and engagement from countries with less than stable political regimes. And, of course, there is the continuing atrocities that ISIS and their misguided, radicalized and distorted understanding of the Islamic faith is wreaking on innocent men, women and children through much of the Western world. It is, arguably, the worst of times.
As of this writing, the death toll stands at 22, with 50 persons injured following the bomb explosion in the lobby of the Manchester Arena in England this past Monday. Twenty-two innocent young children with their older siblings and/or parents attending pop star Ariana Grande’s concert, had their lives senselessly snuffed out by 22 year-old Salman Abedi, a citizen of Britain and adherent of the ISIS ideology.
These unconscionable attacks are becoming much too commonplace in our world, their frequency desensitizing us to the horror and heartbreak they cause. Yes, these are the worst of times in our age.
But if we dwell only on these worst of times and reform and conform our lives to live in dread and fear, then the perpetrators of this hate and intolerance win. They achieve their goals. They imprison us to a life of seclusion, and eliminate many of the good things in life that are out there for us to enjoy and celebrate.
There are a number of things that residents of Windsor and Essex County can point to, to illustrate that these are also the best of times. Here’s just a few of some of the recent good things to celebrate.
Last weekend we celebrated the 125th birthday our city with thousands of people gathered by the Riverfront to see our beloved Maple Leaf flag hoisted 150 feet in the air for all to see in Windsor, both on land and by water. What a moment of national pride that was! The Great Canadian Flag Project Committee did an amazing job in completing the 37 year dream of Thomas McDade, whose vision it was to have a giant flag at the foot of Ouellette Avenue for all to see. “Oh Canada – Our Canada”, a mantra that is proudly ours.
This region also received some great news in the latest provincial budget. After years of lobbying for high speed rail transportation, $19 billion has been allocated for this purpose in the Windsor to Toronto corridor. Premiere Wynne’s formal announcement of this project came May 19th, and is further proof that “Ontario does NOT end at London”.
The same provincial budget also brought the much-anticipated and much-awaited announcement that Windsor – Essex has been ‘greenlighted’ to move forward to stage 2 for their proposed Regional Acute Care Hospital project and its ancillary components of a new comprehensive regional health care system. From among the many other competing locations in the province vying for these precious healthcare dollars, this area successfully met the two key criteria of finalizing the site location and securing regional funding (10% of the cost share); this allowed the province to propel us forward. For Windsor and Essex County residents, it is no longer ‘if’ but ‘when’ we will finally have the healthcare system we so rightfully deserve! Kudos to David Musyj and his dedicated team of volunteers and professionals for their steadfast advocacy for our region!
And, what’s not to like about our very own Windsor Spitfires playing in the 2017 Master Card Memorial Cup finals? The Spits are attempting to be the first ‘host’ team to win the coveted Cup since Shawinigan last accomplished this feat in 2012. They face off for that opportunity on Sunday night at the WFCU Centre at 7pm. Goooo Spits!
With the Victoria Weekend that just passed, this region sees the kickoff of a seemingly endless litany of festivals, concerts, outdoor markets and other events in and around the city and the county. Just in the next month, you can choose from Art In The Park, the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County’s Carousel of the Nations, Summer Fest Windsor, outdoor farmer markets – just to mention a few. For a full listing of this area’s festivals and events, check out the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) website.
So, yes, it is the best of times and the worst of times in our region and in our world. But don’t let the latter keep you from engaging in all the good and fun activities that this area has to offer. The key to enjoying them – especially those that attract large crowds – is using common sense, and knowing your surroundings. Allow yourself extra time for security screening for events at places like the WFCU Centre, Windsor Festival Plaza and Comerica Park.
Constable Andy Drouillard, Corporate Communications with Windsor Police Services, offers this advice: “Remain vigilant at all times; report suspicious activities or people to the police and we will respond accordingly. The police need the involvement of residents and their extra set of eyes. It is important to always err on this side of caution. As a community, we are ‘stronger together’.”
On behalf of everyone at Biz X Magazine, have a safe and fun-filled summer, enjoying the best of times Windsor Essex has to offer!
