Our View

When you look at Cochrane’s indefatigable ability to buck current downward trends in Alberta, you find yourself looking for reasons why.

Transparency is good. Particularly when it comes to the public trust. We have little choice when it comes to paying taxes: pay or go to jail. And the demand is we report, in full, our income, spending, earnings and deductions.

It’s here. So what of it? If you believe most of what you hear, 2016 is going to be tougher on Albertans than 2015. Yet there are no such things as problems, just opportunities.

With Christmas in the rear view and a fresh layer of cheer hanging over out belts, ‘tis the season for resolutions. Groan. Yes. With the calendar page turning to full reset on another spin around the sun, it’s time to find ways to improve.

“For behold. I bring you tidings of great joy, which will be to all people.” – Linus Van Pelt and the meaning of Christmas, 1965.

When did we become so hateful? This is a tough question to answer, particularly given where we are on the calendar. Christ’s Mass, or Christmas, is just around the corner and goodwill in Cochrane is flowing like water from an open tap.

There’s something happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear. Yet, as “it” gradually pulls into sharper focus, what becomes apparent is the winds of change are in the air. What change these winds bring has yet to be felt.

The season is upon us, and there is no better time to spread the cheer . . . and wealth. When we think of Canada, Alberta, and Cochrane, thoughts are of buoyant, festive households brimming with all the holiday trimmings.

Stress. Everything from traffic to planning that perfect holiday event for family and friends can set it off. It can manifest itself in many different ways affecting the health and behaviour of yourself and those around you.

A railroad runs through it and, with it, all the goods, services and progress 130 years on the rails brings. Canada’s national railroad, or Canadian Pacific Railroad, celebrated a milestone anniversary earlier this month with little fanfare.