I’m writing this on July 31st, which has become Alberta’s day of caring for Jasper. The week began with heartbreak, which has quickly catalyzed a heartwarming movement of support for a well-loved community. That’s something you can always count on; Edmonton always shows up.
Years ago, I worked internationally and spent a great deal of time in other cities around the world and I’ve often shared that Edmonton really is different – in a great way. We truly want to help other people. Some link this to our pioneer roots and our northern location that fosters a spirit of community giving, support and activation. Whatever created it, I’ve personally felt it.
When I left my role at Intuit and committed to building a new career here in my home city, I reached out to a few people with the ask of helping me build a professional network. The response was overwhelming. The introductions were expansive and generous. I now do my best to return this favour as often as I can.
We are a community of communities. In the best of times, we create events, festivals and celebrations that are recognized around the world: Edmonton International Fringe Festival, Street Performers, Heritage Days, Cariwest Caribbean Festival, Taste of Edmonton – the list is endless.
In the most challenging times, we come together to help support one another in a grassroots way that is unparalleled. As far back as the 1987 Black Friday tornado to the 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfires, we’ve hosted and wrapped our arms around people when they most needed it. We saw this again when Russia invaded Ukraine. Our community led the way to support refugees. Our community will continue to rally time after time.
Our young, vibrant population reflects our dynamic and forward-thinking community. Here, we embrace the unconventional. Our way of doing things differently sets us apart and invites everyone to be part of our story.
Let’s forget about the brand. We’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and decades trying to figure out how to distill this city down to a tagline; and it doesn’t matter. You know it. I know it and those that don’t will spend a weekend here and figure it out quickly. It’s a personal feeling and one you need to experience.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: here’s another cheerleading article aimed at touting our best aspects, but in reality, we have a lot of work to do here to make this city great. I agree, but there is opportunity in the gaps.
The only way we affect real change is believing that we have the personal ability to do something; to keep building unique things and by getting involved in our community. Whether it’s volunteering at the Folk Fest or door knocking for a candidate in our next municipal election, I promise the payoff will be huge. Not only will you make an impact on your community but at the same time you may just fall back in love with your city. As Todd Babiak says, “Go make something, Edmonton!”