I stopped watching hockey at one point in life – I still watch it to fit in but over all I simply dislike the game. I loved it as a kid – I thought that it was amazing that so much talent could localize in a province and I felt pride. I then realized that the teams where not made up of people from my home town ( when I was watching the Kamloops blazers) or my province ( when I was watching The Vancouver Canucks) or even my country ( My not-so-secret-love of the Edmonton Oilers) I realized that hockey was one corporation or “club” pitting its money against another corporation or “club” ( that really is a C and an L but my font makes it look like a d )
The game lost its meaning to me and I lost my love. Players went where the money was, the opportunity or even in some cases the better living conditions ( who would want to live in Edmonton when they could live in California?). I resented the players who left their hometowns for bigger better opportunity in the US. I felt betrayed when Gretzky was traded, I even still had a bit of love left in me when a crying team captain was traded from Edmonton.
Stick with me on this I will tie it back in I promise.
My hometown was rated the worst place to live in Canada. I say my hometown because Williams Lake is where I was born. It is where I went to school more often then not ( I did move a lot) and while I lived in outlying areas these areas where not incorporated towns they where essentially subdivisions REALLY far away. But still with in the service area covered by Williams Lake ( Including schools).
I grew up with a distaste for this town. An urge to escape it and all towns like it grew inside of me.
Williams Lake has intelligent, well intended good people living there. They have children born there that could make a difference in the quality of life of those in the town. Much like me though – those children and those people want out. Only a small percentage of the people with the skills and the will to do anything about the social problems facing Williams Lake stay. A large portion of those who stay – repeat the cycle of violence and crime and lack of community pride that can be seen in that town.In short Williams Lake is in a slow free fall of erosion, suffering from its own brain drain. Lack of opportunity could be used as a factor. Lack of access to education. Accept all of these things exist both opportunity and Education. Williams Lake has a University that has been growing steadily over the past 10 years. The forestry sector has declined dramatically but the services and health sector has grown, farming is on decline but tourism is on the rise . High-school students in Williams Lake have access to University classes while still in high-school. With less competition for grants and bursaries (less people) there is more opportunity for a hard working individual to advance their education.
So then why the brain drain – the the drain of talent and socially responsible individuals who could indeed change the community?
The answer for me is one that I ponder. I left – as fast as I could. Had I stayed would I have become part of the solution? I some how doubt it, I think me or my offspring may have actually become part of the problem. I needed to leave – its doubtful I will ever return.
I ask myself though – what if Williams Lake as a town paid for individuals to leave to go to school under a contract to return and work for the town? Towns paying there students to become doctors, nurses, Teachers, Economist etc. Maybe we could take a page from the idea behind native bands educating there younger generation.
Now back to the hockey players – Why would any one live in Edmonton when they could live in California or any other place that is not a frozen wasteland? The only reason I can think of is community pride. Some hockey players try to never leave. Some invest back into there community.
Community pride – I have none when it comes to Williams Lake. Free school may have kept me there long enough to fulfill my obligation. But with out community pride I would have had no desire to really fix the problems. Is this true for others? I don’t know – but I know there is a distinct difference in many peoples mind between those who are deemed “lifers” and those who get out. Almost no one wants to be thought of as a lifer.
Williams Lake – a town that will erode as its best people find no reason to stay. Its clean lakes and vast country side will only cause a handful to return. I at times will admit to longing for the lazy summer days found exploring the “back 40″ – swimming in the “swimming hole” found in the dairy fields located as an undeveloped farm land on one end of town. A common make out spot and playground for children and teenagers alike.
I will say this – When I lived in Williams lake – it was deamed a city with the highest crime rate per capita – But it was not the world outside of my doors that worried me in Williams Lake. It was the world found behind the doors that the papers are now saying need to be locked. It is likely not the town itself I am trying to escape – but the culture that turns a blind eye to the obvious atrocities occurring with in the homes of those found in that town.
There can be no pride in a community that turns a blind eye.
Place cooking pan in oven ( pyrex is what I use for round bread,