There’s probably a lot of Coldstream residents who are looking forward to 8 p.m. Saturday when the polls close.
No matter what side of the issue you are on, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the proposed sports complex on Aberdeen Road has been divisive. Neighbours have been pitted against neighbours.
Some of the incidents during the referendum campaign are nothing Coldstream residents should be proud of — signs ripped down, catcalling at meetings and rumours running amuck.
And some of that hostility may linger for a few days as the results of Saturday’s referendum sink in. Just by the nature of the process, there will be winners and there will be losers. Emotions may also run high depending on what steps Coldstream council takes.
But it is time for a healing process to begin — for residents to get past the heated debate of the last few months and recognize that they are part of a community.
For individuals, that can be done one-on-one with neighbours over the fence or while out walking. But for the broader community, it is going to take a concerted effort on the part of Coldstream council, the Greater Vernon Services Committee and groups such as the Coldstream Ratepayers Association.
And perhaps the sports field issue can play a role in that.
If the referendum is successful and a sports complex proceeds, all sides need to work together so concerns are resolved. If the referendum fails, all interested parties must address outstanding recreational needs, especially for youth.
In the end, communities are like a family. There are often good times, but there are also challenges and relationships are strained. But like a family, Coldstream must learn to live together.
No matter what side of the issue you are on, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the proposed sports complex on Aberdeen Road has been divisive. Neighbours have been pitted against neighbours.
Some of the incidents during the referendum campaign are nothing Coldstream residents should be proud of — signs ripped down, catcalling at meetings and rumours running amuck.
And some of that hostility may linger for a few days as the results of Saturday’s referendum sink in. Just by the nature of the process, there will be winners and there will be losers. Emotions may also run high depending on what steps Coldstream council takes.
But it is time for a healing process to begin — for residents to get past the heated debate of the last few months and recognize that they are part of a community.
For individuals, that can be done one-on-one with neighbours over the fence or while out walking. But for the broader community, it is going to take a concerted effort on the part of Coldstream council, the Greater Vernon Services Committee and groups such as the Coldstream Ratepayers Association.
And perhaps the sports field issue can play a role in that.
If the referendum is successful and a sports complex proceeds, all sides need to work together so concerns are resolved. If the referendum fails, all interested parties must address outstanding recreational needs, especially for youth.
In the end, communities are like a family. There are often good times, but there are also challenges and relationships are strained. But like a family, Coldstream must learn to live together.
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