Thank you for this. Too many forget their heritage began in Canada. As you so aptly put it, many of our ancestors did not come to Alberta even though that may have been their settling point - they came to Canada. My father did not go to war to defend Alberta - he went to defend his country. We can love our prairies and mountains or wherever we feel most at home but it is first and foremost part of something bigger, greater and still worth fighting for. My Dad would be outraged at the nonsense going on in Alberta now and would see straight through the doe eyed “I love Alberta and now conveniently Canada (but not Ottawa)” sewage being spewed by our self serving Premier.
Since this nonsense started I’ve reflected more on my family than I ever did.
My dad’s grandparents emigrated to Alberta in the late 1890’s from Bedeque County P.E.I. The family was United Empire Loyalists turfed out of the US in the late 1780’s.
My dad’s grandfather landed a job with the town of Calgary, in charge of empty lots.
Now what kind of job was that, at least that was my thought three generations removed.
Empty lots equaled garden space. Few people owned lots or houses then so growing a garden was key to life then. I’ve come to think of this as the family entry to real estate.
My grandfather played in the first Grey Cup against Toronto, my dad was marble champion in Edmonton(so he said anyway 60 years ago)
My parents both born in Edmonton one in 1911 the other in 1920. Both served overseas during WWll.
They chose Alberta, I choose Alberta. Like you I’m drawn to the big skies, not so much the winter weather, but the skies the history, the changes.
I’ve lived in High River within four blocks since 1961, it fits me, it gave me a life, its people allowed me business opportunities, the community was kind to our us and our kids, we have solid friends. Hell I still toboggan behind my place on Logan’s Hill. We have two funeral homes both run by a Snodgrass, both have instructions on what to do with my carcass. Tell me, where else am I going to find this life- I’m not.
So to me it’s simple Deidre. One of us has to go and it’s not me.
So Dani, pack up, take your traitors with you. Me and mine we’re staying
Great article Deirdre. Last summer I travelled all around the maritimes and Quebec and had similar feelings when I returned to Alberta. I truly understood how vast our amazing homeland is and how it varies from place to place. And the many things that tie us all together, no matter when or from where you came.
My grandfather fought for Canada in WWI. His son, my dad, would have also been completely horrified by all that's happening in Alberta. I miss him like crazy but I'm kinda glad he's not here to live through this. He would have been incredulous and hurt that anybody would want to throw away the opportunity to live in Canada 🇨🇦
I loved reading this - I always love your work, but I particularly appreciate the personal connection to Canada and its people in these troubled times. This was emphasized for me by the way your path crossed mine and those of my ancestors and other family members in your recent trip. My ancestors include settlers from New England and United Empire Loyalists to Nova Scotia, and Scottish settlers who arrived in New Brunswick at Kings Landing and subsequently moved to Nova Scotia - to end up on the side of the Bay of Fundy opposite St. John, NB! Of course, I lived in Toronto for decades, and have younger relatives still there. Other family live in Alberta and BC, where I have visited, of course, resulting in a special sense of connection with each of these places. Like you, I want to live where I do (rolling hills and lakes countryside!), but I enjoy the wonderful character of maritime cliffs and dear white houses, quaint Quebec, glorious Prairie and mountains, too.
That’s so great to hear, Ann— I wasn’t sure if it was too personal and hesitated a few times with finishing it because I’m always worried it will sound like a diary entry that doesn’t resonate. I have been buoyed by so many people saying they’ve also been thinking of their family history, and Canada’s, throughout the last year, too. A small reminder we’re never really alone in our thoughts perhaps 😊
I also love the old buildings. Like you, a door or ceiling can draw my attention. I’m from Toronto and I miss that aspect of it. Here on the west coast everything past 50 yrs gets torn down and replaced. Mind you, I do like the colourful older homes in Vancouver.
That is so unfortunate. I know Calgary has had this fight before about some of its buildings, too. I have a few dozen other photos of the houses from Saint John as well— very New England— and in various stages of appeal. It beats the heck out of the 80’s bi-levels in Alberta though.
Haha— it’s been a while since I was in Van… I want to say 20 years. And back then I had walking little ones I had to keep an eye on so I didn’t have the opportunity to look around much. Youngest is 16 now, so I have a little more freedom 😏
Thanks. Had similar thoughts on trips to Ottawa and Quebec. My grandparents came here on slow boats from Scotland, England and Ireland and they came to Canada to escape stupid politics and hardships in this new, promising Canada, only to head back 25 years later to fight for the new. country they loved. 🇨🇦
Thank you for this. Too many forget their heritage began in Canada. As you so aptly put it, many of our ancestors did not come to Alberta even though that may have been their settling point - they came to Canada. My father did not go to war to defend Alberta - he went to defend his country. We can love our prairies and mountains or wherever we feel most at home but it is first and foremost part of something bigger, greater and still worth fighting for. My Dad would be outraged at the nonsense going on in Alberta now and would see straight through the doe eyed “I love Alberta and now conveniently Canada (but not Ottawa)” sewage being spewed by our self serving Premier.
Thank you, Debbie
Interesting how we each connect to all of this.
Since this nonsense started I’ve reflected more on my family than I ever did.
My dad’s grandparents emigrated to Alberta in the late 1890’s from Bedeque County P.E.I. The family was United Empire Loyalists turfed out of the US in the late 1780’s.
My dad’s grandfather landed a job with the town of Calgary, in charge of empty lots.
Now what kind of job was that, at least that was my thought three generations removed.
Empty lots equaled garden space. Few people owned lots or houses then so growing a garden was key to life then. I’ve come to think of this as the family entry to real estate.
My grandfather played in the first Grey Cup against Toronto, my dad was marble champion in Edmonton(so he said anyway 60 years ago)
My parents both born in Edmonton one in 1911 the other in 1920. Both served overseas during WWll.
They chose Alberta, I choose Alberta. Like you I’m drawn to the big skies, not so much the winter weather, but the skies the history, the changes.
I’ve lived in High River within four blocks since 1961, it fits me, it gave me a life, its people allowed me business opportunities, the community was kind to our us and our kids, we have solid friends. Hell I still toboggan behind my place on Logan’s Hill. We have two funeral homes both run by a Snodgrass, both have instructions on what to do with my carcass. Tell me, where else am I going to find this life- I’m not.
So to me it’s simple Deidre. One of us has to go and it’s not me.
So Dani, pack up, take your traitors with you. Me and mine we’re staying
Love this, Bill— thanks for sharing!
Canada is better together. Alberta would be better off without the UCP and Danielle Smith.
Great article Deirdre. Last summer I travelled all around the maritimes and Quebec and had similar feelings when I returned to Alberta. I truly understood how vast our amazing homeland is and how it varies from place to place. And the many things that tie us all together, no matter when or from where you came.
My grandfather fought for Canada in WWI. His son, my dad, would have also been completely horrified by all that's happening in Alberta. I miss him like crazy but I'm kinda glad he's not here to live through this. He would have been incredulous and hurt that anybody would want to throw away the opportunity to live in Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks Brenda; and I know what you mean— I’ve had the same thought about my grandparents who passed over the last year and a half.
I'm sorry to hear that. Losing people is the worst
I loved reading this - I always love your work, but I particularly appreciate the personal connection to Canada and its people in these troubled times. This was emphasized for me by the way your path crossed mine and those of my ancestors and other family members in your recent trip. My ancestors include settlers from New England and United Empire Loyalists to Nova Scotia, and Scottish settlers who arrived in New Brunswick at Kings Landing and subsequently moved to Nova Scotia - to end up on the side of the Bay of Fundy opposite St. John, NB! Of course, I lived in Toronto for decades, and have younger relatives still there. Other family live in Alberta and BC, where I have visited, of course, resulting in a special sense of connection with each of these places. Like you, I want to live where I do (rolling hills and lakes countryside!), but I enjoy the wonderful character of maritime cliffs and dear white houses, quaint Quebec, glorious Prairie and mountains, too.
That’s so great to hear, Ann— I wasn’t sure if it was too personal and hesitated a few times with finishing it because I’m always worried it will sound like a diary entry that doesn’t resonate. I have been buoyed by so many people saying they’ve also been thinking of their family history, and Canada’s, throughout the last year, too. A small reminder we’re never really alone in our thoughts perhaps 😊
I also love the old buildings. Like you, a door or ceiling can draw my attention. I’m from Toronto and I miss that aspect of it. Here on the west coast everything past 50 yrs gets torn down and replaced. Mind you, I do like the colourful older homes in Vancouver.
That is so unfortunate. I know Calgary has had this fight before about some of its buildings, too. I have a few dozen other photos of the houses from Saint John as well— very New England— and in various stages of appeal. It beats the heck out of the 80’s bi-levels in Alberta though.
Or the Vancouver specials with their basements on the ground level…
Haha— it’s been a while since I was in Van… I want to say 20 years. And back then I had walking little ones I had to keep an eye on so I didn’t have the opportunity to look around much. Youngest is 16 now, so I have a little more freedom 😏
I hear ya! Youngest is now 26 this month. Mind you, my twin girls, my oldest, turn 44 this year 🙈 Not sure how that happened!!
While you were folding laundry 😏
😂😂
Thanks. Had similar thoughts on trips to Ottawa and Quebec. My grandparents came here on slow boats from Scotland, England and Ireland and they came to Canada to escape stupid politics and hardships in this new, promising Canada, only to head back 25 years later to fight for the new. country they loved. 🇨🇦
❤️
Canada is cool Eh?