Cultural diversity is alive and healthy in the vibrant Vancouver metropolitan area. The iconic Canadian city that bookends the west coast of this country is both a representation of what Canada is and what it should be. As a visitor and conference delegate, I may have admittedly been exposed to the bias of the best that Vancouver has to offer. Nonetheless, that does not take away from the genuine hospitality we received in this great city. Our experience can be summed up with Mayor Gregor Robertson's greeting: "Welcome to the west coast, the best coast." No disrespect intended to those living on any other coast of Canada.
Federal topics that affect all municipalities and Canadians were discussed in study sessions, although the majority of educational value was delivered through the study and companion tours. The speakers were excellent, as always, and had positive messages to deliver. There were many lessons learned from the economic recession and recovery which helped to develop federal infrastructure investment programs that will continue for the next decade -- a longer planning window than the Feds have ever planned for.
Touring through the city, we can bring home several ideas or best practices to our own city. Not everything will work without adaptation, but it seems apparent that the stage for a healthy community has been set in Vancouver, notwithstanding their own challenges. If we treat our experience in parts of Vancouver as a crystal ball into Grande Prairie's own possible future, some interesting parallels can be identified.
Vancouver's Stanley Park is a tourist attraction that has remained somewhat natural. The park has been developed to highlight the beauty of the west coast. One of the best features of this area is the paved walking and biking trails that encircle the park and runs along the coastline for several kilometres. People of all demographics and fitness levels utilize these trails to enjoy the beauty of the area. Grande Prairie's Wapiti River corridor has the potential to become a comparable asset. People are drawn to water features and nature. However, some development is necessary in order to enhance it and make it attractive for general public use. It seems contradictory, but developing nature is sometimes the best way to preserve and protect it. Additional enhancements in the park included off leash dog areas, a groomed beach, the aquarium, nature trails and space for artists.
Granville Island is an area that was redeveloped from an industrial warehouse district to a large specialty market offering fresh food, entertainment an culture. Many cities across the country have their versions of a farmer's market. This is the same thing at much larger order of magnitude. Grande Prairie's farmer's market has expanded and become a major attraction to the city. As that area of the city develops, it is important allow the market room to grow and continue to showcase the unique goods that are produced in the region.
Downtown Vancouver is as vibrant a shopping, dining and entertainment area as any across the country. Do we have a parking problem in Grande Prairie? Apparently not as much as we have a lack of waking problem. Public transportation can be enhanced, but I was amazed at how willing people are to walk for several blocks to get for one end of downtown to another. As our city grows and grows up, I look forward to the shops and eateries that will become our downtown experience. One of the challenges I can see any city facing is the crime and unsavoury element that accompany all downtown areas. Another challenge that we all face is how to build a downtown park or green space that won't become the home for the homeless population. I found no answers for this dilemma yet, just a thought to keep in mind.
Another great FCM experience and an enjoyable look at the workings of another great Canadian city. The entertainment at the gala was also first rate and provided some inspiration as we plan the 100th anniversary of our own city. A big thanks need to go out to the hosts, speakers, organizers and volunteers.
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