You will get through this.
This video shows a city that has grown and changed so much since I called it home more than 20 years ago. I lived seven years in Calgary while attending the University of Calgary. It was a place I will always hold with great love. A place that is welcoming, fun, grounded and always striving to be bigger and better. When I look at all the highways, arts & culture, planned communities and historical landmarks – it has re-defined the oil cowtown I once knew, yet, I know it’s still the same great place, with the same great people.
Over the past 15 years, the city and the whole Province of Alberta has endured so much devastation. Floods, fires and economic turmoil. The highs are high and the lows have been real lows.
Oil & Gas, a resource that drives the province has been hit a few times. This time, like nothing experienced before. This video is an excellent review of the ‘why’ behind the incredibly low gas prices - cira 1998. Canada and specifically, Alberta, has been impacted and there seems to be a long haul still to go.
Further to that, the article, “'What's the point?': Alberta oil producers shut in, slash spending in wake of price crash” has some quotes that bring a reality that is facing the community:
““The common theme you see in all of it is … not giving up and just hunkering down and trying to survive the storm,” said Energy Minister Sonya Savage.”
““The forces at work are telling us this is a mature industry and we’re going to see elements of consolidation … and that’s kind of natural and unavoidable,” said Rob Peabody, CEO of Husky Energy Inc.”
To the lesser scale, but still overwhelming heart-breaking for the city and province, due to COVID-19, the Calgary Zoo had to say goodbye to the Giant Pandas due to bamboo shortages and challenges in delivery logistics.
And for the first time in 97 year, the energetic pulse of Alberta, the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede, was officially cancelled on April 23, 2020. This leaving a $540 million economic impact and the devistation to a community that thrives on the celebration each year.
The rallying that happens and the ‘never-quit’ attitude from this vibrate province and it’s people, I know you will get through this. You have proven yourself time and time again. There will be much to celebrate in the days to come – there will be a booming and revitalized economy and I can’t wait to join the party once the Calgary Stampede is rolling again.
Until then, sending my love.
