Human Interest
by Robert White
Bringing rural values home
C
ity and country, urban and rural often seem like two different worlds, even in Saskatchewan, one of the most rural provinces. Saskatoon, in particular, has become more urban and sophisticated as its population and economy have boomed. Its economy is no longer as greatly dependent on the farming sector as it once was. A larger percentage of the population, especially youth and young adults have grown up with no immediate connection to farming or rural life. Ironically, in the last two years there has been a dramatic growth in acreages and estates outside Saskatoon and large upscale suburban-style houses can be seen sprouting in fields along every highway leading into the city for about a 35 kilometre radius. I recently took a trip through rural southwest Saskatchewan and reflected on this question of rural and urban. With the exception of time at the Moose Jaw spa using up some gift cards, we stayed at country bed and breakfasts and with farmer friends. It was replenishing emotionally and spiritually. There is a universal human need to
seek out quiet, natural areas. Indeed, “recreation” comes from “re-creation,” a return to Eden in symbolic terms. Recreation is traditionally associated with resorts, parks, green, lakeside environments, or increasingly, vacation farms. The road trip was a great way to rediscover the pleasures of rural life, a more relaxed pace, less pretence, less social stratification. People are more dependent on each other and those interconnections are an everyday reality. Thus, bumping down back roads and trails with Garth and Shelley, my organic farmer friends near Fox Valley, looking at how the crops were doing turned into several roadside chats, helping a neighbour load a water tank, and tracking down a special hitch item to borrow. I didn’t even notice that our jaunt had taken over three hours, and on returning to the farmstead, I felt as if I already knew many of the interrelations that sustain that local farming community. They were direct, personal, and comprehensible. There was also a sharing in the sense of place. A palpable sense of place has been lost in many cities. Social mobility, urban sprawl, zoning regulations, and architectural standards that foster homogeneity have tended to ignore this qualitative value. Yet it is this very concept that is being tapped successfully to attract tourists and residents to rural Saskatchewan and to smaller centres. It is also part of the reason for the rising demand for acreages and lakeside property and the increasing interest in living in or near the city’s core. In terms of creating a sense of place and identity in an urban setting, Moose Jaw offers a prime example. It has capitalized on its history and natural and cultural features to attract 300,000 visitors a year. The many brick and stone buildings, the 46 murals, the infamous tunnels, and many artistic and cultural endeavours and facilities plus the spa
have made the rate of tourism growth the highest in Canada. Moose Jaw’s experience offers lessons about unity of vision, creating an identity rooted in place, and dynamic integration across sectors. Other smaller centres like Eastend, Mortlach, and Gravelbourg are successfully attracting an influx of people who want less hustle and bustle and a strong community. What has this got to do with Saskatoon? It seems that a great part of Saskatoon’s success has been the fact that most of its older residents have rural roots. The cooperative mindset that is characteristic of Saskatchewan’s rural history has undoubtedly contributed to the reputation of Saskatoon for volunteerism, community-mindedness, egalitarianism, and even a strong involvement in development issues around the world. Now that Saskatoon is booming, it faces the challenge of not losing its soul. With great economic growth there is a tendency to more social stratification and separation – suburban encloves and rural estates with big SUVs rushing to and from them. The revitalization of older neighbourhoods that is creating so many positives for areas like Riversdale can result in social problems migrating elsewhere. Traffic counts and police statistics indicate that there has also been a dramatic increase in traffic volumes, vehicle collisions, and a corresponding deterioration in driver behaviour. If Saskatoon is to keep its cherished short commute times, relaxed pace, and co-operative spirit it would be a good time for Saskatoon residents to openly examine, in cultural, political, administrative and religious venues, what development means. How can material growth be balanced with maintaining and enhancing less tangible and spiritual qualities – a sense of place, a spirit of unity and the virtues of friendliness, tolerance, and patience that result from it?
Featuring Scott Thoen & Silky Photography by Roberta Wells
On the Cover Inside this issue Section A
Human Interest ��������������������������2-7,9 Sports & Travel ����������������������8, 10-14 Home Accents �������������������������������� 16 Home & Garden �����������������15, 18-20 Green Lane ����������������������������������� 17 Business & Technology ��������������21-23 Section B
Image & Self-Development ���1, 2, 7, 10-11 Genealogy ��������������������������������������� 3 Journey of Faith ������������������������������� 3 Healthy Lifestyles �������������������������� 4, 6 Activities & Events ����������������������� 5, 14 Heart Warming Animal “Tails” ���������� 8 Pets & Families ��������������������������������� 9 Fashion on Location ������������������12-13 Community Affairs �������������������������� 15 Of Community Interest �������������������� 17 Experience Saskatoon ��������������������� 19 On The Edge ����������������������������20-23 The Neighbourhood Express 1026 8th Street, Saskatoon SK
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Welcome readers
“I
t’s fun to be Canadian,” a family member who recently returned from living abroad remarked. Although other countries may make more of a show of patriotism, Canadians have gradually grown into appreciation of their country and how to celebrate it in an easy-going Canadian way. We felt that it was fun and easy putting together this issue with reflections on being Canadian, travel, the outdoors, and summertime activities. In terms of appreciation of Canada, check out the Editor’s Choice story by Ishmael N Daro as he recounts the reasons he loves his adopted country. If you have forgotten why we have reasons to celebrate, his fresh perspective will invigorate you. The cover features a comfortably Canadian and prairie scene, with Scott Thoen and his horse, Silky, enjoying a warm summer day. Further on, in our “Pets and Families” section, we also pay tribute to horses. They are the unsung heroes that played so many roles in building Canada. Although we always have fun on our fashion photo shoots, this month in particular was a blast. What could be greater than a day at an iconic place like Prince Albert National Park for inspiring glamour personified.
Speaking of icons, the King George hotel — a landmark in our city, has recently been revitalized. A photo description of the new look captures the imagination. Take advantage of the gorgeous summer days to travel throughout the province. We have a beautiful province with so many things to experience. You don’t need to go far to find adventure around every corner. Our next issue will be on the stands August 23. Have a great summer! Bev Dawson, Editor
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• July 2009 • Section A
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