Cheers & Jeers

CHEERS: To organizers of last week’s World Sledge Hockey Challenge held in Charlottetown for pulling off such a successful event. Led by hometown sledge hockey player Billy Bridges, Team Canada and the other national teams competing seem to have built a devoted following in Prince Edward Island whenever an event is held here. It’s a privilege to be able to watch top-calibre teams playing the sport with such a passion.

JEERS: To the Island EMS, the Kensington Fire Department and the town’s council for their ongoing spat over paramedics using the fire department as a staging area. It seems the firefighters and EMS are involved in a dispute to the point where paramedics have to find another staging area. While the council has done little to step in a mediate the situation, EMS workers may have to move out of town, which could jeopardize response times to emergency situations. Let’s hope the groups can put their differences — whatever they may be — aside for the sake of residents’ safety.

CHEERS: To Jay and Carol Macdonald, who are retiring after 29 years as owners and operators of the Elmwood Heritage Inn at 121 North River Rd. in Charlottetown. The couple sold the inn in April, but stayed on to help the new owners with the transition. For their long career in the tourism industry, the couple were recognized at the Nov. 22 Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island gala in Charlottetown with the Lieutenant-Governor’s Tourism Award.

JEERS: To drivers who abuse parking spaces designated for people with disabilities, even during a passive demonstration held recently by the P.E.I. Council of People with Disabilities at the Stratford Sobeys to raise awareness about the issue. The demonstration saw organizers place wheelchairs and walkers in regular parking spots with the messages and excuses that non-permit holders often use when confronted about abusing those spaces. Apparently even the demonstration wasn’t enough — The Guardian’s reporter witnessed several people without accessible parking permits trying to slip into the spaces during the demonstration.

CHEERS: To those who donated to the Lights for Life campaign at Prince County Hospital, which raised a record total of nearly $242,000. Money raised through this year’s campaign goes towards funding of improvements for the hospital’s operating rooms. People can donate and purchase bulbs on the stunning Christmas light display at the hospital to show their support, and light up the Summerside area for the season.

JEERS: To companies offering shuttle bus services to Moncton and other large shopping areas for Islanders who want to buy Christmas gifts. Whatever happened to the buy local movements, especially around the Christmas? Encouraging people do their Christmas shopping off Island does little to help the local economy, aside from those making money off the trips across the bridge.