Take winter in stride, Vancouver Islanders

“Welcome to winter,” said the rest of Canada.

This week’s snowfall had undoubtedly brought despair. Wishing you had stockpiled more canned goods? Considering busting into your earthquake survival kit? Well, Island folk, this is a little thing I’d like to introduce you to called winter. The rest of the country puts up with much worse for much longer, so count your blessings.

I write this to the sound of spinning tires outside, something I thought I had left behind in Calgary. Did you know spinning your tires in the snow makes it worse? Don’t be that driver.

The mild weather is, of course, one of the main reasons one might consider the Island to be Canada’s tropics. But sometimes snow happens.

I had fewer snow days growing up than I can count on one hand. I don’t think I was ever allowed to stay home from work because it was snowing (even when it was -40 C).

You learn to take it in stride. You slow down, you become a cautious, courteous and patient commuter (imagine that!). You put on a tuque. You add an extra layer. You go about your business complaining to others about how cold it is and smile politely before getting into your frozen car.

You stand tall and grin, thinking how much you love this country we live in. You remind yourself that we are all in this together.

Kaylie Hartwell

Victoria