Cheers & Jeers

CHEERS to Joan Blanchard, who is still going strong in what is definitely a remarkable baking career. At 72, she’s in her 46th season of baking her famous mile-high lemon meringue pies at the New Glasgow Lobster Suppers. Her culinary talents ensure that customers at this well-known restaurant end every meal with what has been described as a slice of heaven.

CHEERS to the provincial government’s decision to stop testing people entering the province from within Atlantic Canada if they have a P.E.I. pass. During her latest briefing, chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison announced the change to the province’s testing protocols at the borders. With case counts in the region low and vaccination levels high, the change is a common-sense move. Morrison said there haven’t been any confirmed COVID-19 cases at the borders since the recent testing guidelines began. Here’s hoping it stays that way.

JEERS to people who see something they want and take it — regardless whose property it is. The latest example of theft that had us shaking our heads came from Murray Harbour, where people stole firewood being sold at a roadside stand by a trio of children between the ages of two and nine. While we wholeheartedly commend those people who reached out to the family to see if they could make a donation, we are disappointed the kind gesture from those Islanders was required at all.

CHEERS to the Assembly of First Nations for its recent decision to give P.E.I. a regional chief position. A vote on the resolution passed by a margin of 81-28 with six abstentions. Although P.E.I.’s First Nations communities may share some priorities with other members of the assembly, there may be issues that are distinct from those in other regions. P.E.I. previously shared a regional chief position with New Brunswick. Having their own regional chief will hopefully help the Island’s First Nations communities get their voices heard at the national level.

CHEERS to the fact the City of Charlottetown will start work July 12 on the $1.5-million Wright’s Creek Bridge replacement project in the neighbourhood of East Royalty. The bridge, located just past Ecole Francois Buote on Acadian Drive, hasn’t been used for public traffic in years. It used to lead to the former provincial government landfill site. However, that property is going to be remediated and turned into parkland. Once the project is finished, the bridge will welcome two-way traffic again as well as pedestrians and cyclists. And it became a part of the growing list of active transportation paths in the greater Charlottetown area. That’s good news all around.