Friendly, Safe, Walkable Sidney: Everyone Welcome!
Internationally, these are not the easiest of times. Each day we are bombarded by the world’s discontents and struggles and indeed, sometimes, those of the nation and province too. On some days, the net effect is bewildering and not a little disheartening. So, to paraphrase a familiar song, sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and start all over again to remember the calm, safe and culturally-open society in which so many of us live and work.
Sidney, the Peninsula, and so much of Vancouver Island truly offer not just respite from the world’s woes but an opportunity to feel safe and comfortable, so much so that our combined energy and creative efforts can make a huge difference to our friends and neighbours and the many thousands of people each year who pass our way and come to enjoy our community. Indeed, we are the lucky ones, very lucky.
Did you know that in Sidney and on the Peninsula more than a million hours of good work are generated through volunteer activity each year? Hospice care, thrift and charity shops, literacy programs, the Food Bank, Peninsula Celebrations Society events, the Shoal Centre, the Sidney Library, notfor-profit boards of directors, the Sidney Museum, the Mary Winspear Centre, the Community Arts Centre and the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, to name but a few, are all supported by large numbers of residents strongly committed to volunteering. Without doubt, volunteers make our community tick!
And think about how fortunate we are in Sidney to have free parking, safe and clean streets and beautifully maintained gardens and public spaces. Think about all the community events we enjoy – Family Day, parades, Sidney Days festivities and so much more. Truly, for a town of some 11,000 people we are extraordinarily rich!
Think too about our incredibly beautiful environment with its spectacular views, clean air and abundant recreational opportunities. A bit of magic right on our doorstep!
Of course the best thing about Sidney is its people-residents, business and commercial property owners, volunteers, parents, children, retired or working folks who together make Sidney the familyfriendly place it is to live, work and enjoy.
In these challenging times, it’s vital to remember that Sidney welcomes everyone, no strings attached. As our town continues to grow, and we see increased diversity, we need to communicate our shared vision of Sidney as a friendly, economically and socially vibrant hub that celebrates the skills, creative energies and many kindnesses of all who pass our way.
For more information about Sidney businesses and events and/or how to volunteer, or otherwise contribute to Sidney check out: distinctlysidney.ca and sidney.ca