Canadian P(r)i(d)e

I want to take a step up from the Alberta context and talk about the national context in this post. Despite warm weather, organizational mess ups and someone (quite unfortunately) dying, the Olympics are succeeding above and beyond in one area. Newfies, Quebecois, Torontonians, Albertans and Vancouverites are running across the streets of this country proud of the maple leaf. At first it was 'Own the podium' and setting the expectations high. But now, as Canadians watch our athletes do their best against very stiff competition, it doesn't matter if they place gold, silver or dead last. As Canadians watch our athletes, we are just proud that people are watching Canada, people are having fun here and Canadian athletes are sometimes even winning a sport or two.

This patriotisms is even catching some people by surprise. Some people are even ashamed that we are so proud of an event that cost someone his life, has cost governments billions and will do nothing to house the homeless or cut greenhouse gases. Criticizing ourselves is almost as Canadian as the maple leaf. The events haven't been perfect. As a democratic nation we need to allow the critics a chance to speak. But the critics also need to look at the big picture.

True success comes from the heart. The heart of a nation is beating hard in Vancouver. From traditional events like the biathlon to extreme sports like snow board cross and moguls to team sports like hockey, these games are a chance for us to watch the best of the best compete and 3 people or teams will get medals. But for me, true success happens when those same athletes can take off their snow gear, have a shower and then meet in downtown Vancouver or Whistler for a beverage and some good times. That's the spirit of the Olympics and that seems to be alive in Vancouver. So instead of criticizing mother nature and faulty equipment, just sit back, go have a beverage and join in the party that starts in Vancouver and is radiating throughout this country.

The Art Gallery of Aberta: A work of art or a giant waste?

Well after creating a construction zone beside Churchill Square in Edmonton for the past 3 years, the Art Gallery of Alberta is finally open. Now, I never went for the grand opening but I do want to weigh in what I think about having such a major piece of architecture in the middle of the city.

It wasn't cheap, coming in at 88 million dollars, and it certainly sticks out. I know a lot of people would rather invest that money in a new hockey stadium or even hospital beds, and see this 88 million as an attempt at vanity that will compete with the great art galleries in the rest of the world.

A city needs to balance its priorities. It also needs to pick what it wants to be famous for. This needs public consultation and support from all levels of government and private industry. A city can't try to do everything well, or else it will fail. It needs to do some things very well for the best success.

I love the concept of Sir Winston Churchill Square and I love the buildings that surround it. We have 2 buildings dedicated to city administration, a concert hall, a library and a market (well, shopping mall, but this is Canada we're talking about afterall). Before the Art Gallery of Alberta, there was the Edmonton Art Gallery in the same spot. All of these buildings are connected to an underground LRT and pedway system. Now, there are many things I don't like in Edmonton and I sometimes I think the city planners have way too many liquid lunches, but they have done something right with Churchill Square. And I think the new art gallery brings so much to this physical space by adding an unique architectural work of art.

Edmonton may lack in many things, but I think the AGA adds a lot of good things to this city. It will attract some major exhibits and it will draw more people to the heart of city. Since Churchill Square is a major centre for festivals, the Art Gallery will bring more people to these festivals and integrates a world class art gallery into these festivals.

Not only does the AGA bring good things to Edmonton, but it brings good things to Alberta. European travelers on the way through from Toronto will stop in Edmonton and then make their down to Calgary so they can continue onto Vancouver. Asian travelers will have more reason to travel beyond the mountain parks  and see that Canada is more than rocks, trees and domesticated mountain sheep. Not only that, it is something for us to be proud of. This building is unique, and it will attract notice.

So I think it is obvious where I stand on this issue. I think the AGA is money will spent even with a chronic shortage of hospital beds, stubborn unemployment and a losing hockey team.