Dear Editor,
Most of us live in small communities, villages or towns. It is disappointing to see them deteriorate from year to year.
Sure, we have no large employers now, that means we, as citizens must try to do more to create some activity that makes them better.
I live in Quyon in the Municipality of Pontiac. We have about 20 miles of frontage on the Ottawa River in the village. We also have the Quyon River where it empties into the Ottawa.
Our obvious potential is tourism.
In spite of this good boating, swimming and fishing in our area, we tend to discourage it rather than promote it.
Trailer parks exist in Bristol, Thorne, Otter Lake and maybe in some other townships. Good for them! In our municipality there are none.
We have good boating docks but only half can be used due to drifting sand. Most every week about 20 cars or trucks with trailers are parked in the lot.
The demand for services is there! It may be easy to blame our local council, that is only partly correct.
Whenever a group gets together for coffee, the talks gets around to “what happened to Main Street?” “Where are the shops?” There are no new ones starting, etc. Most of these same people talk about the negatives.
These same people need to ask “What can I do to make it better?” Create new interest, support the activities that are held.
Of course, we do have groups of willing workers. We are a small community. We need ideas, we need workers and we need a participating attitude.
Some young parents have organized softball for the younger ones. What about swimming classes again? Stepdancing, music lessons, etc.
All communities need more willing workers and organizations. I believe they would be surprised at how supportive the municipality and local businesses would be.
We are not alone in this predicament, most communities have the same problem. Maybe a joint committee with four or five communities might help.
Much credit must be given to the group interested in the arts and those in the wine growing business. They do a great job and create interest in their group throughout the Pontiac.
As you sit having coffee, think about possible things that could be done. If some residents have ideas, I wish they would respond.
We all need your help and support.
Laurie MacKechnie
Quyon, Que.
