Success in a Dying Town ...

An anonymous comment has been left that I have opted to delete rather than post ... it takes exception to the emphasis here on the losses that Minnedosa has been experiencing and asks why we haven't heralded the successes.

It's a fair question that not only deserves a reply, but also necessitates an answer.

But first there are some questions that must be offered in response:

How many hair salons does a Main Street in a town of 2400 really need?

How many restaurants can that town support without other businesses to attract people to the town?

How long can Minnedosa expect to survive when you see MOST of Minnedosa in Brandon shopping on Friday and Saturdays??

When will people realize that EVERY dollar they spend outside of town is a dollar lost FOREVER to the local economy?

When will they actually look at the prices they are paying and STOP perpetuating the MYTH that everything is cheaper in Brandon?

And when will they OWN the fact that you don't save money when you factor in the gas, the time, the extras and the snacks you buy when you're out of town?

And MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL:

When will our Town Fathers OWN the simple undeniable fact that our town in a death spiral that MUST be stopped if we want to have more than hair salons, a gas station, a couple of restaurants, and a WHOLE LOT of "woulda, shoulda, coulda" dreams blowing down a deserted Main Street?

There are some wonderful success stories on Main Street. Chipperfield Coffee Company is one of the most notable. Ross and Bonnie Mackling identified a neglected niche and have, over the last two and a half years set out to not only fill it, but to fill many OTHER neglected niches as well.

Tonight a small venue concert provides an evening of non-Hockey entertainment here at home for those wanting to go out for a couple of hours without heading into Brandon. Ross saw a need and has offered something in response. (Next week the High School Jazz Band will be playing)

Additionally, their huge selection of gift items offers something for almost everyone. The gourmet coffee, tea and fresh baking continues to satiate appetites while offering a place to sit a spell with family and friends.

So, there are indeed a number of wonderful examples of success in Minnedosa. Chipperfields is but one. HOWEVER, the reality that MUST be owned - and so far it's not even being named - is that a town begins to die when it loses it's Main Street businesses. And you see it by just walking down the street.

The sucking sound we hear daily of people shopping (Personally, I have a problem when I see a town employee with a shopping cart laden with groceries in W---M-rt in Brandon, rather than shopping locally) outside of town trying to save a few pennies, while pulling real dollars out of our economy is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG !!!!

That needs to stop.

AND, the town fathers and their employees needs to take seriously the losses this town has been experiencing and open their eyes to the simple fact that if THEY themselves won't shop here, why should any of us???

Our Golf Course is beautiful, the Beach is exquisite, and the Ski Hill is sublime - but without good quality accommodations, and something for folks to do in between, the town WILL DIE!!!

These are harsh words. But the truth that is not being faced is harsher still. I for one love this town, but I marvel at the inability of folks around me to look over the verge of the valley and see the real world that exists beyond us. Until that changes, the success stories will be a mere flash in the pan.

If we're not vigilant and careful Minnedosa will, in a couple of years consist of a whole lot of vacant businesses punctuated by a couple of hair salons, a store or two and a handful of restaurants, and NOT MUCH ELSE!!! And I for one would like that NOT to happen.

So to the anonymous poster: I agree wholeheartedly that we need to herald the successes. But they are not yet enough to slow the decline of our beautiful community. AND that is the REAL ISSUE! We may well have passed the tipping point for our town.

Meanwhile, I will happily celebrate the beauty of this community one photo at a time.

I know this town is SOMETHING very much worth celebrating. But I honestly feel like I am a lone voice in the wilderness. I hope others will dare to join the chorus of "Save Minnedosa!" before it's too late.