What I Like About Winnipeg - Friends of Bruce Oake Recovery Centre

I have been asked to share what I love about Winnipeg.  It has been more difficult than I anticipated.  Full disclosure.  I grew up not liking Winnipeg.  I couldn't help it.  I grew up in the friendly town of progress and beauty. The capital of the Parkland.  The only problem was that no one told me that I was growing up in a small town.  I thought I was growing up in a thriving metropolis.  However, I was very aware of Perimeter Vision.  I didn't think that Winnipeg really cared for what happened beyond the Perimeter.  So, through a variety of circumstances, I moved in Winnipeg.  When you are looking for what is right, you can find it.  When you are looking for what is wrong, you can find that as well.  For many years, I looked for what was wrong to confirm my hypothesis

Then, Winnipeg gradually wore me done.  The Assiniboine Park has evolved into a world class park.  I go there as often as I can and every time is a different experience and all of it good. The \Journey to Churchill display is one of the most excellent displays that I have ever seen in a zoo.  An experience for all the senses and educates us as well.  I have gotten to know the bears well and celebrate their life cycle with them.  The Human Rights Museum is a life-changing experience.  I have been many times and still feel I haven't experienced it all.  It is one of the most visceral experiences that you can have.  The many festivals.  The opportunities who have to go for a walk and come across a significant hidden treasure that tells you about history.  My favorite restaurant is Boon Burger, the first vegan burger joint in Canada. Yelling "True North" during the anthem of a Jets game is an amazing experience that you can't describe.  For many Jets games, I had the honour of sitting behind Len "Kroppy" Kropioski.  There was no way that you could be that close to the man when he was singing the national anthem and not cry.  I know he lived in Kenora but the way the Jets embraced him is a symbol to me of everything that is right about Winnipeg.  It turns out, I can go on further.  I love Winnipeg. 

But, I think the true reason that I love Winnipeg is the Friends of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre page on facebook.  I can't tell you how much I enjoy this page.  First of all, I learn so much from other people's posts.  Secondly, the criteria for joining the group are not strict.  In fact, I have seen pretty robust debates.  I love that.  I also have seen some pretty random comments that make my head shake, but, that is also part of the group that I love.  People feel empowered to share their opinions.  I tend to feel strongly about the Centre so I often post on the site.  The "Friends of" page doesn't have to be as politically correct as the actual Bruce Oake Recovery Centre so it is a great place to share.  Most of us don't know each other but we have become friends as we feel our role is important as warriors for the proposed Centre.  I really can't wait for the party that we are going to have when we break ground.  It is the final missing piece in the puzzle of loving Winnipeg for me.  The only thing I didn't like about Winnipeg was the apparent apathy for community activism.  Well, I can't say that anymore.  The Friends of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre are passionate and prepared to back up their words by action.  We care and not because we are getting anything out of it.  We care because it is the right thing to do.