Boyle McCauley News

Since 1979 • April-May 2024 • Circulation 5000

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Favourite Neighbourhood

We just need to make sure we are kind to all.

I was thinking that Boyle Street is my all-time favourite neighbourhood. I spent my teen years in the Old South area of London, Ontario, voted best neighbourhood in Canada by the Canadian Institute of Planners. In Edmonton, I’ve lived in Rossdale and just off the Promenade in Oliver. I think this is the best yet. I love being so close to the River Valley. I like being able to walk to free access monthly Thursday at the Art Gallery of Alberta, and am looking forward to visiting the Royal Alberta Museum when it opens. Downtown is so close but we get to have trees instead of concrete.

I’m a little perplexed, though, at a change I’ve seen this year. Yes, I still stop and chat with the people I know but when I’m walking my dog and say hello to strangers, only half of them reply back. Maybe they don’t hear me, or maybe my big black dog makes them uncomfortable. We should all make an effort to be friendly with those we pass on the street so that this neighbourhood can get even better.

In order to make Boyle Street a shining example of how great an area can be, I suggest that we all make a commitment to doing one act of kindness towards a stranger every day. It’s not hard and takes a second, like a compliment or a smile. It’s contagious – you feel better about yourself and the recipient might be inspired to pass the good feeling on. There are still people out there in other parts of Edmonton who think that we are living in “skid row.” We need to prove them wrong. So, it would be nice if everyone I greet while walking would greet me back.

Manon is a resident of Boyle Street and an active volunteer in the community. This column contains her own opinions, and is not affiliated with the Boyle Street Community League.

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