A Letter from Chris and Gerry Sobie

            We’ve made the decision to downsize and live closer to family in Nelson.  It won’t be easy to say good-bye to Cranbrook, which has been our home for 21 years.  Both Chris and I have felt connected to our community through our work in the school district, involvement with the United Way, Cranbrook and District Community Foundation, Arthritis Society, Aqanttanam Housing Society, Cranbrook & District Restorative Justice Society, the Quilter’s Guild and our church community

            In 2008 we joined a handful of like-minded citizens who began to pay closer attention to decisions our City Council was making.  We joined Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook and began learning more about Smart Growth principles and discussing what kind of city and region we collectively wanted to call home. 

            As we became aware of our City Council’s plans to request an expansion of our boundaries, CLC sprang into action.  We canvassed our neighborhoods, informing others about the implications of this request.  We got more that the required signatures to encourage our Council to hold a referendum so citizens could express ourselves.  Despite some acrimonious debate, Cranbrook citizens spoke in favour of halting urban sprawl.  

            Since that referendum, we feel we have lived in a healthier community – a place where there is now room for more points of view to be voiced and expressed.  During the early 21^st century in Cranbrook, we felt people were positioned and labeled as either for the City Council’s direction or against it.  A “we” and “they” mentality was developing.  We felt if we didn’t agree with Council, we didn’t have a voice and were labeled as one of “them”. 

            We believe Cranbrook is a healthier and more vibrant community today than five years ago.  Divergent opinions can be expressed and explored without people being branded.  There is more of a balance on City Council with different voices speaking and creative ideas being allowed to emerge.  We want to encourage Cranbrook to maintain this balance.  We see CLC contributing to this balance.  It hasn’t always been a smooth path and our Councillors deserve credit for the courage to expressing their views even if they aren’t the majority’s view. 

            Cranbrook is a great city.  The potential is limitless.  There are so many possibilities, opportunities and challenges that lay ahead.  To arrive at what’s best for the city and all the citizens will require debate, divergent ideas and resolutions.  Only one agenda should not prevail.  Rather there will need to be compromise, acceptance of others’ viewpoints and decisions.  Our greatest wish and hope for Cranbrook is that there is room for opinion and discussion until the best decisions are arrived at and then implemented.

            Thank you Cranbrook and CLC for all you’ve given us for the 21 years we’ve lived here.  We’ve made life-long friends and associations that have molded our thinking and direction. 

Peace,   Chris and Gerry Sobie