As the world shifts, we Canadians can draw strength and identity from our response to the toughest of seasons.
By Roger Klein // Photo by Roger Klein
The world around us can change in an instant and easily upset the delicate balance of forces that we enjoy in Canadian society. But we remain resilient, strong and free—thanks in part to the inescapable seasonal cycle that we must all endure together.
Winter demands that we think ahead and prepare. It’s a matter of survival. Every aspect of our daily lives must be considered if we are to thrive. While tasks such as chopping wood for the fire and preserving food for the pantry have become largely nostalgic activities, when winter arrives we still need to be ready.
We must be ready to protect ourselves and our families against the elements that we face every day. We don clunky boots and thick winter jackets like suits of armour. Our cars need winter tires, our energy bills need to be paid.
When we’re not working, the weather forces us into the sturdy homes we build, where we’ve learned to get along with one another. We climb mountains just because we can, and invent games to play on ice and snow to pass the time. Ultimately, Canadians are more productive as a result. Winter has also made us reliable and kind. Long winter nights have given us time to be thoughtful and creative in our worldly pursuits.
In this issue of On The Bay magazine, we celebrate the people who make this region a wonderful place to spend the winter, with their art, music, food and drinks. It may be cliché to say that winter is part of the Canadian identity, but it’s an undeniable fact that we can all be proud of.
Roger Klein
Publisher, On The Bay
roger@baywatch.ca
