“It will be two weeks to flatten the curve.”
That was in March… of 2020.
It’s hard to believe that we are 21 months into the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also hard to believe that, in hindsight, we were all so naïve to think that it would only be two weeks until the curve was flattened.
Instead, we’ve endured multiple waves, several variants, and are now on round three of vaccinations.
And we are now looking at another Christmas where it is recommended we don’t gather in large groups.
It’s been a year unlike any other, and that is just the COVID-related stuff.
Through all of the trials and tribulations of the past 12 months, our local governments have continued to operate and offer services to residents, albeit in an altered format.
Local businesses have exemplified what it means to be adaptable, once again dealing with multiple restrictions, bringing their businesses online and offering their services in ways nobody would have dreamed of a few years ago.
Countless businesses also opened their doors for the first time in 2021, showing our community that despite everything being thrown their way, they believe in establishing roots here.
Organized sports returned. Kids were able to play soccer, ball, lacrosse, hockey, curling, volleyball, basketball… name a sport, and it most likely offered some sort of season this year. As a father of three, it was great for the kids to get out and not only play, but have some sort of normal.
Theatres and halls reopened, meaning we could hear live music and watch a movie on the big screen.
And the kids went back to in-person learning. Need I say more, parents?
It wasn’t all good news, however.
Housing prices are, for a lack of a better term, out of control. It’s a great seller’s market, but God help you if you are looking to buy a home – especially for the first time.
Local hospitals are struggling to find staff – one can only assume it is a combination of burnout from the pandemic, housing prices and wages – and services levels are being threatened as a result.
Our region’s unemployment rate is at record lows – 2.8 per cent in November – which is both a good and bad thing. It’s good in that our businesses are hiring people and people who want to work are working, however it’s bad in that when it comes to local businesses trying to hire, there’s nobody out there willing to do the job.
Oh, and that damn COVID thing is still around.
However, one has to hope and believe that 2022 will be better.
If there is anything we can take from the last 21 months, it’s this: support your community.
If you find yourself looking for a last-minute Christmas gift, try one of our local businesses. Don’t feel like cooking over the holidays? Grab some take-out from a local restaurant.
Local businesses will be there the next time your group is doing a fundraiser or your minor sport team needs a sponsor – Amazon won’t.
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Mike Wilson is the editor of Midwestern Newspapers. Feedback and comments are welcome at mwilson@midwesternnewspapers.com.
