I am writing to this fine, fair, and much appreciated (not to mention FREE) publication, with a two-fold purpose.
Firstly: I moved up here in 1992 with the hope of returning to an atmosphere like that of my childhood in the borough of East York. At that time things were deteriorating nearby in the city (Toronto that is), my place of employment was closing, and the recession of the 1990’s was in full swing. I thought that if I was making a fresh start it may as well be somewhere pleasant and safe, clean and fresh. And I do like water.
As we followed the real estate agent around looking at houses I saw her waving to one and all. And I saw the friendly smiles and waves they gave her in return. It seemed a friendly, happy place. (Little did I suspect how deserving she was of those friendly waves.) Indeed, she sold us not only our house but she sold us on the community as well, although it was not a “hard sell” by any stretch of the imagination.
Like most of the “Born North of the Checkerboard” families I too came here looking for a better life. And, like them, I too found it here. Only it has turned out better – far better – than I could possibly have imagined at the time and in ways I can not tell here.
So, now that I have lived here on the Saugeen-Bruce as long as I have lived anywhere else, I would like to express my heart-felt gratitude and thanks to the community of Lion’s Head and the North Bruce for … what? A safe place to grow and learn? A watchful, caring community? A welcoming, funloving environment? A place to work together, play together, cry together?
Much more could be said but I am wary of Mr. Francis’s “4 L’s” rule and brevity wins the day. Which brings me to the second point.
It was with great sadness that I read 2 of the letters to the Editor in the OPINION section of the most recent Peninsula Press (2025- #8). Indeed these letters stirred me to write although I had been considering how best to express my thanks and appreciation to the community for welcoming us.
These times, in our neck of the woods as much as anywhere else, seem to be rife with polarization and dissatisfaction; hostile dissatisfaction at that. Truly there are things that are wrong, even evil, that need addressing and correcting. And fortunately there are many agencies, departments, forums, MP’s, MPP’s, councillors etc. that we can avail ourselves of for doing so. Not to mention many volunteer organizations that will offer assistance, guidance and support in these efforts. And we still have free and fair elections in which to make our will known – along with the rest of the country’s population. And, very importantly, we have freedom of speech and of movement and assembly. All of which our not-long-past ancestors fought, sacrificed, and gave their lives for as our B.P.D.S students can no doubt tell us about after their recent trip.
So then, let us not forsake the legacy handed down to us but strive to preserve and propagate it in our own lives, our families, and in the life of our community.
Having had my say, perhaps we might agree to disagree, agreeably? As far as it depends upon us, perhaps we might pursue peace with all people? And, dear friends, above all, let us love one another.
Brian Osborne,
Lion’s Head
