You won't believe what's happening to our city's history
Morning from Central Alberta — five communities, one correspondent, and all the stories the big papers forgot.
Well now, I'll tell you what, there's a story making the rounds in Red Deer that's got folks scratching their heads down at the local co-op. It ain't about oil prices or the latest Rebels game, though those always get a good airing. No, this one's about something a bit more… grounded. Seems like our city's bronze outdoor plaques are getting targeted by thieves. These aren't just any old pieces of metal; these are the markers of our history, telling tales of the folks who built this town, the significant spots, and the stories that make Red Deer, well, Red Deer.
### Why This Bites
Now, the city's looking at ways to tamper-proof 'em, which tells you this ain't just a one-off. It’s a real head-scratcher, you know? Like, what kinda person is out there pilfering history? These plaques are dotted all over — down by the Red Deer River in Bower Ponds, around the historic downtown core near Gaetz Avenue, even out towards Sunnybrook Farm. They connect us to the past, reminding us of the pioneers who cleared this land and the events that shaped our community. It feels like someone's trying to unwrite a piece of our local narrative, and that just don't sit right with me.
* This isn't just about the cost of replacement; it's about the loss of public memory. * It impacts how we share our history with visitors and, more importantly, with our own kids growing up here. * The city's trying to figure out how to stop it, which means our tax dollars are going to secure what should be freely accessible.
I reckon folks around Red Deer, from the ranch hands out near Penhold to the families living in Vanier, care about these little pieces of our collective story. Losing them is like losing a page from the family photo album, and it leaves a gap we shouldn't have to fill.
Wyatt Brandt, MiTL Sports Desk, Red Deer.
You can hear more about these kinds of shenanigans every morning with the crew at mornings.live.