Some days, I marvel at the sense of community spirit and caring in Prince George.
It is not that I don’t expect it to be there but rather it is a pleasure to see the support and encouragement this town provides. This was evident last week at the UNBC Timberwolves Legacy Night. More than 450 people turned up to support Timberwolves athletics and to hear Brian Burke regale us with tales from his life.
It was amazing to see citizens from all walks of life in the room. Not just UNBC staff and faculty but business people, city council, friends and family, and even some visitors to our town from other cities. I am sure everyone came away understanding just how great the people of Prince George are. It was a fun evening.
The support for the Timberwolves carries over into their games. I used to referee soccer games at UVic a long time ago, and we would be lucky to see 50 people in the stands. The Timberwolves soccer games – even towards the end of the season when it was getting colder – saw crowds well in excess of that number. People get out and cheer in PG!
And yes, I do have a bias towards the university as it has been my home for the past three decades. But it is not only the university where we see community spirit.
The recent production of Sweeney Todd produced by Judy Russell and the PGSO played to sold-out crowds. It was a fantastic production with a very modern staging. And despite being about a serial murderer and cannibal, it did have a sense of humour and romance.
Or consider Miracle Theatre which puts on a play each year to sold-out crowds and extra performances. All in support of charitable donations to worthwhile causes. There is no question that the citizens of Prince George support these shows and our community.
Then there are our two local hockey teams. Both have good fan support – although the talent on the ice does affect the numbers in the stands. But both teams enjoy broad, solid support throughout the community and have a steadfast, loyal fan base.
Similarly for other organizations – Theatre Northwest, the PGSO, the Kodiaks, the shows at the Multiplex. Prince George gets out and supports Prince George.
I mention this because over the years in talking with many people, I have often heard what I would call “an inferiority complex." People expressing the sentiment that Prince George doesn’t measure up. We aren’t as good as, say, Kamloops or Kelowna, let along Vancouver or Victoria.
But I would argue that while we may be smaller than these other cities and certainly located well away from the lower mainland, there is much to be proud of in Prince George. And perhaps more to the point, this city has great community spirit.
Just attend some events and see for yourself.
Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at the University of Northern British Columbia.
