CHEERS: To Summerside City Council for last week's decision to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and, as indicated, get something done with a derelict building on Granville Street. The building, which at different times in its history housed Holland College, Athena School and Centennial Pool, has become a danger and an eyesore. From what is known, professionalism was exhibited by councillors, city staff and the property owner, which will hopefully result in a proactive solution — that being said, please don't let this issue fall by the wayside for another decade.
JEERS: To Islanders involved in downloading or spreading child pornography. It’s hard to imagine how anyone could become involved in such reprehensible acts involving some of the most vulnerable members of society. There have been several child pornography cases dealt with in P.E.I.’s courts in recent months and while the victims may not be from the Island, it doesn’t mean they have any less need of protection. A side-effect of these offences is the impact they have on those who investigate them. As P.E.I. Supreme Court Chief Justice Tracey Clements recently said, images she was required to view were “seared” into her brain. No children should have to endure the harm that is perpetuated by people who create a demand for such awful material.
CHEERS: To the organizers of the P.E.I. Marathon for making the right call and cancelling the annual event. With the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) still a risk, the marathon’s organizers said they looked at several options in an effort to hold the race but couldn’t make it work. More than 2,800 people took part in last year’s marathon weekend races. While it must be disappointing for runners who were looking forward to the event, the ongoing pandemic made cancellation inevitable. Cancelling several months before the October event means racers, volunteers and everyone else who benefits from the marathon won’t need to hold on to the slim hope it would proceed or try to plan for the possibility while knowing it could all be for naught.
