JEERS: To Scotiabank for deciding to close its Morell branch after a couple of years of operating with reduced hours. A spokesperson for the company, which reported a first-quarter profit of $2.25 billion this year, noted that the needs of customers are changing, and many clients are choosing online banking. Well, not everyone is comfortable with online or telephone banking. There is still tremendous customer value of having a bricks-and-mortar financial institution in smaller communities. Yes, bank employees are also an important part of these smaller communities, and some people still prefer to deal with financial matters by interacting with an actual person. In August, the CIBC closed a branch in Murray River. Let's hope this isn't the start of a trend.
CHEERS: To the federal and provincial governments, and to UPEI, for Friday’s announcement that an $18.5-million climate change research centre will be built in St. Peters. Yes, yes, we know it’s an election year for the federal government, so here comes all the spending announcements. Still, this one is also an investment in a rural P.E.I. community that will see 40 undergraduate students studying at the school per year, six full-time faculty and a student residence with a capacity for 100 people. This means students will be living spending a lot of their dollars in St. Peters. It will also bring top climate change researchers to the Island. Seems like a win-win in our books.
JEERS: To anyone who leaves a pet in their vehicle on a hot summer’s day. There have already been reports of Charlottetown police responding to animals left in vehicles. We all know how hot a vehicle can be when you first open the door on a hot day. Now, imagine putting on a fur jacket and sitting in the car. Even with the windows cracked, it’s like an oven. At this time of year, be smart, either leave the pet at home or take them with you when you step out of the car.
CHEERS: To Victoria Playhouse for being the third theatre for producing “Where You Are” a heart-warming play by Canadian rising star, Kristen Da Silva. Born in Oakville and raised in the small farming community of Nobleton, Ont., her small town roots show up in most of her plays, which include “Book Club”, “Gibson & Sons”, winner of the 2016 Stage West Comedy Award. Kudos to Victoria Playhouse for recognizing her talents.