This reminded me of something that has been going on at a grander scale and hasn't slowed down, which is the homogenization of everywhere. The local is being displaced by the global / corporate / multi-national. The unique replaced by the uniform. The beautiful replaced by the bland. Everywhere is predictable, safe, consistent and ultimately dull. It's the box-storeification of communities at all scales, across our province, country, continent (and likely the western world).
There is a great book on the subject called Real England by Paul Kingsnorth that dives into all the elements of english culture that have been lost/dissolved by globalisation. Your article reminded me of the same thing. It's hard not to read this and come away feeling like something special has been lost...
That's a great connection, thanks for the book recommendation, I'll check it out. I was thinking that even though the example of Joyce Ave is hyper specific to Powell River, every town and city has a street just like it.
As a relative newcomer (5 years) who lives on Joyce, I read your article with great interest. Such a great description of 'the good old days'! I couldn't agree more with every recommendation you made... starting with reducing the speed limit to 30k/hr on Joyce and making this main artery more friendly to kids, seniors and cyclists. If you plan to run for mayor, you have my vote! :-)
Great article! I think it's bonkers that the speed limit on Marine is 50, especially when it's the highway and trucks (including loaded logging trucks) use it and go at or above the speed limit.
Right?? Way too fast for what should be the most pedestrian-friendly part of town. Apparently, Marine is technically a provincial highway, so the city is somewhat limited in what it can do. Or so I've been told
Very interesting BC History Boy! And important local issues.
So different when my dad grew up there in the 20’s and 30’s. Papa worked in the mill. and they lived in one of the mill cottages so I believe it was mostly walking. Must dig out the photos.
An email I got from a Joyce Hater who didn't want to sign up for substack just to leave a comment:
"I want to comment on the new bus stop across from the Uptown apartments. As long as there is no cross walk, every time we cross the street to get to the bus stop, we are jay walking. The road rage is intimidating, scary, and isolating. A Shuffling Elder."
I was born and raised in Powell River. In the actual Powell River. What is this thing called The Townsite? When I was a kid Powell River, Westview, Wildwood and Cranberry amalgamated into the municipality of Powell River. All real natives never used the term Townsite. The original downtown was the area that included Powell Stores,banks,the hospital, the post office etc. The other villages had their business areas. The municipality never developed a real downtown. Just the way the municipality and then the city developed. And the powers to be decided to expand Maple Ave and cut down all the Maple trees. Only in Powell River! My mother,who was also born here, called Powell River a rinky dinky town. Yup, Powell River is a bit of a mess.
This reminded me of something that has been going on at a grander scale and hasn't slowed down, which is the homogenization of everywhere. The local is being displaced by the global / corporate / multi-national. The unique replaced by the uniform. The beautiful replaced by the bland. Everywhere is predictable, safe, consistent and ultimately dull. It's the box-storeification of communities at all scales, across our province, country, continent (and likely the western world).
There is a great book on the subject called Real England by Paul Kingsnorth that dives into all the elements of english culture that have been lost/dissolved by globalisation. Your article reminded me of the same thing. It's hard not to read this and come away feeling like something special has been lost...
Great work, keep it up.
That's a great connection, thanks for the book recommendation, I'll check it out. I was thinking that even though the example of Joyce Ave is hyper specific to Powell River, every town and city has a street just like it.
As a relative newcomer (5 years) who lives on Joyce, I read your article with great interest. Such a great description of 'the good old days'! I couldn't agree more with every recommendation you made... starting with reducing the speed limit to 30k/hr on Joyce and making this main artery more friendly to kids, seniors and cyclists. If you plan to run for mayor, you have my vote! :-)
🫡 thanks Ean!
Great article! I think it's bonkers that the speed limit on Marine is 50, especially when it's the highway and trucks (including loaded logging trucks) use it and go at or above the speed limit.
Right?? Way too fast for what should be the most pedestrian-friendly part of town. Apparently, Marine is technically a provincial highway, so the city is somewhat limited in what it can do. Or so I've been told
That’s what I’ve been told as well. But it could be changed to 30, it’s 30 through tishosum so I don’t see why not.
Great point. Anything's possible. I doubt the Province cares or puts any thought at all into the speed limit on Marine
Very interesting BC History Boy! And important local issues.
So different when my dad grew up there in the 20’s and 30’s. Papa worked in the mill. and they lived in one of the mill cottages so I believe it was mostly walking. Must dig out the photos.
would love to see some of those old photos!
An email I got from a Joyce Hater who didn't want to sign up for substack just to leave a comment:
"I want to comment on the new bus stop across from the Uptown apartments. As long as there is no cross walk, every time we cross the street to get to the bus stop, we are jay walking. The road rage is intimidating, scary, and isolating. A Shuffling Elder."
I was born and raised in Powell River. In the actual Powell River. What is this thing called The Townsite? When I was a kid Powell River, Westview, Wildwood and Cranberry amalgamated into the municipality of Powell River. All real natives never used the term Townsite. The original downtown was the area that included Powell Stores,banks,the hospital, the post office etc. The other villages had their business areas. The municipality never developed a real downtown. Just the way the municipality and then the city developed. And the powers to be decided to expand Maple Ave and cut down all the Maple trees. Only in Powell River! My mother,who was also born here, called Powell River a rinky dinky town. Yup, Powell River is a bit of a mess.