When I told my family and friends I was moving to Flin Flon, I was told I would fall in love with the positivity and people up here and might never leave.
Unfortunately, the second part of that statement will not come to pass. I will be leaving The Reminder to accept a position at a newspaper in Quesnel, B.C.
That doesn't mean that the first part of that sentence didn’t come true.
It has been an honour and a privilege to write about this community. Being a journalist is often a thankless job and I can confidently say that usually isn’t the case in Flin Flon.
These times have been very destructive to the news industry. When I was offered a job in B.C. at full-time hours, I took it.
This isn’t a story of someone depressed about the future of Flin Flon. I think the potential and people here will carry the community through whatever circumstances the world throws at you.
Flin Flon was first built on a swamp, because people thought the community wouldn’t last. 70-plus years later and we’re still going strong. Keep that spirit high.
Before I leave - and this may be a lost cause - but if you take one thing from my time here, attend court and learn about the court system. Sitting in court for just one day, will help you become a more well rounded and informed citizen. At least do that when COVID-19 winds down a bit.
Finally, when I first moved here and was figuring out where I was going to live, Greg East (my landlord) boasted about Flin Flon’s “thriving arts scene.” I honestly didn’t believe him. I’ve lived in a bunch of different communities throughout Manitoba and when I hear that statement, I roll my eyes.
Well, I was proven really wrong. Flin Flon punches waaaaay above its weight class when it comes to the arts.
It’s a real blessing to have this in your community and everyone should thank the local leaders in that sector. They’re the reason Flin Flon can be the hub it is.
