Recently I had an email from a ‘108 is Great’ reader concerning the work being done in and around the ranch as well as some other concerns. The reader's feeling was that no proactive wildfire mitigation work should be undertaken if it meant the cutting of trees and underbrush. Also, the trail system we enjoy was in their opinion, being destroyed by dog walkers and deviants.
In addition, they felt that the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and the 108 Ranch Association should not be promoting the ranch to the outside world, for fear of further residents and homes being built. They felt this detracted from their vision of 108 Ranch, and that any action to increase our population would result in the community dynamic being degraded. The green spaces would be further abused, and more residents meant that common areas and trail systems were forever changed for the worse. In a democratic society, they are entitled to their opinion and should be allowed to voice their concerns. That’s where most people’s efforts end.
I bring this up because I strongly feel that in a democratic society, we all have an opportunity, even an obligation, to promote, support or even discourage change in our community.
If a person has concerns, they can freely get involved through elections, volunteering, or in this case, the 108 Community Association. They can join and proactively promote change at community events or lobby the CRD and relevant government agencies. Activism, just as it says on the tin, gives us certain rights.
After suggesting community involvement to the reader, they responded by saying that they were not in any way interested in doing anything that required any further involvement, at any level, in the community, other than complaining.
Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, and as residents, taxpayers and voters, we all have at least some vested interest in our community or an opinion on how things should be done. It’s easy to comment anonymously on social media or through email, it’s not so easy to stand up to make a difference. If you want to complain, you need to be willing to commit to doing something about it.
This brings me to the introduction of a person I met shortly after we moved here nearly ten years ago. Someone who has taken the bull by the horns in terms of 108 Ranch community involvement and activism.
Al Richmond came to the 108 in 1971 and thankfully, never looked back. He and the Greenbelt volunteers work hands-on, up to their elbows, in the dirt, doing what they can, all to help out their community, and their actions are in one way or another, helping all residents of the 108.
Al has been a pivotal figure in the fire mitigation efforts. Serving as the CRD Director for Electoral Area G, which encompasses Lac La Hache and 108 Mile Ranch, Richmond has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety. His tenure with the CRD spans over three decades, during which he has held various leadership roles, including Chair of the Regional District, Chair and Vice Chair of the Regional Hospital District, and positions on the Municipal Finance Authority Board and the Municipal Pension Plan Board.
Richmond's dedication, rightfully so, has been recognized through accolades such as the CRD's appreciation for his 30 consecutive years of service. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding fire prevention strategies, and ensuring that both the electoral area and the entire Regional District benefit from enhanced safety measures.
The collaborative efforts between the 108 Mile Ranch Volunteer Fire Department, the CRD, the province and community leaders like Al Richmond, underscore the commitment to proactive fire mitigation, green space enhancement, tourism promotion and 108 Ranch fundraising initiatives.
His, and the efforts of all the Greenbelt volunteers, not only protect residents but also preserve the natural beauty of the green belt for future generations, improve existing infrastructure and provide recreational opportunities, all while promoting the ranch to the outside world as a great place to live.
Al Richmond is a prime example of what can be done if you put your mind to it, and become actively involved in your community through volunteerism, community boards or elected bodies.
Again, the old adage of ‘you can’t complain if you don’t vote’ seems applicable here, and it seems Al has voted at every opportunity, rightly allowing him to promote change for the better. I for one thank him for his tireless efforts to make 108 Mile Ranch a better place to live.
