Cities and (Alberta) civilization

It has been an interesting week to hang around the coffee shop reading papers in Alberta's big cities. Civic politicians in Edmonton and Calgary have been involved in large-scale public hearings on issues which figure to be critical for the futures of both places. While the news reporting on these hearings has been serviceable, the hearings themselves have proven far more interesting than the press accounts would suggest. There has been more thoughtful comment, more passion and much more new information shared than the newspapers and e-media have found space for, so far. In Calgary, where I live, regular viewing of the video feed of the hearings on the Plan/It Calgary report, which proposes to put an end to urban sprawl hereabouts, has rewarded the audience with a close-up look not only at the issue but at the people who live here and care about this place. It has been uplifting, to say the least. I can't speak for the Edmonton process, except to note that the fate of the municipal airport has been a long-time preoccupation there. But judging by the news accounts, the issue is being engaged vigorously, which surely is a sign of a healthy community. Good for them, and for us. Now if only we could get the local news media, who appear to be interested mainly in the death of Michael Jackson, to play to their real strength and report at length on what has been said and what it means for these cities and their futures, everything would be great. Why not leave the wall-to-wall celebrity stuff to TV, and to Twitter?