On December 13 1776, in the dark days of the US War of Independence, Thomas Paine wrote a little book called “The Crisis”. He began with these words - “THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country;... Continue Reading →
I have always imagined a “fireside chat” as the place where two people enjoy conversation and libations in front of a roaring fireplace in an English country house. or a remote Canadian cabin. I have enjoyed both over the years, where the conversation included politics of all sorts and stripes, religion, photography, biography, literature, music.... Continue Reading →
A lovely post from Summerland resident, Dorothea Atwater We went into Summerland today to visit the Evacuees Resource Centre set up on the top floor of the George Ryga Arts and Cultural Centre. Everyone was very nice and helpful. Then we went downstairs where the Summerland Community Arts Council has a lovely little arts and... Continue Reading →
This picture is misleading. The town looks lovely -- even green. Closer inspection will reveal that the mountain from mid-image over to the far right is crispy, dark, and burned. When we left, the fire topped over the ridge and was coming straight for us. Thankfully, the wind changed though widespread damage occurred elsewhere. The... Continue Reading →
With thousands of Summerlanders we are now cleared to return home. We are excited to finally return. Our almost 7-year-old Labradoodle, Juno, shares our joy. We know our home escaped damage; likely the worst evidence of the Bald Range Wildfire will, for us, be smoke and ash. A local pet owner posted just yesterday a... Continue Reading →
Andrew Coyne just made an argument that goes straight to the heart of Canada’s Trump problem. If Washington is going to punish Canada no matter what Canada does, then at some point Canada has to stop making every decision based on how Donald Trump might react. Coyne’s point was simple: “If you lose no matter... Continue Reading →
From Paws n Tails Photography, Summerland BC I’ve been thinking a lot about what I wanted to do with my photography after everything that has happened here. I had planned an August opening special to introduce Paws N Tails Photography to Summerland. But after the fire, that just didn’t feel right anymore. We are so... Continue Reading →
An archival shot from Cartwright Mountain, an area likely destroyed by the Bald Range wildfire. Resources and thoughts assembled by me, the Very Rev. Ken Gray, all in light of the Bald Range Wildfire in and around Summerland, BC as we and over 20,000 others are evacuated from our homes and community for an indefinite... Continue Reading →
After one week evacuated from our home in Summerland, an exodus forced by the Bald Creek wildfire, one of the worst in the history of British Columbia, we join another 20,000 home and business owners hoping for an imminent and safe return to our homes and our little Town. A very small section of Summerland... Continue Reading →
Charlie Angus / The Resistance - Aug 12, 2026 It’s the dog days of summer, and I wouldn’t blame you if you’re getting tired. There are days it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the constant threat, chaos and menace. Those feelings become more corrosive if we start thinking that we’re facing the threats alone.... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 