We have to get used to change

Progress and the changes it brings can be surprising, disconcerting, and maybe even downright uncomfortable for some. While other developments and changes can take some tweaking before they work for the most people affected.

Something that is noticed by all going through Windsor for the last century and a quarter was the leaning chimney at the former Nova Scotia Textiles plant.

Recently trimmed of its upper brickwork, which was replaced by a metal smokestack, the landmark was finally put out of its misery last week.

The 88-foot, three-ton smokestack was taken down and the brick base demolished. The new property owners, Mill Island Developers, had hoped to keep the landmark, but time and the effects of climate had made that impossible. Like many older landmarks, it was just too unsafe.

And, in keeping with the many changes that transpired with the building over the past 125 years, the former factory structure will include condominiums, retail outlets and other businesses – serving the local workforce and public.

And surely, the Victorian structure will become a noted landmark in itself.

At the same time, the restructuring businesses have to undertake to be more efficient and responsive to clients and increase the employment base may be seen as having a negative affect on some employees.

This is the case with a local company, KLJ Field Services Inc. Restructuring is hoped to increase positions and service, while a half-dozen or so posts were eliminated in the process. Those employees can apply for the new positions. Hopefully, the situation will be resolved to the benefit of all concerned.

In the technology-related fields, needed changes can be very quick, indeed. It’s a fact of life, one that is shared more and more by many other sectors. Again, we have to be cognizant of opportunities and effects of change.

And older, resource-based ones may wish to expand and provide further employment opportunities. As long as it’s viable, safe, and sustainable, we can’t disagree with that kind of growth.

And so it is with services.

Business, social and environmental necessity – and the availability of a good service in a neighbouring county -- brought regular public transit service to West Hants, Windsor and Hantsport. The trial period of the King Transit routes through the communities has received an extension.

People have to be assured the system is going to be there for the when they need it – at a specific time, and for years to come. It helps people get to work, patients get to appointments, and shoppers get to market. Environmental concerns and the price of fuel now underline the need for the service.

It’s no longer something that would be convenient or nice to have. It’s now a necessity. And it has to be fine-tuned to ensure it serves the most people it can as efficiently and viably as it can.

We have been warned for a number of years now -- by government, business and labour -- we can’t sit still as other communities in the global village become our competitors.