An EXPO Legacy for Future Generations

A time I felt truly proud to be an Edmontonian occurred more than eight years ago, when the city hosted the 2001 IAAF World Championships in Athletics. The men's marathon was in its final stages, the first two runners just entering Commonwealth Stadium. The crowd, a mosaic reflective of the nearly 200 competing countries, rose immediately to its feet. As Ethiopia's Abera Gezahegne pulled ahead to win the race by a single second, the fans roared, the volume of voices undeniable proof that the world had come to my town.

There's something validating about that. But for someone of my generation − I was 25 then − I've learned that the ability to attract an international presence is necessary for more than just civic pride. Without it, truly participating in a global community is not possible, and this isolates a citizenry geographically and ideologically. EXPO 2017 would undoubtedly foster and secure our city's connection with the world. It's the kind of thing that could create a reputation preceding Edmontonians in their endeavours abroad. It's the kind of thing that could help lead them to international success. Ultimately, it could help them lead.

The outcome of EXPO 2017 won't be limited to demonstrating to the world, the value of the skills and ideas of the people of Edmonton and Alberta. As much as it would showcase how we have developed and grown into a city worthy of global attention and engagement, hosting an EXPO would be an invaluable opportunity to invite the opinions and ideas of people the world over. People who have dealt with and overcome challenges we still face. EXPO 2017 brings with it the promise of a better place for upcoming generations to continue to call home - one well-suited to satisfying the call of their careers and dreams.

To realize these benefits, we need an open-minded and forward-thinking attitude. Alberta's image − its brand − relies heavily on its vast oil reserves. While fossil fuels will continue to command a place of purpose in the world for decades to come, the post-2017 economy will undoubtedly be less beholden to non-renewable resources. While recognizing the importance of Alberta's oil and gas sector today, a critical legacy of EXPO 2017 must be to excite new ideas, new industries and, overall, new energy sources to support the potential of Alberta and Canada for generations to come.

Scott Messenger, Journalist

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