by Will Jones
Greetings Twin Beachers,
As you all know, the tenth anniversary of the flood of 2011 is upcoming this May 31st, it appears there will be little in the way of media attention of this milestone, as sad as it is to see such a monumentally destructive event forgotten in everyone else’s memory I know that it is still fresh in minds of many of you.
All will probably share in my joy and horror of May 31st of 2011 as in morning we learned the Jets would be returning that fall, and in the afternoon we had to evacuate, I can still distinctly remember each wave crashing and feeling the rumbling of each one on my cottage foundation.
The flood took many things from us, it destroyed property which can be replaced but it also ruined memories, crushed spirits and wore us down, these things we know, but what I know as well is that in the face and wake of that destruction was the indomitable resolve of this community and this is what I’d like to write to you about today.
In the weeks leading up to May 31st I witnessed the strength of of our community, neighbours helping neighbours shore up their defences, helping to move valuables to a safer location, and a strong sense of camaraderie and humour in the face of an impending disaster. I personally helped several neighbours sandbag their properties, I saw all of you doing the same.
After the flood, when we were allowed back in June 10th I continued to see further examples of neighbourly kindness, helping others to retrieve belongings, rebuilding what could be rebuilt, strategizing on new flood defences, as in my neighbourly group; we discussed our options together on the beach, no one opinion was rejected, we all listened to each other and understood our trauma and our desire to protect what we had, together.
After we had banded together in neighbourhood groups and paid our contractors and put in our defences we were hit again, July of 2012 a wind storm that took our foliage and canopy, as well as ripping apart more structures on our properties, and yet in all of that destruction there was one constant, neighbours helping neighbours. Once the storm had passed, I walked out onto the beach to survey the downed trees and other damage and noticed almost immediately the roof of a structure belonging to a neighbour had lifted off and was thrown directly into their living room window on their second floor.
I spent most of my night making sure they were ok, I was picking shards of glass out of their carpeting for hours to make sure they wouldn’t accidentally slice themselves, I would do it again in an instant.
I read an article last year about how disasters bring out the best in people, the following quote struck me, “In disasters, most people are altruistic, brave, and communitarian, generous and deeply creative in rescuing each other, creating the conditions for success of survival.” – Rebecca Solnit.
These words stand out to me and I recognize that description in this community in 2011, 2012, 2014, and I believe we still have it. It strikes me that these values come out in times of emergency but I’d like to harness more of it in the good times we enjoy now; how can we do it? Be kind to your neighbours, put aside petty disputes and come together, recognize how lucky we all are to be here now, see that we’ve recovered from that dark day ten years ago and that we achieved that together
Wave to people as you pass them on the road, on the beach, learn something about people who aren’t your immediate neighbours to strengthen our community bond as cottage owners and association members, but above all; be human, empathetic and understanding, we can all do that much.
Will Jones
Acting President
Twin Lakes Beach Association