Letter to the Editor

I am writing this letter about an outstanding Cranbrook business.  Just Liquid on Van Horne Street has changed the face of water sports in this area over the last three years.

I am a resident of JimSmith Lake and have witnessed this myself and am so happy to see our little lake utilized more fully. JimSmith has gone from a family spot to cool off hot kids, the odd canoe ride and ice fishing in the winter, to an active lake where now not a day goes by when I don’t see many, many people on the lake – kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and canoeing. The change has been phenomenal – it’s exciting just to watch from the sidelines. It is not unusual to see Rob and his staff in the water, teaching children to kayak. As well as teaching classes on all equipment, Rob and his staff organize community paddles every night of the week.  They offer Youth group, White water paddle, Community lake paddle, Community river paddle, and Scuba. This summer, Parks Canada has asked Just Liquid to do workshops and demonstrations in our local Provincial Parks one day a week.

More than that, though, Rob Porter is an outstanding corporate citizen.  I have come to know Rob from his participation in the annual Haiti Auction, and I know he has generously donated to many, many local events and causes.  In this day of Internet shopping, we need to remember the value that local business provides us in expertise, selection, and the continual community involvement, that no online store or cross boarding shopping can.

As I write this letter, I decided to take a look at Just Liquid’s website and read their mission statement.  It reads as follows:

“Our mission is to be ambassadors in the development and support of active lifestyles through all types of water sports in the East Kootenay and to provide all-encompassing water sport retail, rental and instruction via knowledgeable, approachable, and enthusiastic staff.  Also to maintain our regional reputation for unparalleled expertise and water sports and continue to develop the East Kootenay water sports community.”

In my opinion, Just Liquid has met and surpassed all these goals. Check out JimSmith Lake someday – you’ll be surprised!

Oh – and – Rob, his staff and friends also find time to compete on weekends and more often than not, place on the podium. Great ambassadors for our great area!  I wonder – where does all that energy come from?

(Lead photo from: justliquid.ca)

Norma Juozaitis,

Cranbrook

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