The phone rang and the caller graciously agreed to call me back on my cellphone because my new hearing aids are useless on the landline, but amazing when connected to the cell. Then, in the politest way possible, she let me have it.
In the course of our conversation I told her if I had a dollar for every time Top of the Pile Columnist Brian Zinchuk has landed me in hot water over the years, I’d be a wealthy woman.
The subject of my caller’s dismay was Zinchuk’s submission to the Aug. 9 Regional Optimist(Vibrancy of lake communities in decline), the final few paragraphs of which referred to Cochin.
My caller pointed out the timing of that opinion was unfortunate in light of Cochin Days being hosted the weekend following its publication. Organizers of that event argue that Cochin is not in decline, but is a vibrant and happening place, not just during Cochin Days, but throughout the year.
Zinchuk talked about the “good old days” in Cochin when the Lighthouse Bar was rocking and the bridge across Lehman Creek would be crowded with people.
I remember those days. I visited a friend’s cabin on Murray Lake when I was a teenager. I remember the bar, too, and the fights that were almost obligatory on any given Friday or Saturday night. How they hosed down the concrete slab floor before opening the next day.
It was exciting stuff for a teenager, but viewed from the wiser side of 50 plus, it probably wasn’t an attraction the community was especially proud of.
My caller points out, Cochin is now a different place, but not a lesser place, and she’s right.
The resort village’s website reports Cochin’s summer population surpasses 2,500.
The village has stores and service stations, a post office, a community hall, two churches, a fire hall, a library, playgrounds and a host of recreation opportunities.
Among the attractions is the famous lighthouse. This familiar landmark is billed as the only one of it’s kind in Saskatchewan. The light of its beacon can be seen for miles and visitors can be seen climbing the challenging 153-step staircase to view the 11.5 metre structure up close and enjoy the vast panoramic view of Jackfish and Murray Lakes and surrounding farmland.
A visit to the main beach or Hunt’s Cove on any given summer day will find both packed with beach bums of all ages, while Jackfish Lake will be festooned with pontoon boats, power boats, personal watercraft, sailboats and other means of enjoying the water.
Several businesses thrive in the community, which is also home to the Cochin Community Players. The theatre troupe’s productions are famous in the region and those wishing to take in the popular dinner theatre events need to be fast off the mark to obtain tickets.
But in fairness to Zinchuk, those who look back to the “good old days” will recall go-carts, trampolines, dance pavilions, boat rentals and other attractions at lake communities across the province. Those types of activities would have a difficult time surviving in a world where most lake goers have their own boats, wide screen TVs, trampolines and other diversions.
The RV crowd usually rolls into their lake destination with everything onboard, making them less likely to patronize local businesses. Cottage owners probably do the same, picking up groceries and other supplies in the city before heading to the lake.
Still businesses in Cochin garner enough support to keep alive and prosper and community members, through their local government, work hard to maintain services and amenities.
So, yes, most lake communities continue to thrive, just in a different way than in the “good old days.”
