From heartfelt and uplifting messages to friendly reminders about being respectful, signs can inspire smiles and kindness.
When Colwood firefighters and staff arrived at work July 7, they were greeted with a welcoming message in pink and yellow chalk with enthusiastic punctuation: "Canadian firefighters are awesome! Thank you! You are the best!"
Not to be left out, West Shore RCMP received a similar message in cheery pink chalk outside the Langford detachment.
Assuming intent – to make someone start their day in a great mood – the messages could not come at a better time as Statistics Canada shows Canadians are feeling less hopeful about the future.
The share of Canadians who reported high life satisfaction declined from 54 per cent in mid 2021 to 48.6 in 2024.
Statistics Canada data from 2021 to 2024 also shows middle aged adults, radicalized men and 2SLGBTQ+ reported the largest drops in hopefulness. Feeling hopeful about the future in mid-2021 sat at 65 per cent, but dropped to 59.7 by early 2024.
Whether a simple rock painted with uplifting message, or business marquee leaning to the cheeky, signs can improve hope, and may even inspire a smile.
What signs do you see in the city that make you think or inspire joy?
Share yours by emailing cvanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca.
