Holding the Line: What We Heard at Tableside Talks

By Shannon Parker
Co-chair, Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows Wellness Network

Picking Up the Line

On September 24, neighbours gathered at Redwood House for the 2025 edition of Tableside Talks, hosted by the Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows Wellness Network. This World Café–style event invited residents to share what matters most—our strengths, concerns, and ideas for small, meaningful steps forward. Together, we connected with neighbours, listened deeply, and continued building a more caring, collaborative community. We picked up the line.

Listening Across Difference

In small group conversations, we explored what we love about our community, the challenges we see, and what would help us thrive. Clear, intentional questions guided the dialogue: as one participant noted, “critical questions that are too often ignored.” Another reflected, “I heard priorities from people I wouldn’t normally be in communication with”—a reminder of the power of listening across difference.

Community Priorities

“An idea I’d like to see move forward is…” That phrase echoed across the room as neighbours shared their hopes for our community’s future. We heard about the importance of our natural spaces—trails, adventure, and the land that holds us. Safety emerged as a shared concern: emergency preparedness and egress, fire-smarting, transportation, and accessible pathways. Communication was another theme—how we connect, support and engage volunteers, and build relationships with and among community leaders.

Affordable housing was named across generations. Some envisioned aging in place with supports and senior housing that includes a gym, pool, garden, and classroom. Others imagined a local health and wellness facility with more doctors and nurses, along with transportation options for all ages.

Small steps are within reach: a visible culture of community engagement that welcomes everyone, a one-stop hub for community information, and a strengthened community association to serve everyone.

Who’s Missing?

As one participant noted, “There were no ‘young’ participants. I was among the youngest (age 45).” The voices of those aged 16 to 50 were notably quiet. Their perspectives are essential. We see this as a call to connect more broadly and welcome all voices—especially youth and younger adults shaping our future.

What’s Next?

To move these ideas forward, the Wellness Network will host a Community Action Planning Gathering at Redwood House from 6:00–8:00 PM on November 5, 2025. You’re invited to help shape the next steps for priorities identified in the 2024 and 2025 Tableside Talks.

We’ll continue the conversation through our regular meetings and updates at http://bcrmwellness.ca. You can also revisit the September issue of High Country News to learn more about our work and the metaphor that guides us.

Keep the Line Open

The tin can telephone only works when we’re holding both ends. Connections don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a parent, elder, youth, young adult, business owner, artist, or neighbour—your voice matters. Let’s keep the line open. How will you pick it up?