The riots which rocked London earlier this month may well have had a profound impact on your next door neighbour.
Multiculturalism and the Foothills have not exactly been synonymous in the past. Southern Alberta was once described as being nothing more than a bunch of rednecks.
Over the past few years, that has changed dramatically.
There has been an influx of immigrants from the Philippines, the Middle East, Mexico, but it appears the largest immigrant population coming across the pond are those from the United Kingdom.
So much so, it is more common to hear Okotoks being described as “Little Britain” than home of the Big Rock.
For a variety of reasons, Okotoks has been the destination of choice for many immigrants from the United Kingdom — some looking for a place to retire while others bring young families in tow.
With a flourishing population of British expats, it is not surprising the riots which erupted throughout England last week were felt right here in southern Alberta.
British immigrants were shocked when they watched the violence as people were beaten, stores robbed and buildings lit on fire.
People are just speculating on the causes, which have been attributed to everything from poverty to racism, unemployment, police brutality, budget cuts, hooligans and high school drop-outs.
It is more likely a combination of all of these factors.
England is rutted in a deep economic recession and that is likely a significant factor.
If anything, the riots in London, which spread to other English cities, reaffirmed for the expats living in Okotoks they made the right decision to leave England and move to southern Alberta.
However, for most of them, England is still home and what transpired in London was disconcerting as the safety of their friends and family was compromised.
As these new Okotokians and new Albertans struggle to understand the riots in England, hopefully their new neighbours, friends and co-workers here will show some compassion.
The expats are adamant this type of behaviour is not representative of the British people and hope their reputation — especially those now living here — remains unblemished.
