Is it true that kids who grew up in Transcona tend to stay within the community as adults.

I know this is true of my family (three generations now) and of many others I know, too. While I don’t have the statistical facts to back this statement up it’s been a popular topic of conversation on several occasions.

This time around, out of playful curiosity more than truth-seeking, I wanted to explore the phenomenon.

Jon Chudyk, a residential HVAC mechanic, says the rumour doesn’t surprise him. He also happens to be one of those kids who chose not to leave.

"By staying in Transcona it kept me close to friends and family," Chudyk said. "Sure social media and telephones can keep you in touch with people but there’s something nice about being able to quickly zip over to my friend’s or parent’s for a visit rather than enduring a long car ride across the city."

Brandi White, an insurance broker for Wyatt Dowling Insurance and mother of two, grew up in Transcona but now resides in Windsor Park. She says she now regrets the decision.

"It was a (family) compromise," White explained. "Having lived in both places I haven’t seen the values of community in Windsor Park that I have seen in Transcona. It may be because I still feel strongly connected to Transcona and don’t feel like I’m part of this one. I feel disconnected from it."

Chudyk feels that Transcona differs from other communities, too.

"Transcona has a small-town feel and this tends to make people treat each other less like strangers and more like good friends," Chudyk said. "It’s the-little-feel-good-things. It’s that wave to the neighbour, helping somebody out with their seasonal yard maintenance or pushing a stuck car out of the snow. It all builds community."

White relates to Chudyk’s sentiment about the community’s small town feel.

"I can’t walk down many streets in Transcona without being able to point out someone’s house or their parents’ house," said White. "I can tie all my best memories to Transcona. I still call my parents’ house home."

In writing this I realized that to Transconians the community of Transcona isn’t just home — it is family.

Adam Petrash is a community correspondent for Transcona. He can be contacted at aetpetrash@gmail.com.