Winter keeps on, keeping on.

Calgarians, let’s link arms, close our eyes, and remember … summer. Yes, city council influences these cherished months. Two things are going well, one is not. The best? The River of Light on the Bow River last August. The French firm Creatmosphere was paid $76,000 by the city to float large transluscent coloured balls down the river at night.

I was skeptical.

Balls on water? But thousands lined the river’s banks on a calm summer’s night. The effect was enchanting. Like a collective child’s pose, after a tough slog of yoga class.

The city is smart to plan another Bow River celebration next year. But Bow celebrations need to be married to a progressive pesticide policy. That’s not going well. At all.

We need to ensure our rivers are free of these poisons. The city’s stubborn pro-pesticide stance is a threat to human and animal health. New disclosure laws should record city meetings with poison lobbyists.

The Calgary River Valleys group is polling Calgarians about our river. Go online to have your say.

Another summer boon? The city’s new festival subsidy program. It waives the licensing and security fees for public events.

Last year, the subsidy was $600,000 for 65 applicants and this year there is $1 million up for grabs. (The next deadline is May 1.)

Those chosen were groups like the Arusha Centre for the Bow River Flow, Korean Day and the trilingual newspaper Alberta Des Punjab Times for its anniversary celebration. According to owner Braham Luddu, the paper staged a two-day festival of food, dancing and mingling in the park, to be repeated on the August long weekend.

Interestingly, many subsidies went to events with corporate sponsors: The HSBC Calgary Marathon and Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run. I guess they deserve a break.

One is a head scratcher: The Glencoe Club’s subsidy for its Icebreaker Road Race. This is the most expensive private club in the city. But anyone who hasn’t paid the $57 fee is barred from stepping inside the club.

Only one community association, Cliff Bungalow, received a subsidy for the “Mission Historic Promenade Grand Opening.” CAs need more encouragement for local events.

Sadly, the city refuses to disclose which groups received how much in subsidy. That’s bad. But public policy to get us moving and celebrating together is a good one.