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OTOC Index |
The Junction Debacle: | |
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Bad Roads - Infrastructure
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The Junction Projects (East and West) were promoted to help revitalize downtown as the arena was to be moved to the KED and $68 Million borrowed for this purpose. At a recent meeting of City Council to review Junction EasT, the project was described by the Toronto Architects (why were not Sudbury architects selected for this project?) about “building a collective memory” whatever that means, but it might not be a positive memory. There have been many changes with respect to the design, which was to have incorporated the Sudbury Theatre Centre and a parking facility. Now the Theatre Centre is not part of the new design and for parking the city will purchase nearby property. Also a name change – Junction Ease is to be known as the “Culture Centre” Plus, Junction West, which was to incorporate a performance and convention center has apparently been sacrificed. This in order to take the money allocated and transfer to the Junction East project to cover the increased costs. The $92 million now predicted is only an estimate and most projects historically over run, with some estimating the final cost could well be over $100 million and before interest payment on the money borrowed which could double the price. What makes this the more puzzling is Councils reluctance to recognize that the city already possesses an attractive fully functional downtown library on McKenzie Street and an Art Gallery in a magnificent historical building and both facilities have free parking. It is anticipated the Art Gallery will be returned to the City by LU and could be renovated at far less cost than building new and likely with higher levels of govt funding for this purpose. If not, there are other buildings that could be repurposed for the Gallery. It is suggested that there be a referendum of all citizens to determine their feelings with respect to the latest revelations with respect to this Big Project which only seems to have the support of what some describe as the “dreamers and schemers” who have lost touch with the reality of a city burdened by infrastructure debt, including our crumbling roads and ever increasing taxation. It is easy to be impressed with grandiose designs such as this facility which is described as a “work of art”, but can we really afford something we don’t really need and will it “transform our downtown” while taking away valuable parking spaces for day workers and those attending our downtown arena at other times, which we hope remains as the heart of the city, as described on the city website
Qualities to be looked for in a City Councillor: Experience: Success in co-operative endeavors – ability to work to achieve goals.
Skills: Ability to understand financial implications of decisions – proven history
Involvement and Commitment: Recognition and undertaking of community needs and not just wants
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We welcome your comments at info.yessudbury@gmail.com
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