By Ephrem Gallant, North Bay
Dear Al
I have been following our City’s decision to replace the West Ferris Arena with interest and concern. Your council has decided to not repair the existing WFA but to construct a new arena elsewhere in the City. My instinct tells me that whatever the final design, this will be a very costly venture.
I am not going to argue the economic benefit to local business from this project because there is some. I do question the projects rational, however. My concern is that you have another City project which is also important, the Cassellholme LTC expansion.
It is also about to come to fruition, so to speak. It too will be a very costly venture. Both projects are important but truly, which one should be tackled first? Which of these two projects are needed now?
I only ask that you take a walk through Cassellholme LTC with the Administrator. Ask her, how many people are on the list seeking LTC? Ask her, on average how long are people waiting for a bed? How many LTC beds does Cassellholme have? Take a good long look at those rooms. I know you have been there many times before…but this time take a good look around.
Can we do better? Can this City handle both of these large expensive projects, around the same time? Which project fulfills the greater need? Which project is worth taking heat about because it cost too much, or ran over budget? Which is the legacy project? Which does the most good?
At present the WFA project sounds like a recipe for disaster. As there is no clear understanding of what is to be built? There is no idea where it will be constructed? There is no clear idea of the amount of infrastructure required to the site chosen? There is no demonstrated need for the project. The Ferris residents are not on board. The estimated costs are but a good guess.
I think we can repair the WFA and leave it in place. It will be a costly repair but not an impossible one. It is not going to cost near the amount of the new arena. Focus this City’s time, energy and resources on improving Cassellholme LTC. After this project is complete, if someone wants to pursue a multi-rink, then go for it. Don’t jeopardize Cassellhome LTC expansion plans by pursuing a multi-rink project now.
The Cassellholme LTC project is long overdue, you know this. Don’t delay it…accelerate it. Nothing is set in stone, it is still very early in the WFA replacement process. What is the optics for you and your council once the public realizes the true cost of the new arena, or the estimate to repair the old, or the full cost of Cassellholme LTC expansion?
Fast track Cassellholme LTC, get that funding in place, finalize that plan and build it.
You’re the Mayor Al, it is your call, this is your Council and your City….please make the right decision.
Sincerely,
Ephrem Gallant
