Ever since I first started reading about the proposal to build a grandiose sports complex in Sundre I wondered “why?”. Before I get into this, I want you to know that my thoughts have nothing to do with facts or statistics. They are just my opinions. My few friends in the area know I am very opinionated, though not always right.
First of all I wondered why they want to build on the flats west of the rodeo grounds and east of Hwy 22, (a site that in June of 2005 was our duck pond), an area more suited to a canoe venue than a skating rink. Just because it was called a “two hundred year flood” doesn't mean it won't happen for another 200 years. It could be this spring again if conditions are right.
The developers will build the facility and the town will “provide serviced land”. That means we put in the sewer, water and power, build the necessary road and maintain them.
Who pays for the required staff, furnishings and wages to the many employees?
We have one skating rink already (although it is in need of repairation, nice word, renovation or reconstruction) so does that mean we will have three arenas in this little town?
Next, “ a team building area”. What is a team building area? Sounds like “double-speak” to me and that bothers me. A “climbing wall”. What are they doing? Training to be cat burglars? Just wondering.
Here is one I like. “Fitness training”. We really need that. Our Aquaplex has a well-stocked fitness room and, although I have not been there every hour of every day in a week that it is open, it was never fully utilized while I was there over a two-week period.
Last but not least, “a teaching facility with state-of-the-art video and computer technology”. More double-speak? What is state-of-the-art today is obsolete next month.
One thing that I noticed in last week's paper, which was in previous papers, was the elimination of the retail complexes, either by design or omission. Someone must have realized we already have too many empty retail spaces.
Getting away from the building itself (I am not even going to go near the costs) again I ask, “Why in Sundre?” This is a small town with not near enough people to fully utilize a complex like this so where do they come from? All over south-central Alberta? Of course. Where do they stay while they are here? I can billet one person, but I won't. How about the rest of you? No?
OK, next is a hotel or dormitories for the participants, coaches, etc. These places need staff, services and utilities. Who pays for them? The participants of course. Can they afford all this - the cost of the buildings, utilities, services, meals, travel….. you get the point.
If it should fall on the town's shoulders, the council will naturally shrug their shoulders and the bill will fall on our shoulders through higher taxes since they are not going to dig into their personal pockets to pay for it.
We, the taxpayers, have already contributed $20,000 just in lawyers' fees. I would rather see all this money we are going to be putting into this thing go towards the people already living here. Especially to aid the people in east Sundre with sewer and water. Put on night shifts, if necessary, to snowplow our secondary residential streets and avenues. Most haven't seen a plow or loader all winter.
On the pro side, the idea has merit but it should be more centrally located and in a larger community so the majority of the people have less distance to travel. Olds would be good but Red Deer or Airdrie would make much more sense. Why out in the “boonies?” Do we look like a bunch of rubes?
That was just my opinion. What's yours?
Dave Hart
Sundre
