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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Art gallery project brings to mind misstep regarding Royal B.C. Museum

City has more practical needs than a $20-million new art gallery, says letter writer
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To submit a letter to the editor, e-mail editor@nanaimobulletin.com.

To the editor,

Re: New art gallery envisioned with $20-million cost, Sept. 7.

I am very upset to think, in these times of inflation, unemployment, people unwilling to work, homelessness, crime and many other negative factors, how could city council even consider proceeding with a new art gallery at a $20-million cost? We haven’t even been told what the study has cost. This should be so low on the totem pole of needs that such a contemplation is actually ridiculous.

Let’s deal with reality, with the real needs in this city. It’s as bad as the premier proposing a new, very expensive museum – thank goodness that died.

Who is to pay for this? Obviously the taxpayer. My taxes went up 47 per cent this year. This city will become untenable with our money being wasted on non-essential items. Let’s get practical and realistic and work at the real needs. I am sure that such a proposal has little, if any, support from most taxpayers. What happened to good, old-fashioned common sense?

Manly Price, Nanaimo

READ ALSO: Nanaimo Art Gallery envisions new location with potential $20-million price tag

To the editor,

Re: New art gallery envisioned with $20-million cost, Sept. 7.

This long-dormant project is back before council with another study and more consultants, providing a harsh commentary on the governance and priorities of this group. It is galling that the study cites a crucial need for a new gallery.

We know there are many crucial, indeed fundamental needs in this community. We also know that the provincial government’s delivery of services, in matters of housing, health care and public safety, is broken.

One councillor asks who’s going to pay for this project? The larger question is why is it being considered. The answer speaks to this council’s singular focus to revamp a decaying downtown. Apparently, the Royal B.C. Museum fiasco and its subsequent implosion is lost on this group. Just like that museum, this gallery is a nice-to-have, not a must-have.

At present, Nanaimo is enjoying a booming business in building permits and is on pace for another record-breaking year. Too bad that none of this windfall will be apportioned to deal with above-mentioned needs. Rest assured that there’ll be bags of cash for more consultants, conferences, committees, coordinators, a surfeit of studies, surveys and statistics, a lobby group appearing as a prosperity corporation, and a doughnut.

When the councillors gather after the election, their first order of governance and priorities will be to award themselves a pay raise. It’s hoped that some of the current councillors don’t get the invite. Until then, I remain underserved, underwhelmed, feeling unsafe, and overtaxed.

Herb Robinson, Nanaimo


The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin.

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