To the Editor,
Re: South-end group opposes centre at waterfront spot, Dec. 13.
How an events centre came to be a council priority in 24 months is a big puzzle. This project was not on anyone’s agenda in the 2014 municipal election.
This month, Nanaimo’s South End Community Association clearly stated that they do not support a sports and entertainment centre at 1 Port Dr. I suggest this sentiment has substantial support within our community.
On a related note, locating a parking lot and hockey arena on prime waterfront land has never been part of the community vision for the Nanaimo waterfront Wellcox lands. I would hope that alternate, better locations be identified. Given the projected attendees, a location closer to the Nanaimo Parkway would result in less infrastructure/road costs to the City of Nanaimo.
Moving forward, it is apparent that there is an appetite for this project within some members of our community. I say, let us look at substantive, credible financial analysis of the project. If taxpayer support is required, then let the taxpayers decide in a referendum.
Joy CameronNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: Council takes next step on event centre plans, Dec. 23.
I was pleased to learn that the voters of Nanaimo will have the opportunity to decide whether or not the community should fund the proposed multiplex to the tune of nearly $90 million dollars. I am opposed to the multiplex.
Let’s remember we live in quaint Nanaimo, and not Vancouver or Victoria. For the most part, the functions of a new multiplex can be met with the present infrastructure in Nanaimo. In a time when Nanaimo is made up of many retirees and many families and individuals who live near the poverty level, the multiplex construction is likely to further tax our disposable income. Voters need to rein in the grandiose whims of our city council.
More needs to be done to support single mothers, citizens who require improved living conditions, and people who are forced to visit the food banks on a regular basis. Let’s not tax our citizens to the point where living in Nanaimo resembles the many issues of living in Vancouver.
D.J. Wilson
Nanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: Multiplex isn’t a need, Letters, Dec 13.
The multiplex might be a need but what is clear is that the extensive community input to the waterfront plans did not envision a multiplex on that site, that the Howard Johnson site is too small to accommodate all the parking currently required, and that the public has little appetite to pay for this project.
So how could this project proceed? By starting elsewhere: fulfill the intention of the city’s Transportation Master Plan. A multi-modal transportation hub on the waterfront properties in conjunction with a greatly improved public transit would greatly reduce the need for cars.
With a greatly reduced need for cars, the requirement for a huge parking facility at the multiplex would be significantly reduced – so it could feasibly fit onto the Howard Johnson site. Far fewer dedicated parking stalls reduce the cost of the project noticeably. Consequently, it might be more feasible for private interests to take on much of the cost of the centre, freeing up our funds to build out more of the sustainable Transportation Master Plan.
This approach has many advantages: it makes the multiplex far more likely, it saves us a lot of money in transportation, and it makes our city far more attractive to young adults who increasingly require a modern, efficient and affordable transportation system.
Ian GartshoreNanaimo