Excellent editorial in the May 9th edition.
Would it be nice to have a new pool, yes. That being said, at what price? To leave this decision to what – 15-20 people – who could very well have their positions eliminated come October, is wrong. To offer public consultation after the decision has been made, is just plain ludicrous, to say the least.
The responsible thing to do would be to find the true cost, what it will mean to the ratepayers, then let them make the call on moving forward or not on a referendum come the elections this fall. That would be true democracy in action.
To say the $5 million approval is consent for this project is wrong. Costs originally were to be $10 million, and we are in the $15 - $20 million range now. This does not account for the annual operating deficit of what, a million dollars?
So between the Multiplex and swimming pool, it will cost a couple of million dollars annually just to keep the doors open; who will be paying this cost, town and county councils?
Give the people who will be paying for this for years to come the choice, as they are the ones who will be footing the bill.
A project of this magnitude and cost deserves the ratepayers and public’s opinion, not just a handful of councillors. It is the fair and honest way to see what they want.
Howard Wilkie
Athabasca, AB
