Here is my final say on the sports field.
First, why does the Regional District of North Okanagan and the city have to spend all of this money to tell us what to do?
We are not children. After getting all of the facts, I think we can make our own decision.
Why are we building a sports field at one end of town at a major highway intersection and all of the amenities required by people are at the other end?
We are trying to tell people we are energy conscious when we are putting more traffic on an already crowded street.
If this is such a good deal, well then get a sports group to go out and get sponsors to build it with the RDNO putting up 25 per cent.
The reason any smart company will tell you that this is a money-losing proposition, so why should we pay for everything every year?
The demographics of this area are changing fast according to the census. We are becoming an aging population.
This is evident with the closing of schools and lower registrations yearly.
So why build for people that will not use it?
The water plant is already outdated and requires upgrades. The recreation complex will need to be replaced, even with the repairs being made.
Then there are the museum and arts centre.
Kin Race Track, it was stated, is part of the recreational plan so that will be more money.
Do not forget about the Civic and Priest Valley arenas. They are in need of major work or closing.
Then there is the hospital that everyone needs to have with the two floors completed. Well, surprise, surprise, the government is not going to pay for all of it so it is up to us. More money that has to be spent.
Now we have the recycling plant this is owned by the RDNO, and guess who will have to pay for it? We will.
Most likely, these people who really need it will be unemployed for many months to come.
Do not forget that the global and local economies are in a downward spiral and no one knows when this will stop.
We do not have any large business coming to the area. Instead, we lost 40 jobs to the U.S. It seems they know how to bargain and look after people.
The mayor and RDNO seem to live in a dream world where they have all the money they need and can ask for what they want and get it.
So, it is time to draw a line in the sand and stop spending in our lovely city.
How much are you willing to fund and put the municipality in debt?
Garry Haas
Vernon
