I’d like to offer some input for the budgetting process. There are a lot of controversial and important projects being proposed and I’d like to see the triple-bottom-line approach taken to all of them.
First, what I support:
– The convent as a museum. Congrats on the success here.
– A new library.
– A quick return to leading-edge recycling and composting technologies and services
– A downtown regional transportation hub that includes better GO service (bus and train)
– The Gummer redevelopment
– I’d also like to see residential development charges increase to a level where it is absolutely clear that the development is ‘paying for itself’, including all of the necessary infrastructure to service that new development.Now, what I oppose:
– A Wilson Street parking garage. I couldn’t believe this one when I first heard it. We should be discouraging car use in the downtown core where possible. Take the millions to be spent on this ugly box, and the proposed Baker Street parking garage as well, and make the bus service free of charge. At the very least, have all city employees get free bus passes and start a serious carpooling / shuttle program. I think the downtown core (or at least part of it) would be much more of a regional draw if it was a car-free zone – a unique attraction. A paradigm shift is needed in thinking regarding the downtown core.
– A ‘water feature’ in front of city hall. Even though the plan is to use rainwater, etc., the perception will still be that we are not very water conscious when we use water for things like large fountains and rinks, not to mention the amount of energy used. Instead, I’d like to see a ‘front porch’ that is more representative of the city’s green values. How about an organic community garden? There must be quite a few downtown residents who would love to grow their own food but don’t have the land. And it reflects our agricultural heritage and future. The city could then do more to make the Speed River a skating destination – a natural rink.
– The library should NOT be a public-private partnership. It is a major component of the civic commons and should be built and funded by public money. I also think that if expropriation of land is an option (as is being proposed for frontage on Wyndham Street), then it should be built south of the tracks on Gordon north of Wellington. This gateway to the downtown is targetted for heavy intensification and redevelopment, and the library could be a catalyst for this. Expropriate the McDonalds or the Harveys instead!
– I strongly oppose the merger of our Guelph Hydro with Horizon.
Post-merger efficiencies are always promised but rarely occur. When the trend is towards all things local – local food, local democracy, etc. – I would hope that local power is also on that list. We should retain local control over our power system. This would also encourage local companies to bid on our smaller-scale contracts. Keep Guelph Hydro ours.– Sidewalk plowing makes the sidewalks unwalkable after about 6 weeks of winter due to sheet of ice forming after the snow is compressed by the machines rather than shovelled off. Having lived in a city where homeowners were responsible for clearing their sidewalks, I can tell you that the results are far better. It may take a few years to catch on, but it will encourage and enable people to walk in the city during the winter. Please take sidewalk plowing along residential streets out of the budget.
– I oppose the city spending any money on bottled water. Use Guelph tap water at all meetings and functions.
I’ll leave it there. Thanks for your consideration of this input. DS