Email comments sent to Patti Arnold as a result of posting this letter to all City Councillor's, the Mayor, Don Gedge, members of the Steering Committee, the Multiplex Advisory Group, 50 M, pool supporters, as well as the Whig Standard (where it was published only in the reader feedback section of their website), on April 11th, 2005.
1.
Well that is very disappointing. With Queen's backing down from their 50m pool, and now this, we are really limiting ourselves in terms of future athletic competitions. (this from a Queen’s Prof)
2.
Hi Patti
I'd love to have a coffee with you sometime to talk about this. In short, I don't think the prospects for 50m are bright, but I do have some insight from a recent discussion with the Mayor, which may be useful.
3.
Sorry to hear this -- there is still a chance to try to convince Council to add it in when the report is presented to Council. Lots of lobbying would probably be helpful and formal delegations to speak to Council might also be effective. (This from a City Councillor)
4.
Patti;
I was very much hoping you would permit me to include some of your e-mail into an open letter to the public currently being drafted by a number of the CAG members as a last ditch effort to stop the Multiplex from morphing totally into a MultiPad facility. Please let me know if you would not mind. And also do bear in mind that we are still trying to work within the system and will resort to an open letter to the public only as a last resort. (a member of the AG)
5.
Hello Patti: The newspaper made a mistake. The pool is included in the report going to the Steering Committee. Yours, Floyd. (Patterson)
6.
Thank you for your comments. I recently spoke with a prominent athlete who is also supports the construction of a 50 m pool, for some of the very same points you've made. Most of the large municipalities, with universities, either have a 50 m pool at the university or under city ownership. Would you like to submit you comments as a letter to the editor.
(from a City Councillor)
7.
Patti
Thank you for your kind words. The Multiplex idea was the kind of venture that I was hoping the City of Kingston would grab by the horns and develop into something that all citizens would be proud of now, and in the future. As you identified, OUR voice, and I capitalize the OUR to mean "the community" voice, had little impact the other day. I only hope that OUR voice will be able to be heard as we progress. As an aside, rightly or wrongly, I was sent a copy of your email dated 11 April to Don Gedge entitled "LVEC at the expense of the Community." What a fantastic email - I only hope he has responded to you in a positive manner, regrettably I believe it will be ignored, as the Community have been during this whole sorry process. The recreational needs of the City, both now and in the future, will determine the character of the Kingston Community in the future, not a 5,000 seat LVEC built for political ends. (from a member of the AG)
8.
Thanks Patti
The one other thing that no one seems to be objecting to is spending millions of dollars to redo Market Square trying to ape Toronto's Nathan Philips Square. I still don't understand why this amount of money is being spent to cobblestone 4 streets, add decorative touches to another ice rink when the LVEV is only blocks away. If an outdoor rink is necessary then why not add it onto the LVEV where ice equipment will already exist, and landscaping is part of the deal? (from a pool person)
9.
Thanks for all your effort. It is discouraging as the city sure could use a bigger pool. (from a pool person)
10.
Patti, I’ve been meaning to commend you on your efforts and determination to secure a 50 m pool for our region. You have my full support and I’m sorry I can’t physically get to the meetings you have given up your time to attend. The absence of a 50m pool will in the long run have a significant negative effect on Kingston. Just think of the stature Kingston would have in the Province if there were, in addition to the LVEC and the multi ice pad complex, a 50m pool for swim meets and recreation. Kingston is full of Triathletes who train all year round. (from a pool person)
11.
Yes, I was at the CAG meeting at the Harbour where it was clear that no matter what was toiled over and voted on for the Priority #1 list, the Steering Committee would have the final say. Thank you again for your work for the Community. (from a pool person)
12.
Great letter! It’s fantastic to see that there are other members of the Kingston Community able to see the flaws in what the Steering Committee – ultimately the city of Kingston is proposing. This is not what was recommended by the Citizens Advisory Council (CAG). I represent the Kingston Ringette Association. As such, I’m in favour of improving our "ice" facilities. That being said, I also see the value of having a proper aquatic facility in Kingston. In reality, the city of Kingston needs a "multiplex" that was proposed by CAG. I realize that there are a number of issues at play here. It is important that all members of the Kingston community are properly heard. Hopefully, with the support of people like yourself, this will happen and a facility will be built that will benefit all members of the Kingston community – not just the ice users. (from a member of the AG)