This letter was sent to the Whig Standard by KCAL reader John Thomas.
Dear Editor,
I must admit that when I first heard about the new Large Venue Entertainment Centre (LVEC) proposed for our waterfront I thought it was a terrific idea. Our very own Sydney Opera house, a sparkling jewel on the waterfront, the envy of other cities, a magnet for new tourism and a centre for civic activity. Like others, I began to have misgivings, as I heard about problems with parking, with vague and escalating cost estimates, and with concomitant plans to close popular community rinks and sell off parklands.
Some of these problems could, perhaps, be resolved if it were true that what is being proposed was, indeed, a wonderful architectural jewel that would enhance street life and downtown business. But what is becoming increasingly clear is that what we will end up with is not the Sydney Opera House but a glorified Centre 70 blocking the view.
Problems with parking and cost aside, my main concern with the proposed LVEC is its monumental lack of vision.
The great waterfronts of the world are not dominated by large buildings with no windows that block the view. Ever since Jane Jacobs suggested in the '60's that a city's vitality is sparked by the quality of the streetlife and mixed-use neighbourhoods, progressive city planners have emphasized more parkland, more accessibility, more small business, in a word, more people-friendly environments. The idea of the LVEC is a throwback to the time when bigger cars and bigger buildings were considered progress. It's ironic that the proponents of the LVEC seem to consider themselves "progressive."
Instead of another concrete high-rise, picture this waterside scene: small cafes and bars, perhaps two or three small stages. Local musicians. Outdoor exercise facilities. Bike rentals. Perhaps a tennis court. Sailboat and canoe rentals. Art exhibits. Perhaps a larger stage that accommodates Shakespeare in the Park. In the winter we could flood a portion of the inner harbour and have a skating rink. Sell beavertails like Ottawa. Perhaps a snowman festival. The Camden East Bookstore regularly sells out its small venue with local musicians and class acts from of town. Why can't we do that sort of thing downtown? This kind of development would be affordable, encourage small local business, encourage the arts, bring people downtown and boost tourism.
It seems the mayor and the Downtown Business Association have fixed on the idea of a downtown location because it will boost business. They now find themselves painted into the corner with a monster of their own making. When they say the waterfront is the best location for the LVEC what they really mean, but cannot say, is that no other location is suitable because it might, in fact, take away from their business. But if they can compromise, perhaps they can extricate themselves from this mess, and have it both ways: an LVEC somewhere more suitable away from the lake; and a waterfront development that really works.
Sincerely,
John Thomas
Glenburnie, ON