|
Council
Approves Jaycee Park Connection
(posted
August 24/10)
City Council approved the staff recommendation for a hybrid
connection linking Jaycee Park to Rennie Park via a combined
bridge and floating dock. Debate was minimal, focusing on
unknown costs and uncertainty of approvals by federal agencies.
Councillor Williamson’s motion passed seemingly unanimously.
But what was that preamble all about? He stated that city
council had no involvement in the inclusion of the project
within the federally funded grant which would pay for 90%
of the project because the application was made by “citizens.”
Indeed the mover behind obtaining the 1.9million dollar grant,
that would also see the inner range lighthouse repainted and
Dalhousie House restored, was the chair of citizens group
Niagara Citizens for Smart Development (NCSD). Williamson
then added that if it had come before council he wouldn’t
have considered it a priority expenditure.
So what is the reasoning behind Williamson moving to approve
a project that he doesn’t consider a priority? Let’s
keep in mind that it was made clear by MP Rick Dykstra that
approval of the funding application was very much influenced
by the private investment known as Port Place (“the
tower” in local vernacular) a proposal that Williamson
vehemently and actively opposed. NCSD was on the opposite
side of the debate in support of Port Place.
So what Williamson is doing is setting himself up to be seen
as a proponent for a very popular initiative, that being the
Jaycee Park connection which was first suggested by the St.
Catharines Jaycees themselves twenty years ago and has been
a topic of discussion ever since. By stating that he considers
it a non-priority, he implies that NCSD (and Port Place by
association) has cost the city $200,000 rather than saving
the city $1.7 million.
So there you have it. “Me good for supporting a popular
project; tower supporters bad for costing city money.”
I’m sure the nuance was missed by all except those who
have been studying Williamson’s posturing for the past
two terms on council. With campaigning about to begin you
will soon begin to see him rise to speak in council on every
issue to get as much camera time as he can. What voters should
understand is that Williamson, as a Port Dalhousie ward councillor,
has consistently voted to block progress in the commercial
district in Port Dalhousie in contradiction to the city’s
and the region’s policy for increased tourism and commercial
activity for the area.
As one Port Dalhousie businessman once said, “I don’t
know why they keep voting him in?” Perhaps it’s
time we all looked a bit closer at what our councillors actually
stand for and if their actions are a benefit or a detriment
to our lifestyles.
AIM
HIGH, DREAM BIG (April 2010)
by David Serafino
WHERE WE’VE BEEN
During our years of publication, we have had the privilege
to report on the events affecting change in our small but
effervescent community. At first it was easy and that made
it fun. In 1997 we entered a period of unified enthusiasm
while the harbour area and rowing course were being upgraded
for the 1999 World Rowing Championships. Shortly thereafter,
the commercial core became known as one of the most populated
drinking spots in southern Ontario. We defended the music
and the right to assemble but denounced the late night rowdyism
and vandalism that came with it.
(read whole story)
From
The Editor
THIS
IS NOT OUR LAST GOODBYE (April 2010)
by David Serafino
It was fine design that brought circumstances together for
our last issue. (Don’t interpret “last”
literally, we’ll be back after a short hiatus.) The
alignment of the planets came together in the form of our
150th issue and my copy editor/wife’s retirement (yes,
Lana).
We would like to end our 13-year run on a high note, and
for Dalhousie Peer at inception and beyond, the goal has been
to aim high and dream big. And also to entertain. Sometimes
we’re funny. And sometimes only to some.
(read
whole story) |
