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Written by Kyle Storey
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Thursday, 14 February 2008 |
It seems like the library, the art gallery, anything, in fact, which doesn't have a hockey rink attached is seen as a total waste of money by many in our fair city.
If you read the letters section of The Citizen you'd think we've stepped back in time 100 years.
The letters might as well scream "What the heck is council doing?" What do we need a library for?"
I'm guessing even the most ardent detractor of anything not sports-related could make a case for a library; at least there are books about hockey in there.
But many people seem to think the concept of a performing arts centre is a festering, fetid idea that just won't go away.
I don't get it.
If you didn't know better, you'd think there's a conspiracy against the arts community.
People against the idea haven't come right out and said it, but it seems they are convinced these airy-fairy arts folks won't be happy until they've pushed this thing down everyone's throats.
What kind of noxious weed have people been smoking?
We all can probably agree an arts centre won't pay for itself.
That seems like a fairly reasoned and logical argument.
But it goes off the rails when you hear someone say "and if that's the case, I don't want my tax dollars going to build it."
Why should an arts centre pay for itself?
If the concept is to run every city facility so it makes a profit, then we won't have many facilities in town.
You can start by tearing down the CN Centre and the Coliseum and telling the Cougars and Spruce Kings to get lost.
It doesn't matter that no taxpayer dollars go to either club, the fact remains, the city has to subsdise both facilities.
You don't seriously think the pittance you put down to put little Johnnie and Janey in minor hockey comes anywhere near the actual cost. In fact, the concerts brought in by those artsy-farty types, actually help to keep the cost of recreational hockey down .
Aside from soccer and some of the local golf courses, I'm hard-pressed to think of any recreational facilities which turn a profit.
If you want to extend this line of thinking to its ridiculous conclusion, why create anything of value if, at first blush, there's no money it?
If you don't see any value in expanding people's narrow, little minds with a vibrant arts scene, why educate people at all — or at least for free.
What would the education system be like if it was user pay?
Be careful what you wish for.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 08 October 2008 )
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Just a foot note...there is a little area, a wading pool or some such, in front of the Civic Center that has had a hockey match or two held in it...ice permitting.
free and no fights either...worth the price of admission...