Ex-councillor missing the mark

Re: Millions for Remai Modern? Cue to haters, complainers (SP, Oct. 27)

How disappointing it was to see a former city councillor Tiffany Paulsen claiming that the words “art gallery,” triggered hateful complaints in our city. In a democracy it’s important that there be criticism when criticism is warranted. That’s not hate, that’s civic engagement. At one point I even requested a civic plebiscite to see if taxpayers wanted a new gallery or not. The idea was rejected.

Ms. Paulsen should take some responsibility for her part in misleading the public on the Remai Modern undertaking. She was onside with the contention that it was the Mendel Gallery that was to be expanded and renovated for $13 million, the city’s portion being $4.5 million; of course the narrative changed to a $55 million project for a new art galley (which few cities own and operate). That price tag eventually doubled to become $110 million with the city kicking in about $35 million although we did not know what the final cost would amount to or how they would be met.

The taxpayer also did not know that admission to the gallery would be charged or that the city would not have a gallery for more than two years or that the operating costs would exceed $5 million annually.

Rather than hurling insults at the detractors of the Remai Modern, Paulsen would do well to consider the financial mess and burden its construction has created.

Henry Dayday, Saskatoon