Root-toot-toot for the home team
City council’s contemplation — or let’s face it — plan to tear down Simmons Sport Centre (and one supposes the swimming pool) shows a complete lack of understanding of the meaning of the concept of culture.
Since the arena’s construction it has been an integral part of the community. It represents the culture, the belonging, of the citizens of Charlottetown. Simmons arena’s tiredness is not because it is not being used, but the exact opposite. In its present location, and offering only one ice surface (plus a swimming pool) it has been an important meeting place for children and adults alike; it is "home" for many. It promotes civic pride, and in the case of team use, an attachment to the city of Charlottetown. Has council never heard “Let’s root-toot-toot for the home team”? The HOME team.
The mayor proposes that a third ice surface at UPEI would be an advantage to the citizens of Charlottetown. He is missing the point. It would replace a small part of what Simmons arena does, but he ignores what Simmons represents.
UPEI’s facilities are fine, but they are designed for UPEI students. I can’t remember any enthusiasm for using a UPEI rink; I do recall the feeling of excitement of young Charlottetown hockey players at defending their home ice against "visiting" teams, even if they were only from a different part of the city – Sherwood-Parkdale. Or from outside the city.
Simmons arena is not just about a building. It is part of the fabric of the city of Charlottetown. Since its construction it has always been a community.
From a strictly financial point of view the city should get rid of all "unnecessary" facilities in the city – Victoria Park pool and ball diamond, Cody Banks arena, Sherwood bowling green, tennis courts, football and soccer fields and more – and place them all at UPEI.
One can see right away that this would cause an uproar. This is what culture means – a meeting place, a home, neighbourhoods, citizens, a sense of belonging. Young people, especially, gain a sense of civic pride when they have a meeting place. The sterile sports centre of UPEI automatically puts "ordinary" citizens of Charlottetown at a disadvantage; fitness centre – yes, swimming pool – yes, rinks – yes. But ordinary kids and adults are competing with paying UPEI students and their schedules; so the users of Charlottetown sports facility — go to the back of the line.
Not to mention the obvious – no walking to Simmons for a quick dip in the pool, no free parking – if there is any parking available. Then, for use of this fabulous new sheet of ice, an eternal walk to the rink carrying a ton of hockey gear.
It is a slap in the face to the citizens of the city that an architect has been hired to study this contemplated third ice surface at UPEI.
Has one been hired to study a new Simmons arena complex, with ice surfaces, a proper pool, a walking track and rooms for other activities? Are the citizens being faced with a "done deal"? When so many city council proposals face significant opposition – often with appeals to IRAC – council obviously does not understand, or is not in sync with the desires of its citizens.
Every city council leaves a legacy. What will be this council’s legacy – the most buildings put up in the shortest time? Allowing developers to take the waterfront from city residents? Yes, the Simmons facility is a very valuable piece of land, but what could be more valuable than the health of Charlottetown’s citizens?
A new, well-planned Simmons facility this close to downtown would not only help the city’s residents stay healthy, help older generations connect with younger ones, but would continue a long-lasting tradition of citizenship within the City of Charlottetown.
This is what a legacy should be.