Two problems, one solution: turn Preston Springs into a safe injection site College re-think

I would like to suggest a new “safe injection site” in Cambridge. This location has a solid track record of users for over the past 20 years. Some have done some minor renovations, especially to the windows. My suggestion is the Preston Springs hotel. It is well situated to accommodate all Waterloo Region users.

Each user is guaranteed a window view of Cambridge. It is walking distance to a beautiful park with swimming in the Speed River available. Free needles and naloxone could be delivered by drones right to your window. It would be available to anyone regardless of colour, race or size.

The site is a quick stroll to churches and Timmies. City workers would not be required for any external maintenance like grass cutting, snow shovelling or window cleaning. It’s on a bus route and SkipTheDishes could deliver by drones right to their window. It is very well protected from the elements.

No restrictive entry or alarm systems are necessary. It is not located near schools or many homeowners.

Comment cards could be put at the point of entry and, once completed, could be sent to our city councillors.

Rick Bailey

Cambridge Re: Next government must revitalize college education — June 1

The need to nurture a skills economy — June 2

The revitalization of colleges in this country is indeed a priority. President Tibbits has rightfully expressed concerns that are immediate, particularly respecting government co-ordination with them. And though I might quibble with him as to how credentials should be designated, the larger issue is that the conversation must be much broader, ultimately extending to the entire education system, but also necessitating an expanded mandate for the colleges. The traditional focus on “credentials,” whether they be diplomas or degrees which take concentrated study over a year or more, are mostly directed to those beginning a career; however, these should more realistically be considered a trunk upon which one will inevitably branch out, or a base which can be referenced if, or sadly when, they find themselves uprooted. As a result, stackability in its best sense, for continuous application is necessary — this infers a different kind of knowledge or training “credential,” one for career mobility, revitalization and situational change. These go considerably beyond the traditional focus.

A slipshod gig economy will not support families, and when a family is challenged, it does not expend funds elsewhere, social causes or the environment. We cannot “afford” to go there.

TJ (Tom) Hiller Kitchener