Too much time, too many options: Friesen
Councillor says all this delay regarding a seniors’ centre is causing even more delay
The time lag in making a decision on a seniors’ facility, and adding more options, could be sending a bad message, says Coun. Julie Friesen.
The Senior Citizens Advisory Committee’s building committee was already tasked with looking at many possible options, said Friesen.
“To me, to put a bunch more options on the table now would completely disrespect, devalue and send a message to the group that has worked so hard on this,” said Friesen. “A clear message — what’s the use — why would we even help you with this decision? I am not in favour of putting a bunch more options on the table. This has gone on far too long as far as I’m concerned, and it’s time we made a decision.”
The fact other options have been raised recently is in part because of the time lag in
making a decision.
“When so much time goes by it’s almost forgotten what it was about,” said Friesen. “The last thing I want to do is send a message to the seniors that this could go on forever. I really am concerned about that.”
Options for a new seniors centre and the results of a city survey are expected to be revealed at city council on Sept. 8, after the Labour Day weekend.
Recently council voted in favour of moving arts groups from the Cultural Centre to the Veiner Centre, which has been unused since damage occurred in the 2013 flood.
A notice of motion made on Monday to see council reverse that decision is looking favourable, says Coun. Bill Cocks.
“My sense is it was well received by my fellow councillors,” he said. “I need two thirds of council to rescind a decision that was made within six months.”
Cocks says he needs to appeal to five other council members to change the direction given to staff to repurpose the Veiner Centre.
“I think there is a good chance I could get council to re-examine their decision to repurpose the Veiner Centre for the Cultural groups,” said Cocks.
It’s been so long since the Veiner Centre was seriously considered as an option for seniors, says Cocks. Hatters and fellow councillors are wondering why this option is not looked at again.
“The Veiner Centre has so many advantages and now we know it is flood protected and it is not damaged beyond repair,” said Cocks.
Julie Friesen sees the motion to reconsider allowing the arts groups to move into the Veiner Centre is independent of any decision about using that building for seniors.
The decision to move arts groups was made before knowing if there is acceptable compensation from the college for vacating that space, said Friesen. The decision also included spending $1.7 million over and above the insurance payout for returning the Veiner Centre to preflood condition.
“My opposition to the repurposing of the Veiner Centre does not tie to a decision about the seniors centre,” said Friesen.