SITE OF ANOTHER MONEY PIT?
The Nanaimo Boathouse Society, headed up by Camella Tang was asking the city to grant them a right of use license or lease of the waterfront lot right beside the Brechin boat ramp and the area appearing in the foreground of this picture.
It would appear this $5 million facility, which basically is a warehouse for kayaks, dragon boats and such has no private funding and only letters of support from various groups. The letters basically say such a facility could be a good idea. However, the support goes no farther than vocal support.
The pitch, if I understood correctly, is the Boathouse Society would fund raise (primarily from municipal, provincial and federal governments), build the structure and then ask the city for $100,000/yr. as an operating grant and an additional $50,000 or so for upkeep.
During the discussions at the city council meeting where Tang made her pitch, Councillor Brennan (obviously a supporter of such projects) tried to point out that Tang was 'only' asking for a commitment of $100,000/yr. to operate the boathouse. However, if the city were to give this project the nod, according to city manager Mr. Swabey, senior governments are looking for matching funds to come from the municipality.
No More Vote-Buying Projects
A skeptic might say the only reason we have burned over $800,000 on the incredibly poor building at 25 Victoria Rd. was to pander to the 'arts' crowd who promise to deliver votes on election day.
If this Boathouse project is a viable commercial enterprise, then let private enterprise fund and operate it, not unlike a golf club. By no means should city hall open the taxpayers purse for another never-ending money pit. We already have quite enough of them.
The moving van had not even left Centre Stage with Tang's belongings, when she appeared at council for yet another "hobby" - a $5.1 million boathouse.
ReplyDeleteWhy do some residents have no shame to asking the city for more, more and yes, more.
First off, Centre for the Arts should return the next six months of taxpayer funded management fees they are leaving with in their truck today!