It’s time to design and grow better communications

Let’s not get carried away with a David and Goliath story here. The big Architecture School is not looking to pummel the few vendors at Market Square.

At best it’s been a frustrating exercise in poor communications — many people, namely the folks who set up shop every weekend at Market Square and those who patronize it — are feeling left out and misunderstood.

The downtown farmers’ market may be the School of Architecture’s preferred location to get up-and-running, particularly when it comes to its size and proximity to public transit, but it is not the only location that has been under consideration.

It’s uncomfortably odd that no one is willing to discuss what the other locations are. Why is this? Could it be that the school’s steering committee hasn’t fully explored some of its other options?

Why the secrecy during a process that is supposed to be transparent?

The news about Market Square being under consideration as a possible site for the architecture school appeared to come out prematurely. A lot of grumbling and pacifying commentary ensued.

Laurentian University president Dominic Giroux stated the process so far has gotten “the conversation going” to look at the options.

“There were legitimate concerns that were raised ... and concerns that were anticipated,” he said.

Giroux is masterful in his ability to smooth things over, but was this the best way to start a conversation about the fate of Market Square?

As soon as the proverbial cat was let out of the bag, more information needed to be given about the other sites under consideration.

We were told there were dozens. Why not tell people — even those few who make their living by selling their products at Market Square — what some of the other options are?

It might help people to come to the same understanding that the leaders of this community have apparently already come to appreciate about the future of the farmers’ market and the School of Architecture. But no.

In the meantime, people have been told by Mayor Marianne Matichuk that “it’s in the city’s hands to work with everybody to find a solution ... whether we’re going to look at that property for sale (and) what we’re going to do with the market.

We need a report back from staff in the next little while.”

No date was given, but she said she’s hoping it will be ready early this fall. Hopefully the report will be as bountiful as the fall harvest in terms of meaningful information and good communication.

Wendy Bird is managing editor of Northern Life.

- Posted by Vivian Scinto