The recent request for proposals by the
Sisters of St. Joseph for the future use of the current site of
the St. Joseph's Health Centre has certainly brought out some
interesting ideas.
The most vocal suggestion seems to be the
mayor's dream of a hotel and convention centre overlooking the
lake. I fail to see, though, how this matches the requirements
set out by the Sisters in their initial call for
proposals.
The Sisters of St. Joseph have long been
guiding lights in the health and education fields here in the
northeast for decades. How does a multi-million dollar
investment in a hotel and convention centre link to their
desire to help people who may be less fortunate? How is the
spiritual addressed in a hotel and convention centre complex?
Did the city fathers and mothers forget to read that mission
statement?
As a keen supporter of the arts in the
northeast, I think of the great good that has been done by the
creation of the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing
Arts in Parry Sound. It has rejuvenated that community and has
shown its commitment to the arts. Rather than build yet another
hotel, why not create an uplifting, graceful arts centre on the
shores of Lake Ramsey? It would address the power of the human
spirit and creation, and it would also bring tourists to
Sudbury to take part in arts events. Dance, music, theatre and
visual art could all come together under one glorious roof.
Without money, though, it just remains my quiet dream proposal
for a better (and greater) Sudbury.
Kim Fahner
Sudbury