I would like to comment on our City Council's
debating the possible closing of ski hills, libraries, and
arenas. All of these things are places where our children can
go to make productive use of their time and energy.
School libraries are limited in the resources
that can be utilized by students. If council decides to close
public libraries in the small communities, it will make it very
difficult for elementary, high school and post secondary
students to access the materials they need to pursue their
studies. Why should a person have to travel from Lively or
Levack all the way into Sudbury to borrow a library book?
Do they not pay the same tax dollars as those
who live in the city? In a smaller centre, the local library is
a cultural necessity. It is a place where people go to meet,
learn and expand their horizons. It is also a place where
parents can gently introduce their toddlers to the larger world
through story groups, play groups, arts/crafts and other social
activities.
This makes the transition from home to the
classroom easier for parent and child alike. A library allows
us to visit the four corners of the Earth by merely opening a
book and using our imaginations.
Much the same point can be made for places
like ski hills and arenas. In an age where society is becoming
fatter and less fit, I question the mental process behind
closing facilities that promote fitness, sports and wholesome
entertainment.
Once again these are places where families go
to be together and participate in a healthy activity. They are
also a great source of entertainment for people who just want
to watch sports. In any city in this country, the local arena
is a facility that is used more than any other place. Where
would the sports of hockey, figure skating, speed skating and
ringette be without rinks?
What I am getting at is that if we as
citizens allow council to close any of these places, our kids
will have fewer places to go to pursue healthy and productive
activities.
Instead, they will end up walking around the
city streets, hanging out at the mall, or better yet, sitting
in front of a TV playing video games. We might save some tax
dollars on the leisure programs side of things, but we will pay
it out 10 fold with a bigger police budget.
Less outlets for kids means bored kids, poor
grades, stressed parents, and busier police officers.
Let's do something proactive here for a
change folks. If there is a will, there is a way. Let's find a
way without having a consultant hold our hands in the
process.
Maybe if there were a few less City of
Greater Sudbury "company" cars driving around, or a few less
"perks" like golf shirts and hats we could save a little money
elsewhere. It's time for the folks in the Ivory Tower to
relinquish some of their little "kingdoms" for the good of
everyone else--leave the libraries, rinks and ski hills where
they are.
Rob St.Marseille
Sudbury, Ontario