The song “Is that all there Is” came to mind when reviewing the city's Strategic Plan draft, which contains a lot of what might be described as motherhood generalities, but few specifics.
It seems to ignore some important realities, specifically the prospect of low population and job growth for the next several decades, and how this will affect property tax revenues and the ability of the city to continue to provide essential services, repair and maintain infrastructure and possible community enhancements.
There appeared to be little emphasis on sustainability and providing for the communities that make up our city to maintain their local identity and amenities for their residents, such as arenas, community halls, fire services, etc.
There is some mention of public investment for the downtown, but parking continues to be a problem which is not addressed except to suggest private investment, which is speculative.
While there is mention of ecological sustainability, there are no specifics with regards to concerns, particularly with respect to drinking water from area lakes and wells. There is no mention of debt financing that will, for proposed legacy and big projects, impact taxation for generations, and, for which there is no real demonstrated need and could be considered just wants to benefit only a limited segment of the overall population and where existing resources can continue to be utilized.
In short, a disappointing document that does little to address real matters of concerns, which should be part of any meaningful strategic plan. We expect and deserve better.
John Lindsay
Chair
Friendly to Seniors