I love this city. So damn much. I had never seriously considered leaving this city until this arena debate started in 2016.
Why? Because the vision proposed by the KED is so diametrically opposed to the vision of community and city-building that I and so many of my friends and neighbours work to build here every single day.
I want to live in a place where we can have a great meal, check out the game, cheer on the home team, and then celebrate the big win at the bar around the corner before stumbling home, all without ever getting behind the wheel.
I want to live in a city that is building for the future, and that caters to the lifestyle needs of young families and professionals.
I want to live in a city with a strong ecosystem of entertainment, entrepreneurs, nightlife, arts, restaurants, housing, all intermingling.
I want to live in a city whose future is accessible to all citizens, not just those with a car.
I want to live in a city that makes a long-term visionary plan for itself, after consulting thousands of stakeholders and has the courage to follow through with that vision.
I want to live in a city that leads by example and follows the lead of the McEwen School of Architecture, of Place des Arts, of the Art Gallery of Sudbury and chooses to be part of that forward momentum, not work against it.
I want to live in a city that believes that a large community asset such as an arena needs to be an intimate part of the community it is meant to serve.
I want to live in a place that inspires visitors to come into its city and discover what makes it so special, not just drive in and leave.
I want to live in a place that invests in its future while owning its past.
I want to live in a community that believes in the values of community: compassion, belonging, connection, inclusivity, and a focus on service.
Most importantly, I want to live in a city that has the courage to believe in itself. And I truly believe you want to live in this place as well.
I support building a new arena downtown and I urge you to do the same.
The KED was a poor bet. It might have been an inspiring bet, with all the bells and whistles, but it is now clearer than ever that it was a flawed bet.
There is no confirmed hotel.
There is no confirmed casino.
There is no confirmed convention centre.
There is no confirmed restaurant.
There is no Fabio Belli Soccer Dome.
There is no motorsports park, no water park, no drive-in theatre.
There is nothing but the idea of an arena, alone, on undeveloped land on the outskirts of town, and that is not a future worth sticking around for. Build up, not out.
We must seize the incredible opportunity we have in front of us to revisit this landmark decision with the benefit of hindsight. The passage of time has given us something that other cities, Sarnia, Windsor, Ottawa, Saskatoon, have not had the privilege of—the chance to change our minds.
When the facts change, I change my mind. What will you do?
It’s time to demonstrate true community leadership and step up to the task for the greater good of this city we all love so damn much.
Christian Pelletier
Cofounder, Up Here
President, We Live Up Here
Sudbury