I have to assume there isn't a single Sudbury
resident who is surprised with the sad results of the recent
National Health Survey (in Maclean's). Sudbury residents ranked
first among Canadian cities with the most cases of respiratory
disease, diabetes, influenza and knee replacements.
It likely comes as no surprise to most of us,
but as a city Sudbury lacks public amenities such as pools, ice
rinks, recreation centres and recreation complexes compared to
other similar-sized Ontario cities.
The City of Sudbury dropped the ball 10 years
ago when it announced "no more taxes." Gradual tax increase, be
it small or otherwise, is vital in any city's growth and
survival.
While inflation and interest rates have
grown, our taxes remained frozen. In the end all we have done
is robbed our community of affording amenities.
The conditions of our roads are a pandemic,
and now the city is indicating it requires provincial and
federal assistance or the roads will get worse. I didn't know
that was possible.
Ciyy councillors have to smarten up or step
aside because the clock is ticking and the ship must be righted
before it's too late.
Luke Smith
Sudbury