Thought-provoking comments from Chris Bellemore, a North Sydney resident: Any modern thinking around development should be employing a community development model as opposed to strictly an economic outlook. This includes environmental, cultural, economic and social interests. Municipal planning has shifted to place values on these elements to find long term sustainable solutions. I think some people are still in old fashioned economic development mode, and perhaps that the issue is compounded by both the desperate situation in Cape Breton, and the amalgamation of places within CBRM to the point of a loss of community identity. There is momentum in downtown North Sydney. Huge potential for tourism with new Marine Atlantic developments that are opening things up to the downtown core, and shops that are offering unique products. Green space is another critical part of what helps to shape their experience and encourages new offers. The social benefits of Archibalds Wharf also cant be understated. Low income families walk there to recreate. You cant say that can be offset at Indian Beach or Munroe Park. Its also the only open space near the water. Will $50k be enough to purchase another water access area for these families that rely on affordable things that get their children away from the TV screen and doing something healthy? Im also surprised that anyone would demonstrate support for something that has had so little public input. We dont know what the business model is for this, but we do know that the shipbuilding contract is a short term commitment from the government. How does the company intend to retain jobs in North Sydney after this short term work is finished? How is CBRM going to work with them to ensure these jobs will be sustainable and outweigh the potential loss? I know people are cynical of what I hear as being a Cape Breton attitude of being resistant to change. This is NOT what is happening here. Its a reaction to a decision made in haste that hasnt included key stakeholders and has the potential to affect the overall health and benefits to the community of North Sydney. Ill reserve my judgement until I am engaged in a way that I understand all the facts and that all these things have been weighed and considered with the stakeholders affected in a meaningful way. I know my city councillor didnt talk to me before contributing to this unanimous vote to sell.
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 15:49:36 +0000
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