The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Governments aren't normally known for their expeditiousness, and it's easy to see why. Three years after the initial plan for the CommunityPlex surfaced, residents still don't know one way or the other whether provincial and federal funding will ultimately be secured. As Coun. Cal Huntley recently said, "There's no, 'Who's going to do what by when?' sort of process in place." Concrete answers from the powers-that-be seem elusive. The question that needs to be asked is, Why? Why can't there be more clarity? If the governments' answer to this proposal is a flat no, just say so. Then perhaps other options could be explored. If they are willing to provide only partial funding, just say so. Why the guessing game? What makes this so frustrating is that the CommunityPlex is no small matter. It's not like we're asking for a swing set at a neighbourhood park. This is a forward-thinking initiative designed to secure our recreational and social opportunities for decades to come. The project also has the very strong backing of residents. Sure, some people may have different ideas about what such a centre should include Ð everything from a skateboard park to a paintball range have been mentioned. But the massive support indicated on a mail-out survey earlier this year shows that we want and need the CommunityPlex, or at the very least something similar. I don't doubt the priority placed on this project by our city and town councillors, MLAs and MPs. They see the importance of the CommunityPlex and are doing what they can to see it come to fruition. Unfortunately, none of it will matter unless the provinces and the feds take notice and take action. I completely understand that there are only so many tax dollars out there. I also acknowledge that given the problems in our country Ð crises on reserves and growing health care waiting lines, just to name a couple Ð the CommunityPlex may not be at the top of the priority list in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Regina. But truth be told, other communities are getting goodies like the CommunityPlex. The Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program provided $1.8 million toward the redevelopment of The Pas Community Multiplex. A press release touting the announcement stated that "Manitobans deserve social and recreational opportunities no matter where they live in the province." Last year, a couple of recreational facilities in Winnipeg received $4.9 million from the same program. Flin Flon-Creighton provides a sizable portion of tax revenue through industry and good wages. Our time has also come. It's simply a matter of fairness. Local Angle runs Fridays.
