End the “speculation and rumours” then

Back on November 30, 2006, Mayor Eddie Francis stated his committment to open and transparent government when he said, “It’s easier for me to have the information out there to prevent speculation and rumours, and that doesn’t help us in any way; it doesn’t help us when we’re trying to attract business.”

For a Mayor who claims that some city councillors are “playing politics” with a report from Adminstration telling council to spend upwards of $250,000 on communications officers, there certainly seems to be some political gamemanship going on with regards to the future of the Capitol theatre. According to a press release posted on Windsor City Blog, the city has been aware of the difficulties facing the Capitol since August 2006, and furthermore, “considering the bequest ($200,000), the net cost to the City over a twelve month period would be no more than $250,000 and this amount would be further reduced by any success the fundraising position would realize.”

Our Mayor claimed in his inaugrual speech that he was, “challenging the arts and culture groups in our city to work together, and build an integrated, strategic plan that will allow the arts to thrive in Windsor. ” Gee, seems to me they have a plan and are looking for a hand-up to make it happen.

What I find most curious is the dead silence from city councillors. Why just back in January, councillor Halberstadt stated, “Maybe it’s time to look at its future. I don’t see it continuing to do what it’s doing now. It can’t really compete against the Chrysler Theatre. Or with Casino Windsor coming on board in 2008 with a 5,000-seat theatre, the Capitol gets relegated to the undercard.”

We already know what Councillor Postma thinks about the Capitol theatre when she said, “I really resent how this was managed. I resent how different things were handled and I resent somebody throwing it on my lap. She thinks the city’s money would be better spent on social issues, roads and sewers.”

On that note, ward two councillors failed to secure an arena downtown, and now, they are turning a blind eye to the arts and culture community. I can see that urban village – which by the way, what happened to the RFP’s that Mark Boscariol stated on this blog would be “coming before council” on February 28 – really being successful. Seems ward councillors don’t hesitate to spend upwards of $65 million to move an arena to the outer limits of the city, but when it comes to a $65,000 loan, it’s the end of the world.

Perhaps if the employees of the Capitol wore Spitfire jersies…

Our Mayor has claimed that, “Reports and surveys have shown that a critically-important factor in attracting the knowledge-based jobs and workers we need, is to have a thriving arts and cultural community.” Seems other cities across Canada have realised this as well, the difference being that they have invested in the arts.

Take Calgary for example. “I think Calgarians are very proud of our city and want and expect us to be up there with the best,” King comments. “I think that it is absolutely essential if we want to be one of the economic drivers of North America; we have to have a vibrant cultural scene.” The result: a $500,000 increase in support.

The City of London invests too. On their “Creative City” website the city states, “The enhancement of the cultural infrastructure will be an important priority to assist the City of London in strategically positioning itself within the top rank of Canadian municipalities.” They also have put their money where their mouth is in their 2007 Capital Budget (page 19).

But what is Windsor’s plan? Whether it is the border file, or the endless arena debate of past, this Mayor is directly responsible for creating “havoc” and feeding the very speculation and rumour that he clearly does not approve of by not being forthcoming with information.

End the “speculation and rumours” and state what ideas and/or plans you have for the Capitol Theatre. Let’s just hope it isn’t a parking lot.

Speaking of speculation and rumour…is the bus terminal over-budget?

A current rumour that has been circulating is that the new “funky” bus terminal is over-budget and that the City is now pulling back on the aesthetics on the new bus terminal to come under budget.

As you will recall, the ($7.5 million) project was approved by eight councillors, with Dave Brister and Jo-Anne Gignac opposing it because of the cost…the building that will feature a red-brick exterior, domed roof, $300,000 in streetscaping and fully accessible, automated doors at a cost of $100,000. The building plans grew from 8,000 square feet to about 9,200 square feet.

Mayor Eddie Francis defended the project, describing it as a catalyst for further investment in the urban village that’s been envisioned downtown. “The Cleary deal was made possible by virtue of the fact that we are moving toward a new urbanism, by virtue of the fact that there was going to be amenities for the students.”

Could the Mayor end the “speculation and rumours” on this one, and let us know if this “catalyst” for the urban village could have the aesthetic appeal of a cardboard box, or is it just rumour?