"It's not about the money!"
That was the comment hissed at me during a question and answer session of the meeting convened to discuss the "Seniors Community Centre" I beg to differ it is ALL about the money.
About 150 people sat through a presentation showing the proposed centre, given by Cllr. Brocanier, as he explained just what he and a committee of supporters had prepared for the general public. This presentation, that justified the spending of $2.14 million, was totally electronic and not a piece of paper was handed out. So we all sat and listened then were given the opportunity to ask questions. It was during my questions that the offending remark was hissed at me and obviously this person didn't want to hear this proposal was going to raise my taxes 4.5% for the next two years, if she did she certainly didn't seem to care that the some of the public objected to building a private playpen for two exclusive demographic groups. It wasn't until later when the venerable Ed Pursey got up to tell the crowd what he thought about his taxes going up to build a place he couldn't understand anyone would need because as a senior he has never found time to use such a place. As an aside, the person who said that we don't create this fuss when we build hockey rinks certainly got a lesson on Cobourg history as Ed replied that the Council of the day refused to pay for "Pad 2" and he and others raised the complete amount needed in three months in spite of Council's reticense.
Despite calls for such things the public have not seen a business plan or a financial projection based on a needs study showing just how many people would use such a place and how much revenue could be raised to cover the annual operating costs of $153,000.00. The major portion of the operating costs would be covered by charging a membership fee of $100.00 for each person. There are 418 people currently enrolled in the Cobourg Seniors Activity Group. It is hope by building this place that number would increase to 900. Without documentation Cllr Brocanier said he had calculated that his business plan (something that the public has not seen) needs 900 people to break even. However, the Soccer Club will pay rent, how much is unknown, and a nebulous creation called the "Sports and Active Living Council" will also pay rent. Events will take place and a kitchen will provide revenue even though the cost of running a kitchen haven't been factored in.
So am I convinced that this building will be multi-use - NO. Am I convinced that the building will be self-sustaining in two years time - NO. So what can we do?
About 150 people sat through a presentation showing the proposed centre, given by Cllr. Brocanier, as he explained just what he and a committee of supporters had prepared for the general public. This presentation, that justified the spending of $2.14 million, was totally electronic and not a piece of paper was handed out. So we all sat and listened then were given the opportunity to ask questions. It was during my questions that the offending remark was hissed at me and obviously this person didn't want to hear this proposal was going to raise my taxes 4.5% for the next two years, if she did she certainly didn't seem to care that the some of the public objected to building a private playpen for two exclusive demographic groups. It wasn't until later when the venerable Ed Pursey got up to tell the crowd what he thought about his taxes going up to build a place he couldn't understand anyone would need because as a senior he has never found time to use such a place. As an aside, the person who said that we don't create this fuss when we build hockey rinks certainly got a lesson on Cobourg history as Ed replied that the Council of the day refused to pay for "Pad 2" and he and others raised the complete amount needed in three months in spite of Council's reticense.
Despite calls for such things the public have not seen a business plan or a financial projection based on a needs study showing just how many people would use such a place and how much revenue could be raised to cover the annual operating costs of $153,000.00. The major portion of the operating costs would be covered by charging a membership fee of $100.00 for each person. There are 418 people currently enrolled in the Cobourg Seniors Activity Group. It is hope by building this place that number would increase to 900. Without documentation Cllr Brocanier said he had calculated that his business plan (something that the public has not seen) needs 900 people to break even. However, the Soccer Club will pay rent, how much is unknown, and a nebulous creation called the "Sports and Active Living Council" will also pay rent. Events will take place and a kitchen will provide revenue even though the cost of running a kitchen haven't been factored in.
So am I convinced that this building will be multi-use - NO. Am I convinced that the building will be self-sustaining in two years time - NO. So what can we do?
1 comments:
Ben I haven't got an answer to your question - what can we do - but I have further complaints to add to yours and Mr. Pursey's.
Having hung around with the non profit sector for a long time in Cobourg, I remember when the Town actually supported community groups with real cash money every year. Of course with the rush to keep taxes low in spite of downloading costs, that kind of largesse was quashed in the 90's.
But two groups, who are often comprised of the same people, are always catered to in this pretentious little town of ours; they are the affluent and the old.
Remember when a few folks wanted to use Thomas Gillbard school as a multi use community centre? The Town had no time for that idea, although their reception was warmer to the artsy types who wanted a "cultural centre".
It would seem that idea has now morphed into this ridiculous proposal for a seniors' centre, and I agree with Ed Pursey, it's not needed. Nor does the soccer club need to expand its empire. They are already charging $110 per child to play, will they expect hapless parents to pay more to support this Centre too?
The one "group",(although they are not organized as such), who could really use a community centre,is made up of low income people of all ages. Being poor means no money for recreation or socializing. Certainly no organized sports for the kids. The low income elderly are the most isolated of all because they are too ashamed of their circumstances to use the food banks and soup kitchens, which are about the only social outlets low income people have.
This group though, wouldn't be able to participate in the proposed Centre. They can't pay user fees and they can't afford to pay rent for an event either.
These are the citizens who need a little help from the broader community, but their need cannot match the complete indifference and even callousness expressed by our current town leaders.
It's time to storm the barricades and throw the bums out!
DJO
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