It was interesting after reading the article in the St. Albert Gazette to see that St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron was surprised to see opposition to the proposed Millennium Park and the $21 million borrowing bylaw.
Goodness, why would St. Albertans be opposed to a new park and borrowing the $21 million to build it?
There is opposition to removing half of the trees in order to improve the view of the Sturgeon River. Now granted some of the trees are likely dead or dying and a healthy bush should be thinned out as trees age and die. But cut down half to improve the view of the Sturgeon River?
Then there is also the issue of the loss of the seniors' garden.
We can also add the matter of increased parking and traffic in the area. However the main comments that I received while canvassing for signatures on the petition was why does council think that with the financial situation locally, provincially and nationally as it is, that we need to borrow $21 million (to cover cost overruns and as always,there will be) to build another park.
Due to some health issues and a planned vacation my canvassing time was limited but I was able to speak with about 70 people and there were only two or three that did not sign the petition. One person did not know anything about the park and would not sign until they researched the matter, which is understandable. Two or three others were in favour of the borrowing bylaw and the construction of the new park
The remaining 65+ signatories were split on their knowledge regarding the park and the petition, which unfortunately is a true comment on how little attention people pay to local municipal politics.
After I explained the issue the resounding comments were that we do not need to borrow $21 million to build another park at this time in St. Albert. With our current tax levy and facing a likely 5 per cent or more property tax increase next year the overall opinion was that our taxes are high enough as it is compared with some other local municipalities.
It seems that governments at levels these days are out of control to spend our money on their personal agendas. Are we heading to the same place as our neighbours in Edmonton?
As it has been said in the media lately, "Take the credit card away and keep your hands out of our pockets!!"
Rob Pritchard, St. Albert
