Letter to the Editor

I have great difficulty in understanding why our mayor and council are so reluctant to enter into an agreement with the Cranbrook and District Arts Council in regard to the Firehall No. 1 building.

The arts council has worked long and hard to develop a comprehensive business plan that would result in the establishment of a forward thinking and productive use of a vacant, city owned heritage building. All three levels of government, federal, provincial and municipal, have acknowledged that there are many benefits to fostering and encouraging a vibrant arts culture. So many aspects of society are enhanced by a lively and engaged arts community – it helps drive the economy, educates, fosters inclusiveness and well-being. So why are most of our elected officials challenging, even dismissing, such a beneficial project?

The arts council does not want taxpayers’ money. Grant money has already been awarded by the federal government and the Columbia Basin Trust towards the planning stages of the project. Our own city council’s official community plan and a $50,000 study that the city paid for also supports such a project.

So why are these positive and affirmative actions being ignored, even cast aside? Does the city have its own vision for this building? I, for one, would be very interested to hear if they do have something in mind.

Laura Wilson,

Cranbrook

Article Share