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Posted Apr 23, 2012, 10:33 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BC
Posts: 2,918
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I just sent this message to the councillors, hopefully this adds an opinion among many others; both in support and against.
Quote:
Hello Counc. ________,
I understand your message box must be getting flooded with comments regarding the proposed Water-Park development across the Human Rights Museum.
I also understand there are many items to take into consideration when it comes to deciding a "yes" or "no" vote.
I would simply like to contribute my own opinion for your consideration.
Firstly, I do understand that something is better than nothing on that empty parking lot. That said, the potential for something great that would add to the urban quality and life of downtown is something very important. A 50,000 sq ft water park and hotel by a "Super 8 Motel" type hotel developer is not the type of development that should be sitting across something as drawing, inspiring and important as the first national museum outside of Ottawa.
We're talking about a site that represents the entire nation, and although in the short term, a guaranteed development across the site seems like the best course of action, in the long term we are losing one of the prime parcels of land that could lead to a greater urban fabric within Winnipeg.
For instance, let us consider what could be there: condo developments, walking-level retail stores, open market spots for the summer; a natural path way for those who walk from the Exchange or across Main Street or St. Boniface to the Forks. Additionally, we already have many hotels being built. If a hotel must be accompanying this site, what about a higher end brand? Why should CanAlta be the victor to develop at that location? Out of all of their current hotels, I have not seen one standout in terms of architecture or design. They seem "small town" and "cheap", and we have not seen any plans or designs on their behalf as to what their vision looks like. To me, this seems doomed to become an eventual disappointment.
On the other hand,
I understand that land may take some time to develop (but this will likely be in the forefront of everyone's mind's when the Museum actually opens),
Yet imagine 5-10 years from now, increasing foot traffic, and having a desirable place to walk, shop, eat and socialize mixed with condo developments. This is something we would see in Montreal, which is considered one of the most desirable cities to live in the world. And it is something that fits with the Forks better. Increasing the population of this area is never a bad idea. There have been Condo and Mixed use development proposals, and these should be #1 in contention. Even if there were only 100 units built in this area, that is at the very least 100 more people supporting the businesses in the Forks, walking to the Exchange, adding to bus fares, adding to foot traffic across the bridge in St. Boniface, and creating a greater impression on people who come from out of town. I travel a great deal across this country, I am in fact in Calgary currently as I type this message out, and increased foot traffic is very important to the livelihood of a city.
Looking further ahead still, 15-30 years from now that area could be a very desirable place to live and connect nearby a potential future Rapid Transit hub, either at the VIA rail station or nearby as the plans currently account for. By then, the city will also be over a million people, with greater expectations; and this site would have been wasted as a 50,000 sq ft water park that will do nothing to solve long term issues related to making the area an attractive place to be. No young students or bachelor aged individuals will be interested in this type of development (these are the main people who are growing our downtowns population, making it safer to walk downtown, and increased foot traffic also makes a safer impression for people in general).
But all of this is only accomplished by forward thinking. Winnipeggers should start to demand the best, and only the best. We should be beyond simply "accepting" whatever proposal comes our way.
I am not against the idea of a Water Park in Winnipeg, but if we will do that, then I hope we do it right. Let's build something bigger than 50,000 sq ft. Let's build it somewhere such as the Seasons of Tuxedo development where it makes sense and the space is available. And let's not waste an important site that could genuinely enhance downtown Winnipeg with proper mixed use developments.
Thank You very much for taking the time to read this, Counc. ______.
I do hope you take this opinion, along with even those that are opposing opinions into consideration on Wednesday, and whatever is finally decided we will all have to live with, whatever that may be.
Once again, Thank You very much, Take Care, and Good Luck.
- Sincerely, ________
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