The long-term sustainability of Thunder Bay requires many pillars in order to support it. One which I see as being under-appreciated is that of the local arts and culture scene. While it is easy to focus elsewhere during these times of low employment, environmental problems, and other concerns which are more pressing, a long view city plan must maintain this priority.
There are several ways which a strong cultural community indirectly addresses these primary concerns. As a waypoint along the Trans Canada Highway, we have the opportunity to attract people who are passing through, and offer them an opportunity to stop here with the idea that they will have access to events and venues which will offer a uniquely Thunder Bay experience.
Tourism will not save us from loss of primary industry, but it represents a significant infusion of capital into the city, while also improving our public image throughout the country and region.
One major concern which has been brought to my attention throughout the campaign process is the trend of young people to leave the city. As someone who did leave, and has come back, I can say that a large allure of the larger urban centers is the cultural opportunities. Live music, theatre, dance, visual arts, film, and poetry are cultural focal points which encourage the building of an active community. This community spirit should be nurtured, and we will see the benefits of retaining those youth who feel that Thunder Bay is lacking in opportunities along this line.
Over the last several years, the city has seen a large increase in these areas, with theatre companies, bands, and film production companies in particular enjoying great success both within the city, and exporting their productions.
Our City council will be offered the opportunity to support and escalate this movement, with the result of a community which enjoys a higher quality of life, is more attractive to people who are looking to move here, and which offers the youth a chance to participate in a community.
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I think that some people get scared by progress and either jump into it way to fast or not at all. The wind farm is an example of people resisting progress. The waterfront is an example of people jumping to fast into development.
ReplyDeleteThe wind farm needs to happen, but city hall must learn from their mistakes. Public consultation is needed for an endeavour such as this one. What should've happened was a discussion between council and horizon and then public consultations and then sign on the dotted line. That order didn't happen.
When City Council becomes scared of it's own citizens, there's a problem.
With the waterfront, again same problem. The few public consultations were more like a squirrel trying to focus on a nut. Look....shiny stuff. All the aspects of the waterfront development are great ideas. All except the tiny nugget about public land becoming private land.
Also the aging population plays a large part. If city hall goes out of their way to help young people, the seniors get scared they're being left out. If the city helps seniors, the young people feel like they are being left out. There's no middle ground and no room for compromise.
And that's my rant.
Anne: I agree that the city council must improve dialog between the administration, council, and the citizens.
ReplyDeleteWe're all in this together, for better or for worse. We all live here, and will be dealing with the fiscal, political, and social consequences of these "legacy projects". Perhaps if we had politicians who were more interested in public service and less about their legacies, the priorities would shift.