Editor:
The Outlook’s article “Arts centre scope changed to move forward” was an excellent summary of the debate at Canmore Town Council on this issue, and typical of the fine, unbiased reporting that we have come to take for granted from RMO.
When circumstances change, the least appropriate response is to say “we must continue in the current direction in order to maintain momentum.” But ‘momentum’ was the word of the day in this debate on the proposal to convert the old library (or as Councillor McCallum correctly refers to it – “the old liquor store”) into an arts centre.
Congratulations to Councillors Krausert and McCallum for their (failed) attempt to get the Town of Canmore to rethink the project. I know that they strongly support the Canmore arts community and their desire for an arts centre, as do I.
But one of my expectations of elected officials is that they be prepared to make tough decisions to alter direction when appropriate to do so. The plan approved this week by town council is far from the original vision of converting this building into an arts centre and certainly not close to what Krausert pleads for – “the highest and best use of this site.”
We will be getting much less and for a much higher cost than the original plan. But aside from the enormous cost escalation and scope reduction for this project, the other thing that is changing is that with the increased activity in town and the increased optimism about our future, we really need to view this corridor between Eighth and Ninth Streets as a potential jewel in the future development of public space and commercial development in our downtown core.
Councillors Krausert and McCallum clearly see that potential and are reluctant to have it short-circuited by the impatience to have an arts centre, or by a misguided attempt to “stay the course.” Unfortunately, they fell one vote short.
Rick Daniel,
Canmore
