Editor:

I would like to thank the Multi-Centre Task Force for their individual time and dedication given to their job. I personally realize this type of volunteer work takes an immense amount of self-giving. Thank-you.

This group, however, literally began with people solely concerned with our 1950's arena being shut down – condemned! 

Recently, at a Bantam Tournament in Quesnel, I got into a conversation with a parent from 100 Mile House who, laughingly stated: 'As a junior, I played here in the 80's and I don't think this arena has changed at all...not one board is different!'

What should I have replied? Yes, but we've got a $30 million City Hall? (That PSL fiasco was the first grand slam against the future of Quesnel's arena; people very much in-the-know with "life in the arena" had already proposed $15 million to re-build or completely renovate the old thing. But, former Mayor Steve Wallace blocked that project by getting those same people on to his "Yes Committee" for the New City Hall – that kept them quiet and drained Quesnel's pocket book.)

In Quesnel's history, has any other sports facility with such an immediate need ever been "held at ransom" by one or more completely different entities? I certainly believe in referendums – to ask the taxpayers their voice; but, in this case, I feel the absolute need for a new arena should have been made clear and stood on its own.

Our arena needs 'an Extreme Make-Over' now...not five or 10 years from now. Our taxes will certainly not be lowered when the rec centre debt is paid off in full (2009); a possibility those already collected taxes "moved over to pay toward an arena?" (If not, why not?)

I have spent hours in the last 10 years observing the good life skills youth learn through being a part of hockey and ringette teams. Not only are they learning a physically-fit lifestyle, but how to set goals (personal and team) and then strive to reach them. They are also learning self-improvement, self-confidence, self-esteem as well as even work ethics (dedication of self, punctuality - practices and games, and working together in spite of differences).

These individuals are also good ambassadors for our city each time their teams travel to other towns, as well as when they host out-of-towners here.

These young people and their parents/coaches do not deserve to be living in this embarassing and threatening

nightmare..."What happens to us if they shut down Rink 1?"

There would no longer be an opportunity to have tournaments here, and – business owners, no longer the chance for out-of-town teams to drop $200,000 per season into our city. 

A further objection to this "combined referendum" is that we will be over-crowding our Civic Plaza. People keep saying 'be positive about our city's future' – but are we looking ahead to possibly having a third sheet of ice close by...or even an outdoor rink for some games, public skating, etc.? (This could be located where Rink 1 ice surface is now, and would really make Quesnel stand-out as exciting and unique!)

Are we going to see our more than $300,000 Civic Plaza brick work (completed in 2001, I believe) destroyed, and another street cut-off?

Are we really willing to park within four or five blocks to get to the arena (with or without children and their gear), and to go to the Curling Rink (there are more Senior curlers this year than ever), or/and to a convention/theatre building?

Why do we not, in the near future, buy other lots: the old city hall (a two or three-tier parkade), the Legion/lot (a theatre or/and a convention facility, the old Baptist church/Art Gallery, the triangle across from that church, or private houses north of the old library as they become available. Let's leave room for future expansion.

Why should we believe we need everything right now? Arena folk have been expressing their urgent need for at least 15 years!

I'd like to invite a rapid turn-around at the drawing board with a replacement for the old arena being the sole concern.

Is it too late to put 'First Things First?'

And, by the way...to all the Council candidates who have spoken (in your flyers, at forums, etc.) of promoting more "healthy" and inviting activities in Quesnel for our youth, why don't you also put 'first things first' – and first help maintain those which are already established?

Ruth McClounie

Quesnel