Re: CF Council Purchases Schools

Sally Angle | Jan 20, 2016

Perhaps Mr. Daski should consider the facts instead of optics in forming and spreading his opinions (Re: CF Purchase of Schools, Letters, Jan 14/16.

While I respect his opinion about the township’s purchase of the two schools, a decision I see as forward looking and in the interests of the township as a whole, maybe some facts are needed.

Central Frontenac taxes did not pay for the new school. That project was in the hands of the Limestone School Board.

CF taxes have not gone into the Railway Museum (I assume he means the caboose). That is run by volunteers, who did private fundraising.

The public washrooms were a project of a community group to serve all beach users.

The medical centre expansion was completed with some provincial grants along with the township money to benefit all township residents. And rent paid to the township by the centre will offset this expenditure over time.

The trail is maintained by volunteers and the EOTA, and grants have allowed for its upgrades.

The farmers' market is run by volunteers with the help of grants.

Yes, the township expanded the main office (remember the Economic Action Plan) and built a new fire hall. Are we to allow overcrowding and poor building conditions because Arden doesn’t like it? Mr. Daski, you give the good people of Arden, especially the Friends of Arden, a bad name when you carp like this. Look at history, Mr. Daski. Sharbot Lake was the intersection of two main rail lines. Of course it became the hub of the area. That isn’t optics. Over thousands of years of the history, services have been provided where larger groups of people gather. That isn’t optics. This is the way our society is organized; why Toronto exists.

I congratulate the Council on its decision. It may not benefit me directly but I’m sure it will benefit some of my fellow residents and the township as a whole.