Gary Gardiner, who in recent years has used his spare time to hold the City accountable in matters dealing with water and wastewater, has turned his attention to the proposed refurbishment of King's Landing.
At issue is the price of the "preferred alternative," favoured by city staffers and estimated to cost between $9 million and $14 million to complete, as well as a yearly maintenance expenditure of up to $210,000.
Gardiner believes a more prudent approach would be to repair the existing structure (estimated to be $3-7 million), going as far as saying that he opposes building a new, or "unnecessary wharf."
"I think it's important that as Council deliberates whether to spend an additional $10 million over and above what it would cost to simply repair this historic landmark that the public understand what are the benefits and more important, what are the risks going forward," said Gardiner in his 10-minute presentation.
Gardiner cited a 2014 report from Mitchell Architects throughout his presentation that suggested that King's Landing was merely in a "mid-life crisis," and that a refurbishment could extend its useful life for fifty years.
"We must determine the priority of the 'musts' and the 'needs' over the 'wants.' The extra $10 million for the unnecessary wharf is really a 'want.' Any decision to proceed must be taken within the context of the difficult issues we are facing today," added Gardiner.
Harriet Madigan, a frequent volunteer who has been involved in various stages of the waterfront development told Council that although "it is not easy to let go of old ideas, it is necessary if we want to progress as a strong, healthy community. So, I fully support the plan, it will strengthen our identity and make us unique regionally, nationally, and even internationally."
Members of local Rotary Clubs also appeared at the meeting Tuesday to confirm their commitment to raising $250,000 toward the construction of a multi-use splash pad and ice skating rink facility. "You don't have to worry, we're behind it 110 per cent. And we will fund it," promised Rotary Club of North Bay president-elect Chuck Verge.
Murray Cooper has started a petition calling for the City to curb its spending in the downtown/waterfront area. "Can it not wait until the next election for all to decide?" asked Cooper.
"How many more tax increases must we endure to lure the elusive tourist? Why are we here discussing the revamping of the downtown core complete with Vegas-style lighting to attract shadflies?" wondered Cooper.
"I hope to be able to retire here, but at the rate my taxes are going, I won't be able to," added Cooper.
Coun. Mark King weighed in on the night's presentations, saying "there's no question in my mind that there are a number of people that are very concerned about what King's Landing would look like.
"I haven't varied one iota on this. There's just no possible way that I can see spending between $10 and $13 million on this. I think the next step will be some sort of resolution from Council that will instruct staff to come back with what repairs would cost."
King's Landing is named in honour of Mark King's late father, Don, a former reeve of Widdifield Township and North Bay councillor.
King noted that the City has to make sure they have capital funds earmarked for projects coming up, such as the Cassellholme redevelopment and the West Ferris Arena.
"I feel for Bill Love (who spoke of his children having to move away from North Bay to pursue employment and affordable housing in his presentation). I know what he's feeling, I hear from people," said King.
King said a meeting Wednesday with Mayor Al McDonald would give direction on where to go next with the waterfront. "When I look at the downtown development, there are a couple of things that are doable over a period of time," and with the commitment from the Rotary, it's hard not to find a way to make [the splash pad] work.
Asked if major financial decisions could be put over until a new council is formed following the 2018 election, King replied "sure they can. Those items could sit on committee and I could not bring them forward. That's not the way I like to operate. If there is business [to attend to], Council needs to put their best foot forward and indicate where they stand on these issues."
