HRM knows best?

It is beyond frustrating to read of HRM dragging its heels in announcing plans for the new recreation centre to be built on the Mainland North Common, using the excuse, "We’re waiting for the federal funding." This is a huge project to be built with public money, yet there has not been a meeting for public input in nearly three years.

At the last meeting (Dec. 8, 2005), the community (over 250 citizens attended) panned HRM’s proposed plans as too small to meet the current and future needs of the 200,000 citizens expected to use this facility. Since that meeting, the city has proceeded to plan this facility behind closed doors without public consultation or input.

It is condescending, undemocratic and paternalistic for HRM to now tell the public to be patient and wait for the announcement, implying that HRM knows best.

Janet Gagnier, Halifax