Letter to the editor;
I have deep concerns about the current proposal for Kingston’s LVEC. First of all, I love Kingston. I live, play, learn and work here. My family lives here too. We plan to stay. I believe that part of what makes Kingston so appealing is its prime location on the water. Our beautiful riverfront is the jewel in Kings town’s crown - with its natural beauty, so much potential for water sports, pedestrian walks, the occasional game of shinny in the winter, the development of shops and tourism. It is the waterfront and the history of our city that attracts visitors to Kingston. It is our most valuable resource. Without it, we are just another city.
The second most valuable resource is the people who live here. The Kingston community is made up of educated, concerned, civic-minded people many of whom are building their futures here. We simply want to be involved in the shaping of our community and the preservation of its natural beauty. We have not been properly consulted regarding this project. It is our city, we are proud of it and we want a voice in its development. Our saying so is not tied to any political agendas and we have no financial gains to be made.
An entertainment centre would be good for Kingston. Sports and entertainment are important parts of our culture. Such a centre would provide economic benefits to the city as well. However, I suggest that there are alternatives with respect to the placement of the LVEC other than on a gorgeous piece of river bank. The alternative locations have not been fully explored. Such a placement promises to ruin the view of Kingston from highway #2, currently the most attractive approach to the city, create traffic, parking and noise problems for the neighbourhoods that surround it, and occupy land that is now multipurpose, serves the needs of many. It has great potential for beautification and increased use.
Kingston’s waterfront should not be the site for the LVEC. Kingston should capitalize on its inherent strengths. The waterfront is a natural attraction that cannot be returned to its original state once it has been filled in, paved over and built upon. When I walk, cycle or drive along King Street or along the Causeway, I am reminded always of the beautiful city we live in as are tourists coming to our city. How quickly our Councillors are willing to throw all this away!
I know that a letter to the editor will not suffice in turning the heads and changing the minds of Kingston City Council. I am happy to devote a day to protesting the LVEC proposal as it stands and I invite others to contact me if they are interested in doing the same.
Lisa Webb
indigo64@sympatico.ca