This Letter to the Editor could not be published because I am a candidate for city council. In running to have a voice, I have lost my voice. Oh democracy..... I publish it here. Please feel free to send it on. Thanks, Lesley
October 3, 2010
To The Editor
With questionable tactics, Craft, representing Wal-Mart is proposing a large new commercial development in the east end, which is extremely disrespectful towards our community. By imposing this development on the city in the east, the corporation negates our local planning rights. Expert City Planner Warren Sorenson has provided Stratford with a three zone commercial strategy to protect our downtown by insuring it remains central and relevant. The proposed east end development is also disrespectful to the wise decision of Ontario Municipal Board Chairman Colin Hefferon who unequivocally supported Stratford’s Official Plan and OPA 10. After a year of hearings, Wal-Mart certainly understands that the City of Stratford would welcome responsible commercial development in the west but it is obvious by it’s recent move that this corporation does not care about our community, in fact they are insulting our city.
I understand that there is a lot of concern within Stratford about the cost of protecting our right to self-determination against the will of this mega corporation. But there is a good chance that the money spent at the recent successful OMB hearings could be returned to the city, as the matter is currently under consideration at the OMB.
A strong local economy is especially important in difficult financial times. Richard Florida states in his book ‘The Flight of the Creative Class’: “the basic force for all economic growth comes from the clustering of creative people – talented, innovative, entrepreneurial people.” He argues this is where job opportunities are developed. He also writes: “ For the first time in history, the further development of the economy literally turns on the further development of our combined human creative capabilities.” We have in Stratford, the important ingredients to develop innovative revenue streams. Stratford is attracting new responsible institutions and companies precisely because of our rare, vibrant downtown and quality of life. We must protect this heart and core of our community.
David Johnston, our new Governor General in his inaugural speech states: "We want to be the smart and caring nation…a society that innovates, embraces its talent and uses the knowledge of each of its citizens to improve the human condition for all.“ He also says; "When we set our sights together, we can do better and inspire each other to achieve great things.” He could be speaking about Stratford. Service to community was also stressed by Mr. Johnston. Stratford could be a leader in wise and forward thinking development while holding on to what so many other cities have lost; a real downtown and high quality of life.
Imagine a future Stratford where businesses are forced to migrate to the car dominated east end of the city because it is the only viable shopping option left. Imagine our downtown reduced to a shell with many empty storefronts, no longer able to meet the needs of residents. This situation would have devastating effects on our economic health and future growth potential.
Stratford has fought to protect itself in the past. We have a rich heritage of holding on to what is important. The railroad wanted to build on the banks of the Avon River. Imagine what a destroyed landscape along the river would look like if CNR had had its way. Instead, by protecting the river, we have inherited natural beauty and precious parks. The railroad did build in Stratford and contribute to the economy but it built on the city’s terms not the railroad’s terms.
Instead of accepting “a geography of nowhere”* streetscape and endangered downtown, we can defend our Official Plan and local planning rights. Together we can stand our ground. Together we can stand on guard for Stratford and develop as a well-planned, visionary, sustainable and innovative city. It is precisely for our children and our bright future that we must insist that this corporation respects our city and our Official Plan.
Now imagine beauty in the east end on these newly opened lands to counter balance the car dominated streetscape - with ball and soccer fields and a lovely park.
Sincerely,
Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick
*(‘The Geography of Nowhere’; James Howard Kunstler)
