Regarding Howard B. Hoppenheim's letter 'We must stand behind the City’s arena project' (April 16) if Mr. Hoppenheim so concerned about the larger Westmount community, why doesn’t he propose an indoor swimming pool instead of a second hockey rink? Recent citizen comments suggest there is a significant and growing demand for such a facility. Many people do not, or cannot skate. What could be more “family friendly” than grandparents and their grandchildren having a Sunday afternoon swim together, in the middle of February?
If the City is going to spend $30 million of taxpayer money, then let’s be sure we offer services to the widest possible audience, not just skaters. It is unfortunate that citizens were not professionally surveyed long before this project was ever initiated.
If there is to be year-round hockey, why not year-round swimming?
Mr. Hoppenheim’s relentless lashing out at The Westmount Arena Moderation Campaign and his crude, needless personal attacks on me are oddly encouraging. His reaction (he is a hockey player) suggests he is worried that we have made strong arguments in favour of a more moderate project.
The Westmount Arena Moderation Campaign is devoted to insuring that the community at large gets a proper new arena that meets all citizens’ needs, now and in the future, not just those in Mr. Hoppenheim’s camp. We are dedicated to providing facts and figures and demanding professional studies and analysis from all parties.
Mr. Hoppenheim should be thankful that WAMCAM is looking out for all Westmounters, without taking sides. We support a rational, reasonable, and affordable, arena / pool renewal that respects the needs of all Westmounters wherever they live, and whatever sports they do. So should Mr. Hoppenheim.
<@Rb>Gary Ikeman
Westmount Arena Moderation Campaign<@$p>
Why not year-round swimming, too?
Why not year-round swimming, too?
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