Quote:
Originally Posted by Table 5
Ugh, is it really all or nothing with some of you? Do you not realize that the city has to start somewhere? No, we're not going to become frickin London overnight, but the change has to happen somehow.
When you consider the amount of money that the city is wasting trying to maintain it's massive road network to support some soccer mom in Tuscany, $25 million to build a bridge that will levate your city (even if just a bit on the world-stage) is not that big of a deal.
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Let me get this straight... lets blow the wad on some flashy bridges, because if we waste enough money, we might be able to buy enough culture to be able to be in visual distance of London's urban league? Calgary is a historical footnote, and a young, relatively cultureless, mid-size city. Frankly, it needs to act like what it is and get its act together before trying to mimic the major players. Calgary has a ways to grow before it has the critical mass to undertake flashy projects. Communities like Tuscany may not be the most efficient, but it is, regardless of your opinion, what the majority desires... communities like Tuscany also reduce demand on the inner city properties making them more affordable for those who actually want the congested inner-city lifestyle.
Calgary has an obligation to maintain that road system, because if the City of Calgary refuses to build suburban communities with detached dwellings, a neighboring city will. The end result of that is even worse as you will have huge satellite cities leaching off the core with no tax return. Calgary whines about Okotoks, Airdrie and Cochrane now... imagine if they were three times bigger. Of course, could they build better suburbs than Tuscany? You bet.
Back on topic, Calgary does not have to spend $50 million on two pedestrian bridges that will be used by a relatively small population... a much smaller population than those who use the "sprawling road network."
If Calgary wants to blow money on grand projects, do so with Libraries, Post-Secondary facilities, Stadia, Concert Halls, Museums, etc. Things that add actual value to a city and actually bring in some real income. Not two grossly overpriced bridges.
$50 million would go a long way towards a multi-purpose stadium capable of football, soccer, outdoor concerts and other major events.