(Editor's note: while a municipality does usually contribute, the building of hospitals is a provincial responsibility)
To: Mayor Guthrie and members of Guelph City Council
Dear elected members
I would like to offer some thoughts for the discussion of whether or not to proceed with the new library building.
I use the library regularly and value it. I can honestly say that service is wonderful and the libraries are seldom busy. I use four different branches in my travels by way of justification for my statement.
That said, I respectfully believe that the Citizens of Guelph and surrounding area would be better served if we started devoting our attention and resources to planning for a new hospital, perhaps in the south end of Guelph or in conjunction with the University of Guelph as a teaching hospital.
Fergus just opened their new hospital at a cost of $144 million. The Guelph library construction is estimated at $67,000,000.00. In an ideal world, we should have both. However, logic and common sense dictate that we sometimes have to make difficult decisions.
I believe we should start planning and saving now for a new hospital as our main priority. Yes it is a big step. However as our population grows and ages, I believe the demand will be justifiable. It is not a battle between whether we need a library or a hospital. It is a matter of what we need more and indeed what we can afford.
Respectfully submitted for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Rick Ferraro
