GuelphToday received the following letter from reader Jim Anderson in response to a previously published letter, 'We need that new library' which appeared in GuelphToday on Oct. 21.
In reply to the letter from Jess Clausen, regarding Baker Street Main Library development:
Respectfully disagree with the position that Guelph "needs ( must have?) a new main library."
Rather than faulting Mayor Cam Guthrie for opposing this overwhelming high cost project, perhaps we should be applauding him and the very few others on council who opposed it , for looking out for our tax dollars. Let's support Mayor Guthrie and those few other councillors at the Polls this election cycle.
Frankly, Baker Street and the congestion of the downtown core is the last place many people will want to go or would risk going to.
Small satellite libraries located within other accessible public facilities in quadrants of the city would have made more sense ... easier access , lighter automobile traffic, ample parking, secure bike parking, public transit , neighbourhood friendly, AODA compliant etc etc.
U of G has a large library and facilities...perhaps we could have partnered with it for a main city library.
Be that as it may, our democratically elected council voted for the Baker St. Main library, and so we have it.
... unless Doug Ford and the Ontario government steps in with his new high density housing plan, and orders it made into housing instead.
Cheers,
Jim Anderson
