Castanet

Yes I am always questioning decisions being made by the folks over at City Hall. One reason is I do not understand the lack of vision when it comes to dealing with issues, The Gyro Band Shell - let's build a fence around it. Hello?? Is Trump in the house?? I enjoy reading happenings in that wonderful little town in the Kootenays - Nelson. Here is just one more example of how their vision is creative, perceptive and will offer the community a facility for years to come. The question I have is why can't we - what is the problem??

Here is link to Nelson's latest endeavor: http://www.nelsonstar.com/news/nelson-c ... e-concept/

I'm pretty sure that when people start defecating, urinating and leaving needles lying around in the new market and stage area proposed for Nelson that the city council of the day will also ponder the idea of fencing it just as Penticton is doing. It's just a matter of time, but it eventually will happen.

Yet Nelson does not have issues like you speak of with their other band shells down on the lakeshore. So again what are they doing that we are not. They have city police - we have RCMP. Does that make a difference. Just throwing it out there.

southy wrote:Yet Nelson does not have issues like you speak of with their other band shells down on the lakeshore. So again what are they doing that we are not. They have city police - we have RCMP. Does that make a difference. Just throwing it out there.

Nelson may be beautiful but it is completely out of the way and difficult for those that lack money to get to. It is also extremely small at under 10,000 people. There simply aren't the resources or population there that the homeless and less fortunate seek out or the support they require. One of the most difficult things about dealing with the homeless and less fortunate is that the more your city has to offer them in support services, the more attractive it becomes and more show up.

Nelson also has another huge advantage in that it's housing is much more affordable. A quick search turned up rental units for $550 a month including utilities. 2 bedroom suites and apartments could be had for $850 a month. Low income individuals can afford to put a roof over their heads there.

Also Penticton city staff recommended that a fence be placed across the front of the stage of the Gyro Park Band Shell due to the drug use and vandalism occurring there. Other deterrents had proven ineffective and the fence was the most cost effective option as the city already owns the fencing required. Council denied the request but did ask staff to look at other options including the set up at night, and removal in the morning ,of the fence every day so that the public would be able to enjoy the band shell throughout the day.