Many of us were taught to put some money aside for a rain day, to save either for an emergency, or if we wanted something bad enough.
We’ve learned that the plan to put away funds for a multi-sport facility in District 69 has been removed from the 2019 Regional District of Nanaimo budget.
Why?
Electoral Area (Nanoose) E director Bob Rogers moved to eliminate the contribution to the reserve fund and wait another year.
“I think it’s premature to set this [money] aside in 2019,” said Rogers. “I think it requires more input from the new board and from the representatives from Parksville and Qualicum Beach.”
On the surface, seems logical.
But given the glaring need for sporting facilities in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region, how long must we continue to wait?
Rogers said by deferring it for another year, they will have more time to deliberate on the issue.
OK, but at what point do we stop deliberating and start acting.
If major projects get pushed back, and then ensuing councils/boards keep deciding they need more deliberation, do we not get left behind?
If you’re not up to speed on specific projects just because you’re newly elected, does that not indicate poor planning at some point?
Do we really expect to continue to be able to attract young professionals, with children, without more recreational opportunities?
District 69 recreation commissioner for Area F, Reg Nosworthy, made an interesting point: “The RDN has been studying, proposing and stalling on solutions to major issues regarding an overcrowded Ravensong pool, a deteriorating track and field at Ballenas School and the concept for a future Oceanside indoor/outdoor sportsplex recreation facility since about 2004, well over 15 years ago.”
This despite all being identified as priority items in a 10-year recreational services master plan in 2006, and again last year. He also stated he’s been involved in two sportsplex land purchase study committees that led nowhere.
“This ongoing mode of creating internal reports, creating study subcommittees, hiring expensive consultants, producing detailed proposals, holding public presentations and then postponing the decision-making process over and over again is ludicrous. This never-ending cycle is a complete waste of effort, time and needs to come to an end.”
He’s correct. It’s time to stop putting things off, passing the buck and contemplating the collective navel.
Let’s get on with it.