Citizens who value the tranquil, beautiful environment of the Conservatory should be concerned with the direction of two reports coming to council Monday.
The first report recommends money being allocated to erect safety netting in the main tropical area only to protect staff/visitors from the alleged falling glass, keeping the east and west wings (cactus and seasonal areas) closed to the public, as well as dismantling all other greenhouses. This would mean no much-anticipated and enjoyed seasonal displays, nor greenhouse area for staff to grow the thousands of plants which beautify our city parks and greenspaces.
The core business review report also recommends the out-sourcing of plant acquisition, as well as looking at a new operating model, and folds the savings realized into the 2013 operating budget.
The reports refer to the city's strategic plan which directs administration to “achieve and sustain a healthy financial position” and “deliver services in a fiscally responsible manner”.
While the report acknowledges that this facility has made a significant contribution to the quality of life of the community over the years, no reference is made unfortunately to goal No. 5 that we be “a caring, welcoming, inclusive city”, or the Thunder Bay senior charter which states: “We pledge to improve the quality of life of seniors, by working with them to develop services and strategies that respond to their circumstances, aspirations and varying needs.
The conservatory Updatereports quotes a figure of $710,000 required for current maintenance, including $483,000 for new glazing. The report fails to indicate that replacing the glazing would result in annual savings of $82,514, and pay for itself in 5.9 years. An additional cost of $235,000 for boiler replacement may also be included in the $710,000 amount, resulting in cost savings of $20,929 and pay for itself in 11.2 years (figures Energy Audit & Optimization Study, Profor Engineering. Oct. 2009). These two upgrades would have a huge impact on future energy efficiency, extend the life of the current facility, and reduce operating costs by over $100,000.
The maintenance backlog is unfortunate considering that funds were made available by the government to upgrade centennial facilities in 2009. Our city did not include the Conservatory as a possibility for funding.
Also absent from the report is the value of the flowers grown and planted at various city parks and maintained by Conservatory staff. These costs are included in the operating costs of the Conservatory and not charged out to the parks department. A previous attempt to out-source plant production found no grower able to supply the city's needs.
The review of the Conservatory is part of the core business review and the current reports suggest savings of $100,000. Why is the Conservatory, having been neglected when money was available, the target of this review? Some on council have stated in media reports that it would be nice to see the Conservatory relocated (as part of a new art gallery) at the waterfront. What happened to it being a place local residents can enjoy in the cold of winter, not an attraction for cruise ship passengers, as was suggested?
Many other city facilities operate with huge subsidies; including the Canada Games Complex at $1.5 million, TBCA, $607,000. There is no expectation that this, or any other park, which this facility really is, should pay its way.
The City of Thunder Bay's Beautification Strategy suggests “Thunder Bay's people.... work together to enhance the Quality of Life of citizens....... including Available, accessible and affordable recreational and cultural activities for all.........
I suggest the Conservatory, in it's present easily accessible location, exemplifies that highly regarded goal, and should be restored.
