To the editor:
I write this because talks about the future of the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital has inspired me.
I have had a great idea: why not turn the LPH into a TRUE mental health center? I envision art, yoga, meditation, crafts, music, drama-type. classes inside the building. And what about the garden for therapeutic gardening (also called horticultural therapy)? And what about the forest for forest bathing? Check that out on Google. Tons of research shows the benefits of nature on mental health patients (on all of us of course).
And what if the new mental health centre zoomed in on prevention? How much crime and delinquency could be prevented in our city, if people had another place where they could learn to feel good, another place where they could feel they belong and be part of a thriving community? People of Thunder Bay, I believe it's time we get something very valuable for our tax money, don't you?
I quote J.R. Shermack who wrote in Thunder Bay Source: "For the best return on investment and the biggest bang for the taxpayer buck, (we should) invest in the creative people of Thunder Bay...."
I fully agree. Let's stand for health and quality of life from now on, the developers have taken over enough of our beautiful, northern city and green spaces! There are many ways, beside development, in which a space can become valuable, profitable, and create jobs, so I propose to explore them together, as a community!!
If you agree (or don't), come to the city-organized meeting on Tuesday at West Thunder Community Center (from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.with a presentation at 7 p.m.). The City will be asking for input into the Official Plan. Come and voice your opinion.
Catherine Sajna
Thunder Bay
