To the editor,
I am a little dismayed that the City of Thunder Bay has deemed the Centennial Botanical Conservatory a facility that has "used up its useful life.”
Many people have been married in this facility over the years, myself included, and we have appreciated the natural beauty. It is a wonderful place to come during a blustery winter's day, eat lunch and enjoy the smells of growing exotic, tropical plants.
What luxury to the senses.
I do believe however, that this facility has never been used to its fullest potential, and to date it really hasn't been given the chance.
To have a miniature ecosystem in a large greenhouse smack in the middle of Thunder Bay is truly a gem. I would suggest creating more uses for it rather than stating that it is no longer useful, because once promoted the possibilities could be endless - given a little vision.
One observation is the unnatural quietness.
When visiting I can't help imagining more nature to liven up the place.
The idea of the butterfly park suggested by Jeremy Gardiner in a previous article is a great idea.
I would venture to go a step further and suggest adding some goldfish, turtles and frogs to the wishing pond to create more vibrancy.
A couple of songbirds, canaries or lovebirds might be nice as well.
Children and everyone would be excited and thrilled. We have the infrastructure in place to create a living learning paradise.
Of course I understand the bottom line is that the building does not generate any income and is costing money to run.
But as Marie Dean suggests, "it's not about sometimes making money it's about providing service."
If money is an issue, perhaps part of the property could be zoned so a group could invest into a small boutique or coffee-and-tea room.
What a convenient location so close to our recreation trail system. I would hope that all possibilities were examined fully before tearing down an exceptional attraction.
Susan Lubuk,
Thunder Bay
