To the editor:
There are five stages to the current waterfront development, and with the opening of the children's water pad, it was stated that this completed the public part of the waterfront project.
The controversy surrounding the waterfront project was not about what has been developed so far, it is the private sector that many people view as a potential conflict with the public tourist waterfront project. I was able to view the development a few days ago, and overall the development has been very good.
The walkways and views of the Sleeping Giant have been improved. There are more places to sit and view the priceless view of the Sleeping Giant and the harbour. The art selection for the waterfront, namely the two steel beams with Morse code appears to be a poor choice as a art monument to the waterfront.
The choice of building a realistic or abstract lighthouse was a missed opportunity. There was a need for more boat spaces and the big ship pier appears in jeopardy given the low priority it was originally given.
The real problem is going to be the private development. Some suggest, and I agree, that this will conflict with the public use of the area. There would appear that this will create some congestion, and the train station has lost it past focus.
The new ice cream stand art design and exterior seems inconsistent with the traditional and contemporary designs beside it. I am seriously concerned that their will be a parking problem as potential tourists visit the area, and quite honestly had the area maintained its public parkland area, we could have saved millions and added to the attractiveness of the parkland setting; time will tell.
To those who use to use the waterfront for a walkpath, I am certain that they will find the developed walkpaths an overall improvement and that part is ready to use, together with buildings that will provide shelter from the elements.
Caesar J. B Squitti,
Thunder Bay
