I was just a bun in the oven in March of 1955, but I enjoyed the read which was posted in the Journal today, about the then new $215,000 Sarnia […]
I was just a bun in the oven in March of 1955, but I enjoyed the read which was posted in the Journal today, about the then new $215,000 Sarnia police station. "Oh, how times have changed!"
Earlier on this beautiful spring like day, my wife and I stopped for lunch at a local downtown coffee shop. We don't go out for lunch that often anymore, but as we were sitting there enjoying our meal, the waitress suddenly turned the "Sorry We're Closed" sign in the window, and pulled down the blind. My hot turkey sandwich which I've come to enjoy there, felt like I swallowed an entire bird, along with my cup and a half of coffee. I must admit, as I paid my close to fifty dollar lunch tab (with tip), I was a little upset. Not at anyone in particular, but suddenly it wasn't such a beautiful day. I had no idea they closed at 1pm on Mondays. "Oh, how times have changed."
As we made our way down Front Street past Centennial Park, there were five ladies standing by the SARNIA sign taking photos by the bay. Sun was gleaming off the remaining ice. I was suddenly enjoying this beautiful day again, but was reminded of how the park used to look. Right where that sign is, was where Sifto Salt once stood. I would have been six years old by then. I was suddenly reminded of a simpler time. "Oh, how times have changed."
Then I get home and open my iPad and read about today's council meeting, and the decision to drop the OPP discussion. Hallelujah!
But…I will be the first to say I am not in favour of a $90-120 million dollar police station for this city. To me this looks like legacy project for the Chief of Police who has raised the cost of policing in this town to astronomical highs since his arrival.
This is where time needs to change! This city is failing its citizens in so many ways. Drugs and homelessness are out of control. Taxes are through the roof, and our tax base seems to be shrinking more and more every day. Businesses are struggling to stay afloat in every area of the city. Just look around you. Now there's the uncertainty of the war in Iran. People are hurting everywhere except for the 1%.
Mayor Bradly was right to do everything he could to stop this project for now. Kick it down the road a bit to see if things get better. If that doesn't suit the police department then come up with a more reasonable plan. It seems to me a detachment along with the existing station might be a better idea.
Hopefully today will be another nice day. "Oh, how times change…"
