LETTER: Removal of design elements for plaza not justified

SooToday received this letter commenting on design elements for the new downtown plaza.

I would like to comment on the design elements of the downtown plaza that city staff is recommending be eliminated to reduce the additional costs.

Unfortunately, the plaza has been plagued by typical construction overages and supplies chain issues as with many projects throughout the province and country.

It has also been subject to city councillors' concerns and objections to the project despite a council majority and clear indications the project was moving forward. The increased costs are due to delays for staff to address these concerns while construction costs were increasing significantly every year.

The suggested elements being removed appear to either impact the original design concept too much or do not provide savings that justify their removal. Protective barriers should not be removed, especially the metal guide rail that will protect and prevent damage to an Indigenous screen and wood fence from an adjacent private parking lot. The removal of the metal guide rail to save $5,000 is not advisable considering the costs that could be incurred if these elements are damaged and require repairs.

The lighting may seem frivolous, but it is essential to the original design concept and is a necessary aesthetic element to make the plaza a more unique space.

Lighting elements highlight the key features and showcase the area of the plaza. They also enhance the mood for visitors within the plaza during darker hours of the day especially in the winter months.  

A greater focus from the city on gaining additional sponsorship is more effective to reduce costs and encourage community involvement in completing the plaza.

Current financial supporters of the plaza may be willing to provide further assistance or work with the city to find new partners for additional sponsorship to save some of these elements and reduce overall costs.  

There has been regular emphasis on the negative aspects of this project but not much discussion on how it can be utilized in a positive way by various groups that host community events. This is not a “love it or leave it” project. The city “must” love this project at this point or deal with the issues created when it is being driven into failure by too many design changes and negative public scrutiny. If the city is a good business, it will weather this “storm” and focus on how the project could grow to be a better long-term investment and recuperate costs through effective event planning and generated interest for visitors to the downtown. 

A strategy for success is essential for those who oppose the project which has already seen a significant investment.  

We should ask how we can help make it successful and ensure a "return on our investment" to improve community life. It is a community-based project to help our business community in a city aspiring to be more than a steel town. If this plaza is going to fail, it is better to go down swinging than looking.   

Selva Rasaiah
Sault Ste. Marie