The Civic Centre

The last two nights I've gone to meetings about the proposed civic centre for Guysborough. It's actually a really neat facility, with an NHL ice surface, with turf for the summer, a walking track, a library, meeting halls, and such. Pretty cool, and it sounds like the municipality can afford it without having to raise taxes. But, people aren't all happy with it. The first meeting was little more than a screaming match about why it couldn't work--not enough people--and it's affect on the Canso rink--kill it. It's actually part of a plan to bring people to Guysborough as these projects like Keltic, Maple, Melford, and apparently a few others that can't be discussed because of non-disclosure agreements come nearby. The idea is that having a state of the art rec facility, in conjunction with the school (which is really nice) and a new performance centre (which should be done in a few weeks), would help persuade people to move to the area. Last night, the meeting was much more positive, under the general premise that people want things to do. It may not be an ideal proposal--it's not going to create jobs--but, it was nice to see people at least consider the plan at hand.

The first meeting was really hard to write about. It's always difficult to paint people in an unflattering light, even when it's only through their direct quotes. I know I always have said, "Just quote them and let them hang themselves with their words" but this meeting was horrifying. Adults screaming, interupting each other, and not even remotely interested in the presentation, but rather just hollering. This is not an effective way to convey a message or concerns. As a result, when the story was done, I was concerned. I tried to explain their views and worries in the story while giving a sense of tension and anger, but they came off, for the most part, as just angry people and I couldn't elaborate on the concerns or the answers because no one elaborated, or let anyone else finish what they were saying. Essentially, it was a disaster, and as the paper is coming out today, I'm worried about what the people involved will think when they see it. It's a small place, and I told the truth, but I think they'll be upset by the fact that their concerns were overshadowed by their bad behaviour. I worry about the phone calls I'm going to get, while at the same time telling myself that I shouldn't be worried--it's my job to report accurately, and I did that.

I guess I'm still having trouble finding that balance between being professional and being liked. Not enough to not write the story, but enough that it bothers me. I guess we'll see what types of phone messages and emails are waiting for me after my long weekend in Halifax.

My other problem with this story is that I can't help but support the idea of a civic centre. Life in Guysborough isn't exactly happening and James and I will probably end up living closer to Antigonish for that reason. I wake up in the morning to find myself missing weird things from life in Halifax, Toronto, Belleville, and Lunenburg. For example, a white chocolate mochiato from Starbucks, which I never got that regularly (I love the white hot chocolate and whipped cream, but the expresso makes me awfully wired) or Tim Hortons--not anything specific about it, just having the option of going to grab an ice cap, cookie, or croissant--even though the bakery is far superior. I miss SmartSet and Le Chateau and Kick Ass Shoes, for my stressful days when I need retail therapy. I don't need to buy anything, I just need to look and know that I could buy something if I wanted. It's a great distraction--and one the discount store doesn't quite accomplish. I miss the bars. I never went to them (unless one of my favourite bands was playing) but apparently I liked knowing I had the option of going out to see a show or go dancing. And, believe it or not, the 20-something crowd in Guysborough isn't exactly huge, or entertained.

I also love to skate, and can't justify the mileage (or the bumpy drive) to go to Canso just for an hour of public skating. If there was an arena in Guysborough, at least I could do that. And, they make it sound like it's part of a bigger plan to bring things like shopping here, which would be awfully nice.

I feel like it would be a positive thing to have things to do here--for myself as well as the community. And that sentiment combined with the horrible public meeting made me worried about writing the story. The concerns are valid--killing the Canso arena, not being able to support such a big facility, and what happens if these industrial deals fall through? But their concerns were overshadowed by the behaviour, and as a result, the concerns may not get presented in the way the concerned people were hoping for.

But luckily, I won't have much longer to worry about it. The paper is coming out this afternoon, and tomorrow afternoon I'm off to Halifax for the weekend--to shop, drink starbucks, go to restaurants, and see other 20-somethings wandering around doing much the same thing. It's also, more importantly, a chance to see my boyfriend, my bunny, and my friends while getting pre-graduation errands done. And, it's a place where I won't be attending angry public meetings. In fact, after the conference this afternoon (if the causeway opens), I don't have another meeting until Monday, which will give me a chance to relax and be calm--I find these angry situations very draining as someone who admits to sucking with confrontation. And maybe next time, I won't sit at the front, so all the anger won't be focused in my direction.