Here is a provocative editorial by Ricky Leong from yesterday's Calgary Sun arguing that while Calgary might desire to be considered among the world's great cities, it can't simply buy a world class reputation:
"World class.
More often than not, those two words are used to explain a multitude of spending and planning decisions around here, whether it be by municipal governments or any number of private and public organizations.
Take Calgary's decision to build a pair of pedestrian and cycling bridges over the Bow River at $25 million a pop.
We were promised world-class structures designed by world-class architects.
Wind back the clock a few months and recall the discussions on transforming the Bow River weir into world-class water park, a project worth at least $11 million.
The Calgary Stampede considers the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth a world-class event on par with Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro.
The same words are used to describe future research facilities, amusement and recreational destinations, and even once used by a former head of the Calgary Health Region to describe the kind of health care he hoped to deliver.
Thing is, world-class status is something akin to love.
It isn't something you can buy."
Recent Comments