By Kevin Wiens
Editor, the Gauntlet,
[Re: “Demolition likely for MSC docks,” Andrew Barbero, Feb. 15, 2007.]
After reading the latest news on the digital library developments, I am at a complete loss for words. When an estimated $50 million dollars needs to be spent in order to relocate loading docks, things have gone too far. It was a bit of an understatement when it was admitted that “in hindsight, having loading docks placed at the centre of campus was not the best way to set it up.”
Looking at a map, clearly this space has always been a physical centre of campus, so to come to this revelation now and to feel the need to spend millions of dollars to fix a mistake is pure madness. How would the decision makers feel about demolishing the Administration building and erecting the digital library in its place? Sure the libraries would not be connected, but a quadrangle would still exist without the price tag attached with the current proposal. But I am sure that this idea would never be considered because it would not be the students that would be inconvenienced. Our university could put $50 million dollars to use in many more beneficial ways. If the current proposal proceeds, it will truly be a sad day for the history of the university.
Kevin Wiens