Should’ve put that 500K to the bottom line of the overall cost of that library majority of the people in Guelph didn’t want. 500K on 2 pieces of art is crazy, the people spending that money are probably the same people that complain we need more help for the homeless.
Look, I realize this is being funded through donations. But two art installations, at a cost of $250,000 each?! Perhaps I don't understand how much art should cost... but what is that amount even for? Supplies? Time? I just don't understand.
Public art is as important as our public library. Would you or a child be captivated by a grey cement wall? An interactive art installation would invite participation, open new perspectives, and be a welcoming point of focus when arriving in the library. Public art is a program. It informs a place and a time. Take a look at protests surrounding Sir John A. et a
I find those figures for art installations to be excessive. Would a LOCAL artist be that costly.?Again, I’m sure this building will be lovely but last week I read that the downtown library in Hamilton has almost been forced to close because of the damages done by street folks with addiction issues. Figures crossed this won’t happen to Guelph.
Why is more money being spent before we know how we are paying for the library?That project is something you earn and save for five years down the road. They think they "need it"? Find someone just as excited about the spending their bank account to support.
Im sorry. But if I was a person that donated and saw what these funds were being used for I would be irate. These people dont seem to have a clue what a buck is worth. Wild.
Love this take! This will be a huge benefit to our city and our library - and without any cost to taxpayers. It’s sad to see so many discouraging comments about something as joyful as public art when it comes at no personal cost. Yeesh. Live a little, guys!
Conversely, please explain why you think people shouldn’t have free access to knowledge via books, public computer terminals, workshops and lectures, and a host of other programming that libraries provide.
That’s wonderful that you sincerely apologize for destroying the nesting boxes, but I don’t see any mention of rectifying the damage? It’s basic principle if you damage something you fix or replace it. The GRCA isn’t setting a very good example here.
I would like the Mayor and Councillors to explain why they are spending our tax dollars on this when they claim there was no way to avoid an almost 8% tax increase for 2026. These pet projects have contributed to a 38% tax increase in the last four years! Come on council, start looking at where OUR money is being spent and direct it to BASIC services. You’ve had four years to address non sustainable spending and nothing to show for it.
I have to ask, was there a GRCA representative there when the kids placed all the birdhouses? Or were they given to them to install? The driver of the mower obviously didn't realize there was a safe zone to avoid. All I see is our birds yet again being massacred and a serious issue with communication, mapping and planning. I feel bad for the kids too. They learned a very hard reality, adults in charge miss the big picture.We don't have conservation at the level we should. We don't enforce bird protection granted either. We still don't have chickadee returning after over 100 nests, babies and eggs with adults were killed by our community developer with absolutely not even a slap on the wrist or call from the city before they did it eleven years ago. Why have an MBCA when community leaders won't enforce?