I just wrote a letter to Oshawa This Week congratulating them on their new magazine publication, Loupe. It is both attractive and interesting. Encouraging too, if the length and details of some articles in the new magazine are indicative of Metroland now being ready to take on a stronger investigative journalism role when reporting on local matters. I suggested one story that should be delved into is an update on the Oshawa hospital cancer lodge and the status of the Foundation finances. In 2005 City Hall under Mayor Diamond approved the controversial demolition of the heritage Rundle House on Simcoe St. to make way for the construction of a cancer patient lodge. Then under Mayor Henry’s council in 2011 there was an announcement the ‘Chuck Powers’ lodge would be ready for occupancy in 2012. But in May 2012 Oshawa This Week reporter Reka Szekely wrote the article titled: “Plans for Oshawa cancer lodge on hold, Donors have option of redesignating dollars to other cancer care or leaving it in the fund”. Pre 2005 there was a rush and then poof...no transparency or accountability for what has gone on and gone wrong. Allowing mismanagement, waste and abuse of process to be fluffed off or sidestepped disrespects the public interest in health care and increases cynicism citizens have toward local government decisions. Time to see a follow up, direct questions and digging beneath the surface to reveal all that is amiss. Time also for the new council members to press for action over inaction. It would be criminal for another ten years to slide by with no new building on that empty lot where Rundle House was torn down in such a hurry.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 02:06:00 +0000
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