To the Editor:

I would like to share my thoughts on the new University College of the North (UCN) campus being built at the rec centre.

First and foremost, having the new UCN facilities at the rec centre could possibly be the end of baseball in Thompson or at least for several years. This year baseball managed to get more young children playing again. If they are playing baseball in the summer it keeps them out of trouble for one thing. Aren’t children the most important thing in our lives? So why take something they love away from them if even only for a year or two? Also, senior baseball had four teams which is a first in many years.

Now we are told the diamonds will be moved, but when? Not in time for baseball next year as the season starts as soon as it is dry, and nothing has been started as of yet. And if the diamonds are being moved or rebuilt they must be at least as good as we have already if not better.

We’ve been told that the rec centre is the best possible lace for the UCN and the housing that goes with it. Of course it is, after all, developed already thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of the ballplayers, their families and their fans. There are so many other areas in Thompson that UCN and the housing could be located. I know it will need more work to clear the land, but like I said, the rec centre has been developed by players, family and fans.

A few minor things before I get to the heart of this letter: there are the affects on the animals at the zoo from parking congestion due to the high school, arena, curling rink and zoo being, and then adding university students and housing for people and their families. And not to mention Nickel Days – I heard it would be at the City Centre Mall and that they would be closing off the road between the mall and City Hall also. Now how can you close that road off for five or more days? Nickel Days starts on a Thursday but the carnies start arriving on Tuesday already. And the parking for that – where would that be, as the mall lot is already so full at the time?

Now on to the heart of the whole matter – Red Sangster. This man is a long time resident of Thompson who has done so much for the city. In fact, one ball diamond is called the Red Sangster ballpark. So why are you taking this away from him? It’s just not fair! I know you say the diamonds will be moved but Mr. Sangster does not want the new diamonds to have his name on them as it’s just not the same. You are breaking the heart of a very loving, caring citizen. Did you know he is in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Carmen, Manitoba? Well, he is. And this is how he is being repaid for his devotion to the city and baseball – by moving one of the loves of his life.

Please, build the new UCN and its housing somewhere where it won’t take something away from the city, the kids and Mr. Sangster.

Donna Stuart
Thompson