April, 2007

The site of Olivier’s Candies Ltd on 919, 9th Ave. SE is discussed as a potential bar and club for alternative lifestyles. On a parcel area of 3,127 sq. ft. and a net rentable area of 8,612 sq ft., this GENERAL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT site has the potential to accommodate up to 350 customers.

For the adjacent residents, this represents an alarming possibility of negative interference with their neighborhood. The reasons for this fear are based on experiences of a loud music and drinking establishment in an adjacent building on the same block just a few years back. Dancing Raves held in this building were accompanied by music so loud, it kept residents awake into the early morning hours. In addition, young adult customers continued to party at the Alexander Community Centre’s playground, vandalized the equipment and occasionally mooned passing tourists and residents. Drinking continued in the park along the Bow River between 8th and 10th St. SE. Often, police was called in, and eventually, the establishment was closed after numerous complaints and ill-fated attempts to reduce the disturbances.

Several points of view can be listed in opposition of a bar/club at the potential site. They include the magnitude of the operation, where the control of parking at limited designated spots is compromised and alternative locations along 8th Avenue and the immediate neighborhood might be sought after for safer parking of cars. Patrons of hockey games at the Saddledome may find it convenient to leave their cars along the railroad parking stalls, enjoy the game and continue their celebrations or disappointments at the bar after hockey. Crowd control of over 300 patrons is difficult, and is even more complicated when alcohol is involved, as proven by incidents of the Red Mile on 17 Ave. SW. Slamming of car doors after midnight into the wee hours, accompanied by equally loud conversations is not amusing to residents who prefer a deserved rest.

Whereas it is advantageous for the Inglewood community to attract business and customers, it should be paramount to favor developments which compliment the neighborhood without jeopardizing the quality of life of Inglewood residents – a bar with the above complications does not seem to fit. Nearby residents may want keep an eye on the developments, attend community meetings and voice their opinions on this matter.

- Helmut Schoderbock

As someone who has never officially served the community of Inglewood, I feel a little contrite criticizing someone who has taken the time to serve... but as I read Mr. Gian-Carlo Carra’s letter to City Hall I assumed I was reading an April Fool’s joke. The letter reeks of self importance and grandstanding, Mr Carra’s “demands” to a publicly elected official are an embarrassment to all residents of Inglewood. Regardless of the importance or non importance of the issue his tone is such that I would throw it in the wastepaper basket were I the intended recipient.

While I laud anyone for taking their personal time and dedicating it to a probably thankless task I was am also compelled to think perhaps Mr. Carra’s attitude is the reason I have to go to Bridgeland to get a quality coffee prior to 7:00 A.M. or drive to 4th Street to visit a full service grocery store or to pick up my dry-cleaning.

I truly hope Mr. Carra’s attitude is not indicative of our community association, I also hope that he is not an impediment to the inevitable urban densification which will allow Inglewood to achieve its true potential. I enjoy the newsletter, keep up the great work. Best regards,
- A 15 year Inglewood resident

The personal attack that appeared in the last issue’s Boomerang has no place in a publication with the word “community” in its title. What’s next - Ann Coulter on local politics? Cosmo Kramer on multiculturalism?
- Joe Donnelly

I had the pleasure of reading Joan MacGougan’s letter to the Boomerang column last month regarding her “Pure Disappointment”.  Joan - I have a few tips for you in order to aid you in dealing with the depth of your disappointment. Tip # 1- There is a lot of crap out there Joan, many written documents, articles and books are “boring and ridiculous”. My suggestion is, do not read them. Tip #2 – The beauty of the community elected volunteer is they are on the block for re-election every year.  The useless volunteer can easily be toppled from their auspicious position at the annual general meeting.  The “laughter, ridicule, and jest” thrown at you can soon end when you put your name up for president of this great, thankful and encouraging community in the next annual election.

I personally am in favor of being thankful for all community volunteers regardless if I personally know what it is they do. One thing I can say, is they all do more than I. Inglewood is an exceptional community to live in and I would like to take this opportunity to thank every official and unofficial volunteer who make it so.
- Adrienne Weare