City Council to Vote on Privatization of Golf Courses
May 26, 2013 at 8:30 AM
On May 29, 2013 Winnipeg City Council will be voting to lease out four city-run golf courses. They will also be voting to approve the sale of John Blumberg Golf Course.
Local 500 has been making presentations to the City's Alternate Service Delivery Committee (ASD), Executive Policy Committee (EPC) and City Council in opposition of any recommendations that jeopardize the public delivery of our city-run golf courses.
"Over the past several years, Local 500 has provided this and previous Councils with recommendations on how the municipal golf courses could remain profitable assets to the City of Winnipeg," said Local 500 President, Mike Davidson. "We are opposed to the proposed lease arrangement and will be once again, be presenting our views on the matter at the upcoming City Council meeting."
Lack of Public Consultation and Input
There has been literally no public consultation and no community engagement initiated by the City with respect to our municipal golf courses. Rather, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are telling the public that city hall should privatize golf courses. They are doing this through an advertising campaign that encourages citizens to pressure councillors to vote in favour of the plan.
TIME TO TAKE ACTION!
Defending public services is a major priority for our Local. As a CUPE Local 500 member, it is important for you to become involved in our fight to defeat privatization. Now is the time to take action to protect these important services.
Here are some things you can do:
1.Call or email your city councilor. (See a sample letter and list of Councillors and contact information below).
2.Write a letter to the editor to voice your opinions and concerns.
3.Plan to attend the City Council meeting on May 29. We need to have as many members as possible in the gallery to help support the individuals, community and coalition groups presenting in opposition of the plan.
4.Spread the word. Share this email with people you know so they can stand up for public services too.
(Sample Letter/Email)
Dear Councillor,
I want Winnipeg to remain a great city. A city, that provides affordable and accessible public services.
Our public golf courses have been a special part of Winnipeg's landscape for many decades and are essential to the quality of life we enjoy in our city.
Councillors who support the recommendation to privatize our municipal golf courses are eliminating access to important services that families, seniors and others depend on. They're also increasing what we will have to pay privately for them.
This won't save Winnipeg residents money.
Please take a stand now and let me know that you will not be privatizing our golf courses. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
To contact your city councillor, please click here for contact information. If you're not sure who your councilor is, call 311.
