Letter to the Editor
Just say no to the costly reno
To the editor:
Students will be asked to vote on a hike in student fees proposed by the USC to renovate the University Community Centre. I for one will be voting against this hike. Students rejected this very proposal last year in a democratic vote, but the USC has re-packaged it and is presenting it again as though it’s a different idea. It’s not.
At its core is the same issue: an increase in student fees to pay for renovations to the UCC. For students to pay for renovations to the UCC, a building we do not own, is ridiculous. Imagine renting a house and paying to renovate it instead of the landlord taking on the responsibility. This is, in effect, what the USC is proposing.
Students do not lack generosity, but where does it end? We committed $86 million to the new recreation centre in 2007. Last year, we approved an increase in the bus pass fee. There are lots of great things to spend money on, but the USC needs to respect that they cannot look to create a new legacy each year.
I urge students to vote No in the referendum and to send a message to the USC Board that they cannot treat our wallets like their own personal piggybank.
—Arzie Chant
Biology III
USC Science Councillor 2003 – 2004
2 Comments
a quote from a facebook group i am in “Your UCC, You decide”
- this renovation is to benefit students and only students, hense they are giving us an opportunity to make the UCC better for future undergrads at Western
- think about it .
“For students to pay for renovations to the UCC, a building we do not own, is ridiculous. Imagine renting a house and paying to renovate it instead of the landlord taking on the responsibility.”
Arzie,
This is one of the stupidest thing I’ve ever read.
99% of every single commercial business pays for their own renovations/leasehold improvements – the landlord rarely if ever covers any of the cost.
Get your facts straight.