Voters in this civic election should remember that members of our current council destroyed the observatory building in Fraser River Heritage Park.
Visionary leaders in the Mission Heritage Association developed the observatory concept with several partners, and through donations and volunteer contributions, created a stunning 2,400 square foot structure that would house a complete astronomical observatory. Local astronomers were thrilled with it, volunteers were ready to run it, and tourists from across the Valley were expected to flock to see the night sky as it passed overhead.
Our well-researched business plan involved hosting daytime school field trips throughout the academic year. We had identified the appropriate grades and potential student numbers from the Fraser Valley catchment area. With around 17,000 students in three grades undertaking astronomy training annually, and a capacity of under 11,000 students per year, our supply of spaces would have fallen short of potential demand, a good situation to be in. And these students could return with their families on viewing nights to observe the heavens through a supply of large telescopes. What a phenomenal learning experience for many thousands of people every year, with a built in school audience annually.
Certain council members told us our plan was faulty because it was built around these student field trips, “…and schools don’t do field trips anymore…it’s a liability issue”. This was a patent falsehood: schools have never not done field trips. Today, three years later, field trips with specific learning outcomes attached continue to be part of school curricula across this province.
The current council then took management of the park away from the MHA, cancelled our plans for the observatory, and destroyed our wonderful building, a scandalous waste of countless volunteer contributions and donations, including $100,000 in support from the provincial government, with the structure valued at $230,000.
Observers of various forums at the time might remember one particularly galling comment from council that said “I don’t know anybody who likes astrology!” That comment was made twice. We hastened to say we were all about ‘astronomy’, not astrology, and there is a very important difference.
Voters are well advised to remember this debacle, this terrible judgement of a wonderfully constructed resource, and this kick in the face community volunteers received. Mayor and council members made a terrible decision, and those who are running again should be held accountable for it at election time.
Brian Antonson
Mission