25 April 2006
requiem for a fallen building
This blog begun New Year's Day 2006 has been an extended requiem for one fallen building among many that have been declared too old or too far gone to be saved in our rush to tomorrow's skyscrapers. At the same time, Forsyth building complex yielded up fragments of Berlin/Kitchener history from 1888 to the present...and continues to do so!
When Rambling Rose was first confronted with the possibility this building would soon be no more, she studied her briefing notes, listened to the relevant discussions, and silently concluded, "a losing battle as, in the end, this will involve a political decision with a predetermined outcome. " She changed her mind when she walked through the building and determined first hand that here was much more than an "old factory" that had outlived its usefulness but an opportunity to reclaim and reuse for a better tomorrrow. Yes, heart and wishful thinking took over even though the still small voice kept whispering, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
Months later now-- with the battle lost-- the time has come to take stock of the losses and the gains in order to move on. Lost forever are figments of a misplaced idealism that for a while believed it would be possible to deliver a different outcome and that the rule of law & human reason might prevail. Bitter the realization that some hard-won truths continue to prevail. The first was offered up another kindred spirit who created the rule of gold: "the one who has the gold makes the rules." The second from an honoured mentor: "Land use is political. Ask yourself, "Who stands to benefit?" Considering that the P3 negotiations to redevelop the Centre Block lands are shrouded in secrecy, time will tell the answer to that questions.
There have been gains-- many-- in engaging in such a disappointing, disillusioning battle: many new friends, new experiences, new insights, new knowledge and skills acquired. For all of this-- and you, gentle readers, Rambling Rose is truly grateful.
What better ending to a political story played out in the municipal arena than these words spoken by one who ventured and lost all to serve his ambition for ever more power and fame?
"To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death.
Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow; a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."
--From Macbeth (V, v, 19)
--From Macbeth (V, v, 19)
Labels: Forsyth, land use, politics
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