The Save Simmons AGAIN! Petition has gained 'extraordinary support' with over 2000 signatures since its inception just over three weeks ago and growing by the hour! We attribute the success of the Petition to the honouring of history in the City, the gratitude of the residents for the generosity of Frank and Ethel Simmons and the nostalgia of many great memories at the Simmons Arena, Pool and Fields.
While some of the signatures are outside of Charlottetown we estimate a significant 1,500 plus are from the residents of the City. With a conservative 'support to signature' ratio of 5:1 that would translate to 7,500 voters. That is remarkable for a Petition of this nature. There were 14,578 votes cast in the last civic election out of a 25,077 eligible voters and we are due for a municipal election this year.
The Mayor and Council have yet to consult with the public on this issue and instead choose to placate us. They have been asked through this petition, that they have seen, to rescind the Resolution that gives Danny Murphy 'Exclusive Identity' for the facility for $250,000 over a 15 year period with a renewal option. That means City Hall will not call all the shots in this 'licensing agreement' for the Sports Centre for that period. The City will not have the last say in the 'Identity' issue; Mr Murphy will. The City has sold their identity rights for $16,666 a year for 15 years of 'billboard' advertising. While it is now a difficult position for the City to be in, they can correct it by rescinding the Resolution. There are other ways for Mr Murphy to contribute to the City, if he wishes.
The Mayor and Council are doing themselves, the City and its’ residents a disservice by ignoring the wishes of constituents. No process is not due process. Residents must have confidence that due process is being observed by Council at all times if they are to have confidence in Council's integrity; and support Council's ongoing management of the City's $ 157.9 million Annual Budget.
The issue is the removal of the Simmons name from the outside of the replacement facility; an honor bestowed by the City in 1972. A commemoration wall is a lovely idea, in addition to their name on the new facility, not as a downgraded substitution. Mr Murphy's $250k does not compare to the at least $10 million in land value donated by Frank and Ethel Simmons. No land, no Sports Centre at all where it has stood for 50 years! They donated 44 acres of land and naming the recreational facilities after them was meant to honour their generosity.
This petition signed by all of you clearly states that you want to keep the name the same, and in order to do that council needs to rescind their March 10th, 2022 resolution. By the way, their regular council meeting is tomorrow night Monday April 11th so if you are so inclined tonight or tomorrow would be a great time to please email your Councilor and our Mayor and let them know you want the March 10th Resolution rescinded and the centre name to remain Simmons Sports Centre.
We would like to thank those that have signed and shared the petition, those who contacted city council, and those that plan to sign in the future.
The photo here is of the original farm purchased by George and Harriet Simmonds in 1877. Frank and Ethel Simmons were their grandchildren. George and Harriet’s great great great great grandchildren live in the area today 7 generations later.