[All] Waterloo's Costco Debate and the Elevator Pitch

[Daphne Nichollls]

Hi Grenners, 
Two topics stemming from yesterday: GREN and the Costco debate at Waterloo Council, and an instructive CBC radio issue of Terry O'Reilly's  program about the art of advertising, Under the Influence: the Elevator Pitch.

Topic 1: Waterloo's decision about Costco
Four GREN members were among the 13 citizens who had signed up in advance as delegates to speak at the Waterloo council meeting. Kevin, Deb, Eleanor and Greg each spoke eloquently about different disadvantages of building a Costco store and gas bar in this location, and without adequate time for careful planning. What a great team!  Kevin shared many of his thoughts with us in advance, so I won't repeat them here. As I didn't take notes, for a change, my comments are going to be general and inadequate summaries....my apologies everyone! Several of the delegates painted detailed pictures to illustrate the importance of this area of country/city interface, with words and photos. Deb spoke about traffic generated by a Costco and its impact on country roads, particularly the steep and scenic Wilmot Line, and the need to protect the environmental features, the ESL.  Eleanor spoke gently about the importance of the rural influence of  the 3 W's, Wilmot, Wellesley and Woolwich on Waterloo, an essence that makes Waterloo distinctive. Greg's research into why the Costco corporation needs a new store, with a 150 km market-base, to boost flagging sales in the US added an important dimension to the issues considered. He also questioned why the city and the Region should choose to subsidize a corporation where non-members (especially the poor, who can't afford the $55 membership fee) are not welcome, a company whose customers will require cars and trucks to transport all their large purchases.
Jane Schneider, while not member of GREN, needs honourable mention for her years of advocating for the natural environment. She spoke of the many different species who call the area home, and the need to protect their habitat. I wonder if Jane and her late husband, Fred, have ever been honoured for their leadership and generosity.
Throughout the long evening I became aware that air quality had not been discussed and would be at risk, especially gratuitously from the vehicles idling in queues for the bargains at the 12 gas pumps. Graciously, the chair allowed me to comment as the last delegate.
Why, I wonder, isn't air quality seen as a significant part of the planning process? Are we collectively choosing to pretend it isn't an issue? At a Heart and Stroke Foundation seminar several years ago, scientists and doctors spoke passionately about the need to reduce air pollution and the costs if we don't to individuals, families, employers and the health care system. Those experts were seriously concerned about the increases in lung disease, asthma, heart attacks and strokes, and yet air pollution doesn't seem to be a significant component in the planning process!
(At a meeting March 4 th about airport expansion, the GRCA rep who was there to talk about the environment said that air pollution hadn't been considered. 
Good grief!)

I left the meeting slightly after 10, so look forward to hearing the results  of council's debate today!

Topic 2: the Elevator Pitch
Why should we be excited about a radio programme about advertising? Because we are selling ideas, ideas that may save the world, and O'Reilley shares techniques. The Saturday, April 5, 2014 edition was about Elevator Pitches: how to pitch an idea in the time it takes an elevator to ascend or descend a few floors....a very short time.
His stories and music add to the experience of listening for half an hour. Listen while you're making dinner, or something.

www.cbc.ca/undertheinfluence/Season-3/

Onward and upward!
Daphne