Dear Editor
If rumour has now led to fact, there will be a new hotel, perhaps with a bar and grill, erected in the town of Battleford. Also apparent is that perhaps some changes could be made in the attitudes of the owners.
I was stunned, although certainly not to silence, when I read Mr. Shin's remarks in a recent edition of the Region Optimist (B'ford residents oppose development, Regional Optimist, March 18). In an attempt to defend the construction of the bar and grill portion of the project, he assured council this new facility would be completely unlike their current businesses, catering to a "different" clientele. I assume from his remarks regarding the class of their current clientele, or perhaps should I say lack of class, that they will take some measures to this end?
When those of us who used to support the Queens and the Windsor, read "No former customers of the Queens or Windsor Hotels past this point" at the door to the new facility, I am sure it will be somewhat of a shock, having not realized to this point what low-lifes we are! Will we have to travel to North Battleford to seek solace, since surely the Queens, at least, will be demolished if the new bar is approved? Will there indeed be a new clientele for this project, gaining entry with their wallets?
Let us hope council listens to the people of Battleford on this one, and rather than allowing a new bar and grill, encourage the owners to put some time and effort into restoring the Queens and Windsor back to their former glory days. They are part of the history of Battleford, and deserve better than they are getting now.
Lyle E. Comstock
Battleford
