Driving in the last nail

In a recent virtual City Hall meeting, the last nail in Barrie Central Collegiate's coffin was driven home with finality when the city council reluctantly agreed that Fisher Auditorium, the last remaining vestige of the school, would be scheduled for the wrecker's ball. Despite the sadness that this decision brings, the reasons behind it are more than understandable, especially when factoring a multitude of mitigating circumstances, not the least of which is the huge financial implications of maintaining an out-dated shell. For a more complete background, click this link for the Barrie Today story surrounding the edict.

"Sitting" around the City Hall horseshoe (the meeting was done virtually thanks to C19) were a few that were emotionally connected to Barrie Central as alumni. In particular, both Mayor Jeff Lehman and Councillor Keenan Aylwin are proud graduates from BCC and are former members of the internationally acclaimed Barrie Central Band during their time inside it's walls. Having had conversations with both at various times over the years surrounding the demise of Central, I can certainly empathize with the internal tug-of-war each would have battled with making this decision, as each is a passionate as I am about our alma mater. 

Councillor Aylwin summed the situation best for me personally, “It’s about the people, not the building,” he said. “To just keep the building is a waste of money. I know we can honour the history of the Fisher auditorium.” 

As testament to that statement, the resulting chatter surrounding the decision amongst the retired Central teachers that I Zoom with each week echoed Alwyin's sentiments that the "magic" was in the relationships that were forged, not in the paint or bricks or mortar. 

I'm not in a position to point fingers. I'm just feeling a little down that the coffin lid will be forever sealed, and all that will be left of my beloved school will be the memories, videos and pictures. Like Councillor Aylwin, I whole heartedly acknowledge that buildings are shells with finite lifespans, and once their solid structural strength wanes, they require a transition plan. Even the most magnificent mountain will eventually succumb to the pressures of nature and time as its grandeur fades with each passing second. I have previously written about my feelings surrounding the decisions made by the SCDSB's treatment of the 174 year history of Central ... re-hashing serves no purpose ... but I will say that I am optimistic that the city will consciously decide to honour the legacy when future builds become reality, unlike the school board's neglect to honour Central's impact on the city, That continues to be a personal source of consternation.

On that fateful day when the last remaining vestige falls, an ethereal bugler will sound Taps as our collective chins will rest on our chests, a personal eulogy will be recited and we will embrace our precious memories as we would our own children in a caring embrace of love, avowing to never forget the impact Central had on us. The sense of loss will last for a short while, soon replaced with a stoic sense of pride, and we'll lift our chins and face the remainder of our lives without reservation. Dwelling on the past has never served the future well, and our Red, Black and White souls will simply not allow any more mourning. 

"... and when we die, we'll be Central dead."