Dear editor:

So, Garth Turner has been wondering why the list of people actively avoiding him has been lengthening lately (The Lake Report, “The little troop that became Shaw Inc.” March 26). Let us see if I can enlighten him.

To call the executive director of the Shaw Festival “the dude in charge” is extremely rude, and the fact that the editor or publisher allowed this to be printed says much about the paper itself.

The paper is, in my opinion, responsible for the very poor state of mental health of people living in town. Everyone is worried, but no one seems to be listening to them — both town and council are reacting like rabbits in the headlights.

Turner’s column is is full of misquotes, half-truths and opinionated rubbish. At least, there are some like the Irish Design shop, right next door to Royal George, who seem to welcome what is going on.

I fully understand that the people living in close proximity to the Royal George, and Garth Turner is one of them, may be affected by the construction. But the Shaw Festival has done its best to mitigate the effects of what is clearly a long and lengthy construction.

There are many other construction projects currently proceeding that seem to have escaped Garth Turner’s attention. Maybe this is because he is living too far away from them.

Now Turner wants to question the whole basis of the non-profit sector. He says “After all, were it not for government cheques and tax-deductible donations, the Shaw would have lost $20 million dollars last year on its theatre operations.”

What he may have meant to say is that the Shaw would have closed in the late ’60s if it was not for government cheques and tax-deductible donations.

Do yourself a favour: if you do not understand the not-for-profit sector, then read Carolyn Bodnar-Evans’ letter from April 2 (“Don’t mischaracterize Shaw Festival“). It is spot-on.

So, can I appeal to the list of people actively avoiding Garth Turner? Please talk to him soon and bring a smile to his face.

In the meantime, we can wait until late 2028 before a beautifully designed, state-of-the-art theatre opens on Queen Street. I hope the Irish Design shop will be justly rewarded for its patience and support.

Peter Barwell
NOTL