Social media once again reared its ugly head after word the Green Lantern Hotel had been sold and was under new ownership came out.
Someone automatically assumed the sale meant the building would be torn down and a post to that effect started speculation running rampant that was totally unfounded.
Many people immediately took that word as gospel even though it had no basis in fact. Horrified residents were bemoaning the potential loss of the heritage hotel.
Jan Frederik Ludvik, the new owner of the hotel along with Martin Syrovatka, saw some of those comments and wanted to respond, but thought better of it. Just as well.
This is where the media comes in to set the record straight. We actually spoke to the owner to get the details straight from the horse’s mouth, if you will.
And, no, there are not any plans to tear down the building. Actually, it’s quite the contrary. Ludvik and his business partner are going to do an extensive renovation project on the building that will result in several housing units being available in the midst of a housing shortage.
So the sale will actually be of a great benefit to the community, not the devastating destruction that social media experts were forecasting.
The bottom line is don’t believe everything you read on social media as being the truth and wait for the facts before passing judgement.
A similar scenario unfolded, you will recall, when access to the Hermit’s Trail was cut off due to construction in the area. It was a precautionary measure to keep people away from the development site during a heavy work period.
It had nothing to do with the trails being destroyed, as reported so adamantly on social media again.
Getting people all worked up for nothing is one of the evils of social media. Most members of the public don’t have journalism experience so simply blurting out what someone thinks might happen is of no value.
It’s all about the facts, ma’am, just the facts.
The new owners could have done almost anything with the building and the site. But they chose to address a need with a very ambitious and expensive housing project.
That should be encouraged and celebrated for the eventual asset to the community.
@chemainusnews
don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca
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