CANMORE – The Town of Canmore issued a stop order against Falcon Crest Lodge on March 23 after a contractor cut down more than a dozen trees located on town property.
According to Andreas Comeau, manager of public works, the municipality first noticed the trees were cut down in front of the hotel on March 19.
“We understand a contractor removed about 15 trees from town land and once we were made aware of it, we told them to stop immediately,” said Comeau. “They did not have permission.”
He said the town is currently assessing the value of the trees before it decides what course of action to take, which could include a fine or a request for compensation.
According to Comeau, the trees were removed from municipal reserve land that acts as a buffer between Bow Valley Trail and the hotel on Kananaskis Way.
PEKA Professional Property Management said it “regret” removing the trees.
“There were several parties involved and all believed the project was being carried out honestly and in compliance,” wrote Gibson Rencz, on behalf of PEKA, which manages the property.
“It is a regrettable experience and we apologize to the community on behalf of all stakeholders involved.”
He said the company has been in communication with the Town and will continue to work with the municipality, board of directors, the contractor and resort management to remedy the situation.
Alpine Precision confirmed it was the contractor that cut the trees down, but declined to comment further.
An interview request to Clique Hotels and Resorts was not returned, however, manager Scott Hoadley took the Outlook on a short tour of the area.
