A debate about signage might seem frivolous to some, but at the heart of the matter are important questions about process and public consultations.
The Town of Canmore and Spring Creek are currently in the middle of a dispute regarding improperly erected signage at the gateway to the downtown subdivision.
On the one hand, the large signs (page 5) fail to meet a number of requirements as far as the Town is concerned. On the other hand, the signs are already in place, no doubt at great cost to the developer.
Possibly the most interesting aspect to the situation is that, apparently, a process for public input went missing.
Missing?
Odd ... it’s not as though either Spring Creek or the Town are newcomers to development in the community. Or the processes that accompany development. Or the idea that guidelines must be followed.
Also odd, and not in a fun, interesting, off the cuff way, is that in lieu of a missing public input process, the Town is now asking the public to weigh in with its opinion of what should be done with the situation. This input may be directed to the planning and development department by emailing [email protected] – we encourage the public to do so.
If gathering public input at this point seems rather ‘cart before the horse’ to you – we agree.
Is this the Town’s way of avoiding making a decision on its own? Should a blizzard of emails show support, do the signs stay? Should the opposite occur, will the signs be removed?
On top of this the developer has said that regardless of what the Town decides it will appeal the decision to keep the signs the way they are, so is all of this for nothing? It’s anyone’s guess at this point.
The bizarre way this issue is being handled raises serious questions not only about how development permits are issued, but throws the entire democratic process into question, particularly for those who question whether public consultations have any meaningful impact at all.
The municipality continuously emphasizes the importance of public engagement and consultations, but if this case proves anything, apparently it’s not that important.
If this was a one off event, there might be room for forgiveness, but given how public consultations went in the design and tender of the Canmore Rec Centre earlier this year, it begins to beg the question – how serious does the Town take public consultations and feedback?
With public discussion and open houses about Canmore’s participation in a 2026 Winter Olympic bid, one has to wonder whether this yearning for public input and discussion is simply lip service for a process that is already fait accompli.
Whether the signs stay or no, isn’t the main issue here, but what is at stake is whether public consultations are being taken seriously – an issue we should all be concerned about.
Let’s hope the next time the Town has to consider the installation of a sign, or a multi-million dollar renovation, or an international sporting event, it will stop, listen and act on the concerns and questions raised by the community.
