Where are some big decisions coming up here in our Bow Valley, especially in Banff.
On the downside, as our municipal governments make decisions on topics as diverse as the future of chain stores in Banff or re-pricing fees for public users of Elevation Place in Canmore, there will be those unhappy with final decisions.
On the up side, though, is the fact that citizens have had their say.
Should an altered fee structure be put in place for Elevation Place, it may well be because citizens have spoken out against it as it now stands. They certainly have in the Outlook’s letters to the editor section. We assume as well that voters have also spoken to Town councillors and staff to voice their displeasure with what they see as elevated prices.
In particular, concerning the situation of future Banff chain stores, Banff council will make a call on the issue on March 11, having weighed the input of citizens at public meetings and interested parties who have put forward presentations.
A final, decisive, council vote on the issue is long past overdue. A referendum may have been in order for this one, but whichever way the vote goes among Banff councillors, there will be citizens either upset or ecstatic with the decision.
Finally, though, at long last, a decision will have been made and the issue put to rest. Finally, once the decision is made, everyone will be on the same page in regard to the future of chain stores in the tourist town.
Should the vote be “yay” and some sort of cap instituted, there will no longer be a need for the outpouring of grief and angst with the arrival of each new chain store – as in the case with the arrival of Indigo Books or, more recently, David’s Tea.
Should the vote be “nay” and the market left to decide what businesses open or close in Banff, at least there won’t be any upsetting surprises when a new business opens its doors.
In favour of chain stores or not, of letting market forces dictate business opportunities, or not, everyone will know what’s happening and what the future holds.
In the end, that’s the beauty of municipal politics. Decisions made by your local government are of immediate interest and importance. And those decisions are made by reprentatives elected locally; representatives you might see and talk to on the street, representatives you can see in action at a local council meeting.
That’s why you get the most bang for your voting buck at the municipal level. While Banffites have had the opportunity to weigh in the chainstore issue, for example, how much input do you think you’d have on a federal issue like building pipelines? How often would you book a trip to Ottawa to see the goings-on during question time in Parliament?
No, like them or not, your municipal government representatives represent your most accessible politicians.
Oh, and in keeping with the chain store issue… to head a council that will vote on an issue that could affect Banff’s economic future, not to mention the feel and fabric of the community – that’s a mayor whose job should be deemed full-time and is definitely worthy of a pay raise.
