If one thing is clear after an epic four hour public hearing about disposing of municipal reserve lands for affordable housing, it is that no one in Canmore – or the Bow Valley for that matter – envies the job of mayor and council right now.
Hard choices are in the making and those often involve a decision on a topic to which there are two sides arguing passionately and loudly that their point of view is the right one. Decisions that affect the fabric of our community and our very neighbourhoods are close to the hearts of everyone in Canmore and that was more than clear at the public hearing.
There were a variety of themes that emerged through the four-hour meeting. One that could be clearly picked out of the debate on either side it is that past councils should have done more to prevent the affordable housing crisis we currently face.
Regardless of what you choose to brand the site at the centre of the debate right now – Larch Park, the old daycare site, municipal reserve on 17th street – there are those who cherish it the way it is and those who see it as an opportunity to add affordable housing units into an already established neighbourhood.
It is, quite frankly, a time wasting exercise to point our fingers collectively as a community to past councils, past politicians and governments and say they should have done more. Were there missed opportunities – undoubtedly. But when the conversation is about what should we do about it now, lets stick to what is possible and not the should have, could have, would have tautological trap.
It would be unfair to brand those who oppose this development as being against affordable housing as a solution – it would paint this issue with too wide of a brush and in a divisive manner. It is the location that is at issue.
But it is also quite misplaced to argue that if this location, or Larch Park, is developed for housing than every single park in Canmore is at risk of the same offence. This is patently and unmistakably an exaggeration meant to create fear in the community. Hyperbole has no place in this debate.
And at this point do we even need to debate the existence of this housing crisis anymore? Near zero vacancy valley-wide, one of the highest costs of living in the province, a spectrum of employment opportunities from the food industry, to professional positions in the hotel sector, teachers, nurses going unfilled. People are leaving this community because of a pantheon of factors affecting our rental housing market at this very moment.
If the number one issue facing our community is ensuring there is housing for a diversity of people, families, demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds in Canmore and the Bow Valley then action is needed and that action, no matter what it is, will be unpalatable for some.
Those suggesting council should pursue secondary suite regulations as a way to address this issue are absolutely correct. But that is just another tool at its disposal for pursuing real solutions to this real problem.
Leadership is about doing what may be politically unpopular with a certain segment of the community to achieve the greater good for the entire community. Leadership is what many in the valley are looking to council for, because it is needed now more than ever.
