Editor:
The proposed future development of the remaining lands belonging to Three Sisters Mountain Village ULC – In Receivership (TSMV) has generated a great deal of emotional discussion and debate in Canmore over the past several months.
As the environmental consultant for the receiver (PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.), Golder Associates Ltd. completed the Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed Area Structure Plan for the remaining undeveloped TSMV lands. In this role, Golder’s commitment to our clients is to evaluate the potential effects of their proposal and help them consider the most responsible development options, based on rigorous study and scientific evidence.
We understand the close, personal connection the people of Canmore have with their natural environment. We appreciate the community’s desire to maintain the delicate balance between nature and development. Part of our role as consultants is to highlight for our clients these areas of concern and propose thoughtful, responsible solutions. We tell our clients what they need to know, not what they want to hear.
Golder’s reputation for integrity and technical excellence is stellar. We are a global organization with highly qualified professionals consulting to clients who look to us for solutions to problems where there are no easy answers. Our wildlife biologists are scientists who are knowledgeable and experienced in their field. They are also passionate about the environment. This is what our clients pay us for. This is what they rely on Golder for.
Therefore, I cannot let Mr. Jim Pissot’s April 4 letter to the Outlook attacking Golder’s reputation go unchallenged. His assertion that Golder’s report must be biased because we are paid by the client is insulting and completely off base. Not only is it untrue, it is an affront to our consultants that deeply offends me.
The integrity of the work our environmental biologists completed on this project is beyond reproach. They prepared a detailed, comprehensive, highly professional report that outlines for our client a number of mitigation options to both protect wildlife – and keep humans safe.
Our report, presented to Canmore Town council, is public information. I encourage all residents to read the report for themselves and come to their own informed conclusions.
The MSES report commissioned by the Town of Canmore is also public and I encourage you to read it as well. At the end of the day, I believe we all want a solution that will allow both the people and the magnificent wildlife that make this valley their home coexist in safety and harmony.
Louise Ménard,
principal, chief operating officer
Golder in Canada
