Editor:
I spoke at the public hearing in opposition to the Three Sisters Mountain Village proposed development.
One of the main reasons I disagree with the proposals is our climate crisis. This is a terrible time to develop a practically new town. The developments would add to our ongoing climate crisis because of the additional houses and cars, adding to greenhouse gas emissions. We should be doing everything we possibly can to reverse the climate crisis, not make it worse.
Another reason is that they would be developing on undermined lands. It would not be a matter of if there will be sinkholes, it is a matter of when. I have seen the sinkhole in Dyrgas Gate. When these sinkholes appear the citizens of Canmore will be the ones paying for the reconstruction through taxes. I sure wouldn’t want to live in a house built on undermined lands – and I wouldn’t want anyone else to either.
Another reason is this development would be harmful to the wildlife who use this land to live and travel. Adding houses and people to this confined area would create an increase in wildlife and human conflicts. We must respect the wildlife and give them the space that they need and deserve.
I am also very concerned because I heard that First Nations people have not really been consulted. These are Treaty Seven lands and from my point of view, that needs to be respected.
I understand the need for additional and affordable housing, but to me the solution does not lie within a massive development like this proposal.
I know I’m just a kid and these are complicated problems, but some ideas could be to build more affordable, smaller spaces – like tiny homes and apartments – closer to the centre of town so people can use public transport, or walk or ride a bike to get around.
This is my generation's future and to be completely honest I'm scared for what it might look like. Not just my generation, but generations ahead too.
I hope Town council will act on behalf of the generations ahead and do what is right.
Finian Bagshaw,
Notre Dame des Monts School
Canmore
