Editor: Agreed, “negative can’t be the only voice” (Outlook, Sept. 8). And, of course, this really isn’t the only voice in Canmore.
Another way to look at our situation is that proposals for “redevelopment of daycare lands … bike-related projects … trail construction … (revised) municipal development plans” actually are negative voices against the status quo.
Redevelopment of daycare lands is no to daycare and park facilities; the Benchlands bike track could be seen as no to enjoyable strolls through a remnant environmental district; the proposed MDP might mean no to important provisions in the current MDP. I guess negative depends on which side you’re on.
An open exchange of ideas, questions, advocacy, opposition and caution ought to be seen as a sign of a healthy and engaged community.
Would the Outlook rather see new proposals get a blank cheque and be approved unexamined and untested? Characterizing those who would raise questions to new proposals as contrarians who would speak out against virtually everything denies understandable differences of opinion and ignores legitimate concerns raised.
OK, kill the messenger; but the facts of the message won’t die so easily.
There may be a fundamental reason for recent heated debates – a reason all sides might agree on. Canmore’s population is growing. We simply don’t have the options we might have had 30 years ago. New residents, visitors and businesses bring increasing interests, expectations and demands.
But the valley’s space is limited and all of our expectations now are crowded into a very small and shrinking space. There’s only so much room for residences (affordable or not), recreation trails, intense development, wildlife movement and conservation, peace and quiet, etc., etc.
So it should come as no surprise that proposed changes bring out the differences, passion, and, occasionally, impatience of Canmore residents (and decision-makers).
It’s not going to get any easier. TSMV plans to build about 3,000 new residences, perhaps doubling Canmore’s current population in the foreseeable future. More demands and more demanders. Less open space and fewer options. Likely more than a few more proponents and contrary voices.
Hope that lightens your day …
Jim Pissot,
Canmore
