Editor:
I was dismayed to read in last week’s Outlook about the proposal to develop a new conference centre in Canmore.
While I appreciate that tourism is an important part of Canmore’s economy, it is time to use our resources and creativity to develop a 21st century perspective and avoid “the build it and they will come” syndrome. We already have The Banff Centre and the Radisson Hotel, both of which are key resources in addressing the challenges of the shoulder seasons.
The continued expansion of the local economy is a bottomless pit – there is never enough money and consumption. One need only look at the business community in Banff for confirmation of their perpetual unhappiness.
At the same time, Canmore’s community resources are heavily taxed – the ongoing overuse and abuse of the Grassi Lakes Trail is a case in point. It is the only family-friendly mountain hike in Canmore, yet Canmore Business and Tourism seems content to attract people here without a plan or the resources to care for this primary and historical amenity.
The social, cultural and economic health of Canmore does not begin and end with tourism promotion. Stewardship is actually the watchword.
The effects of climate disruption are upon us and a conference centre will mean more concrete emissions, more materials, more jet travel and more trivial expenditures. If half the hotels are vacant in Canmore, logic would suggest that we have too many hotels, just as we have too much retail space.
The Mining the Future Project – a citizen-driven consultation – did not envisage unlimited growth in Canmore. This document should be used to recast the current thinking to address the well-being and durability of the community and the biosphere.
The future cannot be based on hotel nights and unlimited consumption.
Robert R. Janes,
Canmore
