Editor:
I had an opportunity to attend the public hearing recently about the proposed infill development in the Peaks of Grassi.
I am someone who is interested in moving to Canmore. From my perspective, I’d like to share a few thoughts.
You must be proud of the town you live in and proud of a neighbourhood like Peaks of Grassi. It offers trees, pathways, parks, views, outdoor recreation to die for and access to the big city when you need it. What more could you want?
It surprised me to hear so many objections related to this logical buildout of the area where all infrastructure is already in place, supported by a sound environmental study and by people who are your caring neighbours plus recognizing the need for housing in Canmore. Yes some money can be made, but that is how things work.
I heard people challenge people’s integrity, even the town’s integrity. I was impressed with your mayor and council and how very transparent and thorough this process is. It appears this process and people involved are full of integrity and transparency.
It seems a lot of the argument brought forward was actually based on people’s sense of entitlement. I heard arguments about the environmental impact and also how the animals might be affected. Wake up people of Grassi who are opposed to this development, development happens, this is what man does.
Your arguments are full of hypocrisy. Many of you have second homes, what is your environmental footprint? How many cars do you have? How much water do you use? How many trees were removed to build your homes over time? How much fuel do you burn going to Calgary or Edmonton?
Face it, now that you own property there you don’t want anyone else to have an opportunity to enjoy your great neighbourhood. It is beautiful and this expansion will keep it beautiful and you should continue to be proud.
What you should be less proud of is how you’ve turned on your neighbours and hide behind environmental and false arguments simply to just keep others away. You are not entitled, the world will continue to change and this kind of responsible development is as good as it gets.
Is this selfish, entitled attitude the social fabric of Canmore? I don’t think so, but perhaps it is the social fabric of Peaks of Grassi.
Pete Lafontaine,
Calgary
