Editor: I am writing to thank Canmore town council for its recent unanimous decision to defeat the TSMV Resort Centre ASP before first reading.
I’ve been following the progression of TSMV’s proposals closely and was at the Civic Centre that evening for council’s meeting. Based on my previous knowledge of the proposal, the information I heard during administration’s presentation, and the subsequent questions asked by council, it was clear to me this amendment was not in the best interest of the Bow Valley’s wildlife or Canmore citizens. I was very pleased to see council held a similar view.
Before the vote, Mayor Borrowman and each councillor expressed their views and concerns regarding the proposed amendment. It was during this round of speaking that my confidence in council was solidified. They each voiced articulate and well thought out concerns that were spot-on.
Among the topics brought up was that the amount of additional development proposed could compromise functionality of the adjacent wildlife corridor. The proposal included developing the unfinished golf course, (which had previously been allocated as a soft edge for the wildlife corridor,) which is some of the most heavily undermined of TSMV’s lands.
There were concerns raised over the amount of retail space being proposed as changed from more of a health and wellness sector in the current ASP. The report cited by TSMV to support this change is from 1996 and council questioned whether that data is still relevant to today’s market. It was said that overall, the amendment looked more like a proposal for a new town than a resort.
For all of these reasons, and several others mentioned during the preamble to the vote, I am extremely pleased with council’s thoughtful and courageous decision. It is clear to me they have been listening to us and our concerns. Well done council. Thank you.
Jennifer Stelfox,
Canmore
