Editor: I first learned of the Town of Banff’s plan to buy 12 lots from Parks Canada on Dec. 18, 2015.
Five days later, on Wednesday, Dec. 23, it was reported, in both local newspapers, that Sharon Oakley, housing sustainability coordinator stated, in regard to this Town of Banff/Parks deal: “The first step will be community consultation around what it all will look like. We plan to do open houses, talk to the neighbours, talk to the community. It’s a community issue and we want to be very transparent.” That was the day when most Banff residents learned of the Town’s plans.
Nineteen days later (including the not much happens over the Christmas/New Years holidays period), at the Monday, Jan. 11 council meeting, first reading of Bylaw 355 was passed. Bylaw 355 will allow our Town to borrow $965,001 to purchase 12 lots currently owned by Parks Canada, demolition of an uninhabitable Parks building located within 535-547 Deer Street, and engineering studies associated with the Deer Street lots. Interest costs on that loan will be $538,552.
At that same council meeting it was announced that a petition could be circulated during a two-week period ending on Friday, Feb. 5.
Council expects to pass Bylaw 355, by granting second and third readings, on Monday, Feb. 8 – 52 days (seven weeks and three days) after the Calgary Herald revealed on Dec. 18, the deal between the Town of Banff and Parks Canada.
I thought, as did many others, that “The first step will be community consultation around what it all will look like.” I don’t consider that the facts as indicated above are transparent. This is a rushed deal.
I want to make something perfectly clear – I support the purchase of these lots and I also support the building of the much-needed housing that will, hopefully, be built on these lots.
But I do not support the Town of Banff retaining ownership of these structures and I do not support the plan that the TofB will retain ownership and act as rental agent for these properties.
I, and many other Banff residents, want the TofB to sell these apartments at below market prices to business owners, and to Parks Canada, so they can provide housing to their employees. These apartments should also be sold to Banff residents who want to buy their first home.
Please make plans to attend the Monday, Feb. 8 council meeting at which council plans to rush through both second and third reading.
I plan to request that council delay passing third reading until the Town has made time “to do open houses, talk to the neighbours, talk to the community”, including the opinions of petition signers. I will need help collecting signatures. Please phone me at 760-3569 if you are interested in collecting signatures.
So, please, whatever your opinion regarding this extremely important issue, plan to attend this council meeting.
Jon Whelan,
Banff
