I was told yesterday that we all need to be more positive that even the local politicians are talking about all the negativity not being a good thing for the community.
So I said it’s time to put on my positive thinking cap get excited, look around us and write about all the “positive’s” we have in this wonderful community we call the Crowsnest Pass.
So I get to work, you can not argue the beauty of this community I think we can compete with anywhere in the world. The people, are incredibly good people who welcome you with open arms. The location of our community nestled in the Rocky Mountains , great proximity to the prairies, BC, USA , Lethbridge , Calgary all within a few hours drive. I thought wow there is a lot to be happy about in our community.
Then boom about 1pm yesterday I get a call telling me that the Devon gas plant is closing down, what a loss for this community 30-40 good paying jobs our largest Industrial tax payer, and a company that has been a very good corporate citizen for a long time.
Bad news, that really deflated my positive attitude.
Later I am thinking how do I get back to that positive frame of mind? it’s Tuesday let’s go to the council meeting and find some inspiration.
What an opportunity it fell right in to my lap.
First good news the Crowsnest Historical Society appears as a delegation they are going to keep the museum open through the summer, thanks to the hard work of the previous board they are getting a provincial grant that will keep them afloat. Positive stuff.
Then the CAO gives a verbal report the municipality put out a Request for Proposals on the Crowsnest Centre Site (previous council had set the direction by rezoning this land to commercial). The CAO informed council that there has been so much interest in this site that they have extended the dead line from April 20 to May 18. A new hotel soon great news. Positive stuff
The CAO informed council that the new “Director of Protective and Community Services” will be starting next week. This gave Councilor Mitchell the opportunity to refresh everybody’s memory to the fact that we used to have four departments with four Directors but now we only have three departments headed up by three directors.More positive stuff.
Then one of the councilors mentioned that he can not understand all the rumors going around about tax increases, especially considering that council has not finalized the budget yet.
I can not see a councilor taking that position this far along in the budget process unless they have some sense of where the process will end.Well looks like more positive news.
On my way out somebody asked me how much longer do you think the consultants will be here? I told them well on Councilor Saindon’s blog he states the following:
“We only have one consultant on the payroll to date and she will have her programs completed very shortly”
That burden on our tax dollars will end soon. Even more reason to be positive.
Then today I was reading the Promoter looking at the comments regarding additional community policing and I am thinking lets be positive the Mayor, the consultants told us these positions will pay for themselves. If that isn’t positive what is?
Man I am getting so full of positive that I could almost explode. I can’t wait for the next council meeting Inspiration with a capital “I”
62 comments:
Oh I love the positive article. Makes me feel good reading it. Negativity does get you down, and then you just start getting more and more negative. And as was mentioned, once something is on the internet it is on there forever - so if there is any negativity, it could be the fault of the very people that are complaining all the time. And, spring is coming....
that's a good write, Dean
FW
Last November at the first town hall meeting at the Elks Hall I believe that we were promised another meeting in six months ... April 2012.
Has anyone heard whether this is being planned?
Wouldn't it be positive to have such a gathering at this troubled time?
Exactly how credible is this source of information regarding the gas plant?
The gas plant has 10 more years of life left according to Devon's Professional Engineers in Devon's Corporate offices.
Sounds like somebody trying to stir the pot even further.
Dean didn't you say that they have seven administrators?
I am confused
Larry
It’s good to hear that at least one of the councillors is reading the blogs to keep informed. Why is he surprised that some people are worried about the direction where our taxes are heading? With everything closing around us, the administrative hiring at the main office is worrisome, to say the least. Happy to hear the municipal office is streamlined - not happy to hear it takes more people to run the streamlined office. Frustration everywhere, but Crowsnest Pass is a beautiful and a strong place. If Monty Python was running this skit, they would say: “This is only a flesh wound!”
3:51
Well Councilor Mitchell only told half the story. Give him his due they did go from 4 directors to 3.
But they also hired an office manager, a public works manager, plus they are looking for a Fire Chief/Protective services manager.
The reality is on October 19 2010 there was 4 members of administration once they find a Fire Chief there will be 7.
Give them any title you wish 7 is more than 4.
"negativity not being a good thing for the community."
To put a positive spin on that, we have a vibrant political culture where citizens engage in unfettered debate on vital community issues.
"Give them any title you wish 7 is more than 4."
The title "magnificent 7" is already taken.
My favorite part of the council meeting was when the Mayor explained to the firemen, how to safely evacuate the building, if a fire should break out. Message recived,loud and clear!! Only one man here will swing his balls!
I can tell you that no one is stiring the pot Devon will be shutting down over the next six months. I am not sure who was the source but the information is correct. Just ask all the People that work there and were given notice this week. It is sad news but true.
As mentioned, negativity hurts everybody. You can always find things to be critical of if that is the way you are. But I don't think the whole world needs to know about your problems.
I think there is a lot of "sour grapes" from some people.... maybe didn't get elected......
Maybe wait for the Devon news. Might, might not happen. Seems like all hearsay AGAIN.
Just went by the mall.It looks like we might be getting a new business. I am so Inspired. Positive Positive. At least 2 of the workers from Devon should get a job there.
Perhaps how the Mayor has handled Mr. Brands attempted delegation told us more the delegation itself. No one needs to stir the pot with displays like this. This is news, if this kind of thing happened in Calgary or Lethbridge, this would be front page material.
Putting positive spin on the discontent is not the answer. The negativity is caused by the fresh faces elected to CHANGE the culture of nepotism, cronyism and no transparency. I am not sure how they got misguided and thought “change” with out debate and engaging the community would work but it will not. Put all the happy spin you want on it, it looks a lot like the OLD.
With all the negative economic news - the best positive news will be when the council tells us that they have found big savings and TAXES are not going up. It is now up to the council to give us some positive news.
Actually I was talking to old guy this morning who was telling me that he got it from a very good source.
That the municipality found so many inefficiencies that they are going to decrease taxes for a minimum of 3-4 years.
Frank
Dean, I am not so sure about this positive spin thing either. I see Councilor Gallant is on board with it though. After 5 long days of his TITV post he moved on to the “good news” stuff giving us insight to what is happening in chambers…the old hospital site is for sale. He has been on this “Good News” story for over three weeks…no one is commenting, it is now April 5 with lots of things happening but he is still high on this “good news”. The problem I have it looks to me like he is just dodging the real community concerns and I am feeling in the dark with what is being contemplated by council until they are ready to spring it on me. When does POSITIVE become BS so we do not talk about what is really going on?
So they have extended the deadline on the CC because there is so much interest.Seems a little strange to me. If I put my house up for sale and someone comes along and offers me what I am asking for, I sell my house. Are they hoping for a bidding war?I am thinking this might just be BS and there are no interested parties therefore the deadline gets extended.Why have a deadline anyway?I hope I am wrong!!
Oops, forgot this is all about the positive. Fresh air, clean water, awesome views, no real crime, super people, no traffic jams, reasonably priced real estate, very peaceful and quiet community.We also have a hospital and lots of Doctors, most small towns can not say that. Overall a great place to live, work, raise a family, retire.
Have a great long weekend everyone.
Oh my goodness; think people need to stay away from Timmy's for awhile. The rumors just get better and better.
And as far as jobs are concerned, nothing is forever. People survive and move on. Especially in Alberta.
And Ft. Mac is going to be growing big time. Tons and tons of jobs to be had there. Commute. Some people already commute - heard one person goes from Fernie to Calgary; whatever works.
That would be good.
Well I want to spread some more positive news. Unfortunately it is for Sparwood not us.
My sources are telling me the following.
Best Western Hotel and Tim Hortons are going in at the intersection of Hwy 3 and Hwy 43.
Drove by there today the land is being cleared right now.
P+H purchased a piece of land heading towards Elkford just across from the turn off to Sparwood Heights.
Biggest news of all, Teck is building a office for up to 300 staff right next to the Municipal Office in Sparwood.
Maybe just all rumours we will see.
Rick
I don't think we are in a piss....... contest with Sparwood are we. Besides, we have had a Tim Horton's for a long time, there were go again Mr. Negative. I loved the posting with all the good things, air, no crime, etc. Awesomely put.
Can't imagine where else Teck would build, can you.
There is a lot of good about the CNP so why can't we sell it?
The selling must start at the top. For a healthy budget debate, and how it is done openly, Google Calgary’s recent budget process. No one works for the “man.” If the procedural by-law gets in the way of having a robust agenda, change the by-law on move on. All this unnecessary silence leaves too much to imagination, so stop complaining if the taxpayers don’t like this show.
Because we have never wanted to "sell it". CNP has never ever wanted to expand. I think if we advertise what we do have for tourism, that is great. But they just have to know about it. Lots of people in Calgary think it is in BC. Might be a good place to start.
My favourite part of the April 3 Council Meeting was where they passed first "reading" of the new improved Fireworks Bylaw.
Ms. Tona hasn't actually written it yet, but that's not a big deal since they don't read bylaws before voting on them anyway.
Bylaw No. 850, 2012 – Fireworks Bylaw
Donna Tona, Interim Enforcement Services Manager, provided and reviewed a written report in reference
to Bylaw No. 850, 2012.
Ms. Tona advised that the Fire Commissioner’s Office has advised that if Bylaw 850, 2012 passes third
reading a grace period will be extended to January 1, 2013 at midnight.
Changes to Bylaw 850, 2012 were provided by Ms. Tona.
M#-6482-12: Councillor Saindon moved First Reading of Bylaw No. 850, 2012 Fireworks Bylaw with
the appropriate amendments completed prior to Second Reading.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Hopefully our people on council will snap out of it at some point. It appears they have streamlined the municipal office by hiring more people to deliver our services more efficiently. Now there are some rumblings that the streamlined office is not big enough and should be expanded by building an addition. Again, hopefully this is not so, but perhaps if the office got bigger, the efficiencies would also appear bigger from the highway. All this may be coming from the Municipal Comedy Act. But again, if the efficiencies show up as a huge tax savings in the upcoming budget, then everyone will be happy. Crowsnest Pass is a great place and all this humor is keeping some of us positive.
I am trying to be positive and accepting of the changes to come to the Crowsnest Pass. However, my positive attitude was deflated when I heard that discussions are underway to amalgamate HAS and ISS schools due to the less than 50% capacity in each. WE NEED FAMILIES! WE NEED JOBS! WE NEED PEOPLE TO BUY PROPERTY AND ACTUALLY LIVE IN THE CROWSNEST PASS!
I remember the old timers saying they would never close the school in Bellevue
Schools need to be closed if there is low enrolment. Happening in Calgary and all over. There are a lot of schools here. Probably a good idea to streamline them. Everything changes. It is our money paying to keep half empty schools open and pay the teachers and staff - all hefty salaries.
Oh my goodness, people just keep coming up with the rumors. Why not wait until things actually happen. I think if you look at all the "could be happenings on this site alone, there are probably 10.
Good follow up story in the Lethbridge Herald about the cancellation of the Thunder in the Valley. The reporter quotes our Mayor extensively and tells us “that the mayor said he's gotten "literally hundreds" of phone calls supporting council's decision to cancel the event.”(Fireworks continue over Thunder in the Valley, Katie May, LETHBRIDGE HERALD, WEDNESDAY, 04 APRIL 2012) Priceless.
We are not actually talking about TITV here. I agree with it being cancelled. And have knowledge of other people that are very happy about it. We elected a council (overwhelming) - let them do their job.
I understand if schools need to close due to low enrolment; it's just another indicator that families with school aged children aren't moving in to the Crowsnest Pass. It's not a rumour that the school attendance in the Pass is declining. It's a no brainer that the School Division is evaluating their schools performances, efficiencies and inefficiencies. There are actually benefits to combining the two schools. I'm just looking into the big crystal ball and noting the obvious discussions coming our way.
4:58
Yes they can do their job, which involves making decisions on a regular basis. That may or may not affect my life.
The test of how good a job they have done will be determined in eighteen months.
But you nor anybody else will not tell me that I can or can not voice my opinion on this or any other forum.
Maybe you should go live in Syria, North Korea, or Cuba.
So have a good Easter
Larry
4:58 You are pretty funny. The way our Mayor has handled TITV is an example of how other things are being done. So far, it looks and feels like a train wreck.
4:58 And by the way, I have voted for most of this train wreck - it does not mean I should like being in a train wreck.
Some people get quite upset when people do not agree with them.
Thank God those people did not win the mayor position.
Larry sounds very angry. I hope he is not representative of the CNP. Telling people to move reminds me of a grade 2 person.
6:36
I was not telling anybody to move?
Read my comments again I was just saying if you want to limit my right to speak about issues that matter to me, then you should go to one of those places where that is allowed.
The point being we all have the right to be critical of this council's decisions. Or praise them if you wish to.
People should stop being so sensitive these guys are having a walk in the park compared to the beating the last council took from the media.
Just like the other comments I voted for most of these guys as well.
Larry
To Anon 6:14
I have not found our current mayor very receptive to discussion if it contains elements of dissent! He reacts with pre-emptive aggression. It is possible that he just doesn't like me, but I voted for him once ... never again.
I don't feel comfortable putting my name on posts because I run a business.
There is absolutely no reason to be upset. Crowsnest Pass is beautiful place to live, we are very fortunate to be here. As far as this council is concerned, Crowsnest Pass has survived much worst calamities, so no big deal.
Dean, thank you providing this very informative forum. Happy Easter to everyone.
Could not agree more. I too believe we are lucky to be living here. There are so many positive things but I guess you are always going to have people upset the cart and complain. We just need to ignore them. What is is; and that is why we have elections. If we don't like things we vote for different people. Complaining, complaining about it does no good. Thumbs up for CNP!
If this is a Positive Spin Contest, I nominate Anon Apr 7 11:16 AM.
Here's a great positive idea: you have all this great content on your Blog, but not everyone has internet. Why not print it out as a newspaper?
Our leaders would be happy to have a genuine new business (not just renamed or relocated).
You wouldn't have to charge much for it since you would have advertising revenue.
Dean Maybe the municipality would advertise in it. LOL
Have a good Easter
It’s amazing how someone can get this far in life with so few people skills. While this kind of behaviour may work in some places, it does not work everywhere, especially not in the Crowsnest Pass where people are so involved in the life of the community. But on the other hand, the weather is very nice, spring is coming, and new elections are only 18 months from now. There is no use complaining until that time. With a little good will and some old hands, this thing can be turned around without much damage.
Well, be careful what you wish for. Obviously previous things were not working either, or people would not have overwhelming voted in the council. Maybe old and new combined, plus some more new/??????
We voted for this council with a lot of hope. Unfortunately, with practically a whole new administration and all the new councillors, except Larry, we got a perfect storm of bureaucratic bungling and misplaced authority. It reminds one of Abbott and Costello “who’s on first?” Now they have to prepare the budget and negotiate with the union. Even if they had some valid arguments, they have totally mishandled the entire Thunder in the Valley fiasco. Also, if the Fire Department restructuring ends up gobbling a lot of taxpayer’s cash, very few people will have anything good to say about the whole undertaking. They will have to work pretty hard to restore some kind of confidence in their abilities. This is not impossible, but they have pretty challenging task in front of them.
Gallant says:
"in the budget ... is a feasibility study for an amalgamated recreation centre. I hope we can find full or at least matching funding to cover this cost, and that council will support this initiative. "
I assume he is talking about the cost of the study, not the project itself.
This is a positive improvement (I mean budgeting for consultants instead of giving the CAO a blank cheque to sign a deal with his own company).
We are a SPECIAL municipality. We have our own section of the MGA and the CROWSNEST PASS REGULATION which says:
"Fire bylaws
3(1) The bylaws of Crowsnest Pass respecting fires apply only to
(a) the areas of the urban municipalities as they existed immediately before January 1, 1979, and
(b) those portions of the improvement district area that were, immediately before January 1, 1979, the subject of agreements made between the Minister and any of the urban municipalities and under which an urban municipality agreed to provide fire fighting services in a part of the improvement district area.
(2) The Forest and Prairie Protection Act applies to the portion of Crowsnest Pass not referred to in subsection (1).
(3) Crowsnest Pass may, under the authority of a bylaw, enter into a fire control agreement with the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development on behalf of the Government with respect to the prevention and control of fires within all or part of the improvement district area."
This would include the new Fireworks Bylaw, since it is based on the Alberta Fire Code and administered by the Fire Chief.
I guess there is a map showing where the bylaws apply. Of course this has been updated as described in (3) to jibe with recent acreage developments. Right, Dean?
BTW, the Regulation expires in August, but I'm sure the new provincial government will make its first priority to renew our special status.
To Anonymous
Wed Apr 11, 08:32:00 AM 2012
Uumm, who cares
Re: "Uumm, who cares"
Well, it would be really "special" if they passed a Fireworks bylaw that only applied within the pre-1979 town boundaries. I don't care that much except it's my tax dollars paying for consultants to copy bylaws from other places as well as paying Councillors to vote on them without reading them (much less thinking about them).
As for the Regulation expiring, the fact that it has a "sunset clause" implies that it wasn't intended to apply forever. Maybe Premier Smith will think it was a transitional arrangement that we shouldn't need after a third of a century.
Negative attitudes develop from negative outcomes. People are negative because there community is becoming a ghost town. Yes staying positive sounds like the best thing everyone can do, but there is nothing to be positive about. Council can't hide the facts on what's wrong and continuing to be wrong. Travel 20 mins east or west to see positive communities. For 20yrs this community has been sliding downhill and turning down business opportunities(real positive right). Give ur head a shake people. I have lived through it. Born and raised in the cnp. I will be positive when I see positive and obviously its not here. I have waited long enough and now its time to move on and don't plan on comming back. I'm goin to a positive community where real positive things happen because the life is been sucked out of this one by greed and incompetence!
Hate group formation associated with big-box stores
"The presence of big-box retailers, such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target, may alter a community's social and economic fabric enough to promote the creation of hate groups
...
Local business owners are typically members of community and civic groups, such as the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs. Losing members of these groups, which help establish programs that promote civic engagement and foster community values, may cause a drop in community cohesion"
Well, good luck to the fellow who thinks he is wise to "move on". You are very naive if you think politics is any different anywhere else. You belong to the complainers - it is actually pretty good here on the whole. We have lived several places and this is by far the very best place we have lived. The only bad thing is all you negative people....
Have you heard anything about the Kananaskis Indoor Pro Rodeo being cancelled? What about York Creek Lodge? Any truth to 19 people being fired or quitting? Sounds like major problem's with management there, or just this Sharon. Seems like there are issues at the Municipal office too with the employees and the management. Marion and Myron according to John's blog. Union problems?? Hard to be positive with so much negative stuff happening.
Do you truly believe that there are not the same problems in other towns and cities? I don't think that is unique to CNP. Make the cup half full.
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