Here is the Press Release from March 7 regarding Thunder in the Valley pay special attention to the first sentence.
March 7, 2012
Municipality of Crowsnest Pass
PRESS RELEASE
"After extensive deliberation with respect to public safety and finances, the Council of
the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has resolved to defer the Thunder in the Valley
component of Rum Runner Days festival. The suspension will be in effect for this
current year and remain in place until such time that an appropriate emergency operational plan, traffic plan as well as the requirements and changes identified by the Rum Runners Event Committee are accomplished"
So like most people I got my town bill yesterday after reading the fascinating write up on Riparian Area Health, I proceed to the Rum Runner Days pamphlet where under Vendor Information I see the following "It is anticipated over 20,000 people will attend the celebrations".
Well that statement blew my socks over, maybe it's a typo maybe it should have read 2,000 or maybe the committee is just being overly optimistic. But let's say they are right then what does the press release from March 7, really mean? What happened to all the previous concerns wasn't the issue all these people coming to the Crowsnest Pass, and all the related issues that come with a crowd of that size. Is the RCMP now guaranteeing the safety, if a crowd of that size comes won't the costs be the same will we need less toilets? less traffic control? less policing? just because there are no fireworks. Is the appropriate emergency operational plan, and the traffic plan now in place? if they are, then couldn't Thunder in the Valley have just gone ahead?
I think we have been had, in a few short months we went from we can't do this event because there are too many safety and financial concerns attached to a crowd of 20-30,000 people, to we can now do this event which will attract more than 20,000 people????
19 comments:
They must honestly believe that 20,000 people are going to show up otherwise why bother with the parking passes. I agree that we have been "had". This was a powerplay by the mayor and council because the Blairmore fire department would not kiss there butts.
Why didn't they just have the gonads to say we don't want to do it so we are not.
Instead of this crap, public safety and finance's there will be 20,000 plus here it will cost us no less than last year.
So if there are problems will they take away the parade and the Gazebo next year?
I was thinking all the crap in Blairmore was over. If 20000 come that weekend how will it be any different. It won't, I think they are dreaming they will be lucky if they get 2000.
I hope
Dean, I just drove by the field where Sinister 7 has set up their camping. I have a couple of questions.
Are these people paying for the camping? If so who is getting the money, if not why not?
Also I noticed that there were no pota-potties? I know people will say the RV`S have there own but what about all the tents? Yes there were 4 on the field next to ISS. Lots of traffic on that road today but no one to direct the traffic.
Could it be because a councilor is involved?
I am all for these events but I think that we got short changed on TITV
Must we keep hearing about TITV. My goodness. There are so many other issues more important. I was told that previous councils did not consider spending $100,00 for arms on the tracks so the trains would not have to blow their whistles. This is way more important in my mind. Walking by the Gazebo park today and there were people sitting there holding their ears as the train went by. Plus they really make it known they are going through, most of them. So, don't know what previous councils were thinking in that regard. That was a terrible decision, not made by this council.
Sorry meant $100,000 not 100.00 for arms on tracks.
Yes whoever voted against getting the arms for tracks should be ashamed. That was really not that much money for something that would have made a significant improvement around town for visitors. If we do want tourism ???? then it should be made pleasant here.
Totally agree with the train arms - should have been done - maybe this council will do something about it. CNP has never been geared towards visitors - maybe they would stop here more if they were. I.E., perhaps at the gazebo park have a real visitor bathroom year round - this is definitely needed as every shop owner has CUSTOMERS ONLY. Don't know why. I wouldn't mind providing a washroom if somebody is spending money in my shop. And back to the old attitude of the people working in the shops - very arrogant and unhelpful. Many things to look at other than the TITV.
100,000 per crossing equals about 700,000 for the CNP.Not exactly pocket change. But maybe it still should be done. As for those who are tired of hearing about Thunder, I think you have a long wait before that is forgotten. Remember that council has only put it off for now,and after Rum runners days are a disaster with more like a couple of thousand locals wondering around that they come to the realization the depth of their error.And if not this arrogant council perhaps the next.And maybe it never goes again but to think that it will be a dead issue any time soon is laughable.
Those advocating banning of trains blowing whistles.
Your right it is not impossible to do, but you should do a little research and see what is involved.
It is not just the train crossings it's also access to the tracks. Picture the cost of installing a fence along both sides of the tracks through Hillcrest, Frank, Blairmore, and Coleman.
Any way don't believe me check it out it is both a long and expensive process. There was numerous councilors that looked at this issue. It sounds simple up front but it is not even close to being simple.
No, $100,000 total. I have never heard of a fence being installed. Is that another CNP "rumor".
Does anyone know what the total cost would be, and why a fence is involved. Thank you. But regardless, it is a detraction from visitors coming here and spending time, like we would like. I am not sure the common person can investigation the real costs. That is what council members do, I think....
Realistically, even if fencing were required, I think the bulk of visitors and business is in Blairmore. Probably that would suffice.
So Blairmore no whistles and the rest of us in Hillcrest, Frank and Coleman can live with it?
I do not believe the whistles are so prominent in those other areas. And, not as many tourists. Blairmore is kind of a hub.
Anon 9:33 I agree it should only be Blairmore. But I also think that whatever the cost would be would be paid by those that live there. The whistles do not bother the people in Bellevue and considering the other towns would still suffer why would they want to pay.Yes, you could argue that Blairmore is the tourist capital of the CNP but you would lose that argument also.
Anon. 11:12 is ridiculous. That is like saying I do not have kids so will not pay for schools. Get real. And yes, more tourism in Blairmore than anywhere because that is where everything is. Where does everyone go for groceries, the Bellevue Inn.
It is a null and void issue anyways.
Tom, yes campers paid for Sinister camping. Volunteers ensured they were a safe distance from the tracks.All the proceeds went to Our local Boys and Girls Club.
Anon 4:35 is ridiculous in thinking that Blairmore is the only place in the Pass that should have these crossing gates because that is where everyone shops.Nimby attitude if I have ever seen it.My reasoning would be that if they did Blairmore only obviously your properties would be worth more as a result and your taxes would go up accordingly.As you mention that all of the shopping is in Blairmore and for this convenience your properties should already be assesed higher.
The one thing we can agree on is that the issue is null and void.
Dear anonymous @ Mon Jul 09, 11:12:00 AM 2012
Quote " I do not believe the whistles are so prominent in those other areas"
Are you out of your freaking mind!?!?! What kind of blanket, all encompassing, stupid statement is that!?!? Where do you live, exactly?? Blairmore? You must, or you would know that the train whistles are just as bad in Coleman. I am woke up at night by the train whistles in Coleman!! It was no worse when I was in Blairmore!! I can not personally speak for Bellevue or Hillcrest, nor would I ever do that, without ever having lived there and experienced them.
Get a grip!!
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