Story from May's addition of the Alberta Venture Magazine very well written by Joni MacFarlane from the Crowsnest Pass.
Troubled Waters: The Rough Side of Real Estate Investing in Alberta
A pair of salesmen told an Alberta coal mining town that it could be a resort destination. Six years later, the scenic Crowsnest Pass is still learning a tough lesson about easy money and the business of real estate
http://albertaventure.com/2011/05/troubled-waters/
Showing posts with label Bridgecreek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bridgecreek. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Reading from the same script, where have we heard this story before?
The following article appeared in the Desert Sun-Palm Springs April 4, 2008.
Villa Resort will be bigger and will look much different by May
The Cathedral City Sun
The Villa Resort in Cathedral City, which has new owners, is going through extensive renovations and an expansion.
Two Canadians, Bill Bradley and Colin Becker, won the property in an Oct. 2 auction for $4.7 million, according to Braun Co., the agent and listing broker.
The name Villa Resort stays, but those familiar with the compound will find it very different come May. It is expected to reopen for business by then.
In an interview with the Cathedral City Sun, Mark Van Laanen, one of two business partners joining the new owners, revealed new plans for the storied vacation spot at 67670 Carey Road.
The compound - which boasts 45 rooms, two bars, a pool, Jacuzzi, restaurant and lounge, fitness center, fully equipped kitchen, and more - was on the market for nearly a year before its owners put it up for auction.
Van Laanen, a Wisconsin native and restaurateur of 28 years, said two more pools will be added and at least 100 more condominiums as time shares.
QUESTION: What was your motivation for going into business at the Villa Resort?
ANSWER: It was Bill and Colin's idea to do a total remake. It caught my attention and I said, "Let's talk." There's major reconstruction going on at the property, and we're trying to go as green as possible to keep it environmentally friendly.
It's actually a very exciting project and we're going to town on it right now. It's going to be a lot more upscale than what the property was.
What can lodgers expect to see at the property?
It's going to be a clean, well-manicured place. It will be a very high energy place with an eclectic menu. I did European country food and it will have that edge with a California twist.
What are your long-term goals?
To get the whole property developed. Condos, a luxurious upscale spa, poolside dining, cocktails by the pool. Just to watch this whole area be developed and grow.
What is planned for the lots next door that the Villa Resort has acquired?
Fractional condominiums will be built. The hedges behind us will be ripped down and that will open the property up. We will be putting in pools with the condos being built.
For years the resort has been associated with gay tourism. Will it still serve that enclave or target a new demographic?
We're shooting for all demographics, regardless of gay or straight. We don't want it to be exclusively a gay resort. It will be comfortable for everyone to come. We're going to be advertising in all venues.
The compound - which boasts 45 rooms, two bars, a pool, Jacuzzi, restaurant and lounge, fitness center, fully equipped kitchen, and more - was on the market for nearly a year before its owners put it up for auction.
The following article appeared in the Desert Sun-Palm Springs Sept 7, 2009.
The Desert Sun
The owner of the former Villa Resort in Cathedral City says he intends to seek financing next week to expand and transform the site into a luxury hotspot.
Bridgecreek Development owner Bill Bradley of Calgary, Alberta, Canada said the now-dilapidated, two-and-a-half-acre site on a short street behind Target Stores will expand to seven and a half acres after purchasing adjacent land. The resort is to be renamed Resort Blue Palm Springs and would offer 240 luxury units, three pools and spas, two tennis courts and an entertainment venue.
"We now have a plan in place to seek project financing to continue developing the site that will cost more than $30 million," Bradley said.
His plan to continue the development comes despite a long delay in construction.
Bradley purchased the site in a bankruptcy auction in October 2007 with grand plans to transform the property at 67-670 Carey Road.
But he got off to a shaky start by spring 2008, when Cathedral City officials halted work at the site, citing a lack of permits.
"Regarding the contractors, that is really the business of the developer, but we did indeed stop construction and gave them the information on what they needed to do to obtain the appropriate permits," said Cathedral City spokesman Allen Howe.
Howe said an interior demolition permit was taken out in August 2008 but contractors never acted on it.
The economic downturn further delayed the project, Bradley said.
"Here we are sitting on seven and a half acres and the economy isn't good," Bradley said. He said his company committed $10 million of its own money to buy the land and hire contractors. The project's delay was not attributed to a loss of financing, he said.
"The only funding we put in was our own private investment and we have not lost any funding," Bradley said.
Bradley anticipates resuming construction next year, with the resort opening in 2011.
Villa Resort timeline
October 2007: Bridgecreek Development of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, purchased the resort for $4.7 million with plans to expand and rename the site Resort Blue Palm Springs.
October 2003: Bob Grinchuk and Reuel Olin of San Diego purchased the resort for $2 million as an anniversary gift. The couple invested $3.5 million into renovations. The resort was billed as the "finest full-service gay resort in the world."
1951: The Elizabeth Arden Corp. turned the resort into a beauty farm.
Late 1850s: The site was a Butterfield Overland Stagecoach stop
The resort is to be renamed Resort Blue Palm Springs and would offer 240 luxury units, three pools and spas, two tennis courts and an entertainment venue.
This appeared Sept 11-2009 in the same paper
After a long delay the owner of the former Villa Resort in Cathedral City planned to seek financing this week to expand and transform the site into a luxury hotspot.
Bridgecreek Development owner Bill Bradley of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, said the now-dilapidated, two-and-a-half-acre site on a short street behind Target Stores will expand to seven and a half acres after purchasing adjacent land. The resort is to be renamed Resort Blue Palm Springs and would offer 240 luxury units, three pools and spas, two tennis courts and an entertainment venue.
"We now have a plan in place to seek project financing to continue developing the site that will cost more than $30 million," Bradley said.
His plan to continue the development comes despite a long delay in construction.
Bradley purchased the site in a bankruptcy auction in October 2007 with grand plans to transform the property at 67-670 Carey Road.
But he got off to a shaky start by spring 2008, when Cathedral City officials halted work at the site, citing a lack of permits.
"Regarding the contractors, that is really the business of the developer, but we did indeed stop construction and gave them the information on what they needed to do to obtain the appropriate permits," said Cathedral City spokesman Allen Howe.
Howe said an interior demolition permit was taken out in August 2008 but contractors never acted on it.
The economic downturn further delayed the project, Bradley said.
"Here we are sitting on seven and a half acres and the economy isn't good," Bradley said. He said his company committed $10 million of its own money to buy the land and hire contractors. The project's delay was not attributed to a loss of financing, he said.
"The only funding we put in was our own private investment and we have not lost any funding," Bradley said.
Bradley anticipates resuming construction next year, with the resort opening in 2011.
Villa Resort will be bigger and will look much different by May
The Cathedral City Sun
The Villa Resort in Cathedral City, which has new owners, is going through extensive renovations and an expansion.
Two Canadians, Bill Bradley and Colin Becker, won the property in an Oct. 2 auction for $4.7 million, according to Braun Co., the agent and listing broker.
The name Villa Resort stays, but those familiar with the compound will find it very different come May. It is expected to reopen for business by then.
In an interview with the Cathedral City Sun, Mark Van Laanen, one of two business partners joining the new owners, revealed new plans for the storied vacation spot at 67670 Carey Road.
The compound - which boasts 45 rooms, two bars, a pool, Jacuzzi, restaurant and lounge, fitness center, fully equipped kitchen, and more - was on the market for nearly a year before its owners put it up for auction.
Van Laanen, a Wisconsin native and restaurateur of 28 years, said two more pools will be added and at least 100 more condominiums as time shares.
QUESTION: What was your motivation for going into business at the Villa Resort?
ANSWER: It was Bill and Colin's idea to do a total remake. It caught my attention and I said, "Let's talk." There's major reconstruction going on at the property, and we're trying to go as green as possible to keep it environmentally friendly.
It's actually a very exciting project and we're going to town on it right now. It's going to be a lot more upscale than what the property was.
What can lodgers expect to see at the property?
It's going to be a clean, well-manicured place. It will be a very high energy place with an eclectic menu. I did European country food and it will have that edge with a California twist.
What are your long-term goals?
To get the whole property developed. Condos, a luxurious upscale spa, poolside dining, cocktails by the pool. Just to watch this whole area be developed and grow.
What is planned for the lots next door that the Villa Resort has acquired?
Fractional condominiums will be built. The hedges behind us will be ripped down and that will open the property up. We will be putting in pools with the condos being built.
For years the resort has been associated with gay tourism. Will it still serve that enclave or target a new demographic?
We're shooting for all demographics, regardless of gay or straight. We don't want it to be exclusively a gay resort. It will be comfortable for everyone to come. We're going to be advertising in all venues.
The compound - which boasts 45 rooms, two bars, a pool, Jacuzzi, restaurant and lounge, fitness center, fully equipped kitchen, and more - was on the market for nearly a year before its owners put it up for auction.
The following article appeared in the Desert Sun-Palm Springs Sept 7, 2009.
Villa Resort owner sees new life for site
The Desert Sun
The owner of the former Villa Resort in Cathedral City says he intends to seek financing next week to expand and transform the site into a luxury hotspot.
Bridgecreek Development owner Bill Bradley of Calgary, Alberta, Canada said the now-dilapidated, two-and-a-half-acre site on a short street behind Target Stores will expand to seven and a half acres after purchasing adjacent land. The resort is to be renamed Resort Blue Palm Springs and would offer 240 luxury units, three pools and spas, two tennis courts and an entertainment venue.
"We now have a plan in place to seek project financing to continue developing the site that will cost more than $30 million," Bradley said.
His plan to continue the development comes despite a long delay in construction.
Bradley purchased the site in a bankruptcy auction in October 2007 with grand plans to transform the property at 67-670 Carey Road.
But he got off to a shaky start by spring 2008, when Cathedral City officials halted work at the site, citing a lack of permits.
"Regarding the contractors, that is really the business of the developer, but we did indeed stop construction and gave them the information on what they needed to do to obtain the appropriate permits," said Cathedral City spokesman Allen Howe.
Howe said an interior demolition permit was taken out in August 2008 but contractors never acted on it.
The economic downturn further delayed the project, Bradley said.
"Here we are sitting on seven and a half acres and the economy isn't good," Bradley said. He said his company committed $10 million of its own money to buy the land and hire contractors. The project's delay was not attributed to a loss of financing, he said.
"The only funding we put in was our own private investment and we have not lost any funding," Bradley said.
Bradley anticipates resuming construction next year, with the resort opening in 2011.
Villa Resort timeline
October 2007: Bridgecreek Development of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, purchased the resort for $4.7 million with plans to expand and rename the site Resort Blue Palm Springs.
October 2003: Bob Grinchuk and Reuel Olin of San Diego purchased the resort for $2 million as an anniversary gift. The couple invested $3.5 million into renovations. The resort was billed as the "finest full-service gay resort in the world."
1951: The Elizabeth Arden Corp. turned the resort into a beauty farm.
Late 1850s: The site was a Butterfield Overland Stagecoach stop
The resort is to be renamed Resort Blue Palm Springs and would offer 240 luxury units, three pools and spas, two tennis courts and an entertainment venue.
This appeared Sept 11-2009 in the same paper
Resort owner to start up construction again
After a long delay the owner of the former Villa Resort in Cathedral City planned to seek financing this week to expand and transform the site into a luxury hotspot.
Bridgecreek Development owner Bill Bradley of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, said the now-dilapidated, two-and-a-half-acre site on a short street behind Target Stores will expand to seven and a half acres after purchasing adjacent land. The resort is to be renamed Resort Blue Palm Springs and would offer 240 luxury units, three pools and spas, two tennis courts and an entertainment venue.
"We now have a plan in place to seek project financing to continue developing the site that will cost more than $30 million," Bradley said.
His plan to continue the development comes despite a long delay in construction.
Bradley purchased the site in a bankruptcy auction in October 2007 with grand plans to transform the property at 67-670 Carey Road.
But he got off to a shaky start by spring 2008, when Cathedral City officials halted work at the site, citing a lack of permits.
"Regarding the contractors, that is really the business of the developer, but we did indeed stop construction and gave them the information on what they needed to do to obtain the appropriate permits," said Cathedral City spokesman Allen Howe.
Howe said an interior demolition permit was taken out in August 2008 but contractors never acted on it.
The economic downturn further delayed the project, Bradley said.
"Here we are sitting on seven and a half acres and the economy isn't good," Bradley said. He said his company committed $10 million of its own money to buy the land and hire contractors. The project's delay was not attributed to a loss of financing, he said.
"The only funding we put in was our own private investment and we have not lost any funding," Bradley said.
Bradley anticipates resuming construction next year, with the resort opening in 2011.
The resort is to be renamed Resort Blue Palm Springs and would offer 240 luxury units, three pools and spas, two tennis courts and an entertainment venue.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Bridgecreek
I understand from a good source that May's edition of Alberta Venture Magazine will have an article on the Bridgecreek coming and goings in the Crowsnest Pass.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Forum of interest
For all you folks that can not get enough of Bridgecreek, here's another forum that has some interesting discussions about the issue.
http://forums.canadianbusiness.com/thread.jspa?threadID=20132&start=0&tstart=0
http://forums.canadianbusiness.com/thread.jspa?threadID=20132&start=0&tstart=0
Friday, January 7, 2011
Update on Bridgecreek
Check out today's Pass Promoter, the real story is now beginning to unravel, Joni did an excellent job.
http://www.crowsnestpasspromoter.com/
Here is the Bridgecreek Video as requested
http://crowsnestpasshome.blogspot.com/2010/10/bridgecreekpromovideo2007-copy.html
http://www.crowsnestpasspromoter.com/
Here is the Bridgecreek Video as requested
http://crowsnestpasshome.blogspot.com/2010/10/bridgecreekpromovideo2007-copy.html
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Update more info on Bridgecreek
This information comes from the site provided by from one of my commentors below.
http://www.bridgecreek.nl/
BRIDGE CREEK BONDHOLDERS
Home
Documents
Q & A
Subscribe
CV in Distress
Photos
Contact
Crowsnest Creek
This site is for information of investors in the Bridge Creek Mortgage Bond I and II. The site was established at the request of investors. The information on this page is password protected documents. The protected area is available only to investors who have registered via the registration form and contribution to the costs paid. You can register through the pages Log .
You can add the information on this website are no rights. Although we do our best information is accurate and complete representation, we can for the contents of the site is not responsible. If you have questions that can be directed to info@cvinnood.nl. The questions will be answered as far as possible, combined on the page FAQ.
Only the last four news items below. Older posts can be found on the page Documents .
Bradley Becker and personal bankruptcy
10-12-2010
Messrs. Bradley and Becker are reportedly at his own request, one week ago to personally bankrupt . We have contacted the administrator, but it has never delivered. This means that personal injury claims against the two men probably nothing will run.
It is unlikely that the receiver can mean a lot to the bondholders. For example, he will not actively engaged in the management of the River Run / Bridge Creek companies or the project itself.
It may be possible that Jon Mintoft as CEO of River Run through the receiver to have more information than hitherto on the Bradley and Becker did. This will hopefully facilitate the project to restart.
Website partly auctions
3-12-2010
It appears that shielded files on the documents page in the Bridge Creek site were accessible through a cumbersome way. We then screened all the documents removed. Is now working for a better and safer solution. It is expected that by the end of this year ready.
Because this is too long is also working on a temporary interim solution. Hopefully that will soon be ready, so we all connected bondholders back safely to inform.
Meeting of bondholders
23-8-2010
On October 12 a meeting will be held as of the bondholders, who joined the initiative have joined CVinNood. All bondholders received message, but only those who have registered and have paid, to attend the meeting. You can register on our site or page Join or this PDF Registration Form .
Dismissal Bradley and Zinner!
10-8-2010
Bill Bradley and Gabor Zinner take effect immediately resigned as a director of Bridge Creek Corporation. The ownership of the land will be the order of a court in that company are located. An outsider is appointed to sort things out.
We will of course liaise with the new management. It is good news that are probably in a constructive manner and based on real data about the project can be provided. Also it probably had a better answer to the question where the money of investors remained.
The only problem with this is it only speaks to the personnel bankruptcy.
http://www.bridgecreek.nl/
BRIDGE CREEK BONDHOLDERS
Home
Documents
Q & A
Subscribe
CV in Distress
Photos
Contact
Crowsnest Creek
This site is for information of investors in the Bridge Creek Mortgage Bond I and II. The site was established at the request of investors. The information on this page is password protected documents. The protected area is available only to investors who have registered via the registration form and contribution to the costs paid. You can register through the pages Log .
You can add the information on this website are no rights. Although we do our best information is accurate and complete representation, we can for the contents of the site is not responsible. If you have questions that can be directed to info@cvinnood.nl. The questions will be answered as far as possible, combined on the page FAQ.
Only the last four news items below. Older posts can be found on the page Documents .
Bradley Becker and personal bankruptcy
10-12-2010
Messrs. Bradley and Becker are reportedly at his own request, one week ago to personally bankrupt . We have contacted the administrator, but it has never delivered. This means that personal injury claims against the two men probably nothing will run.
It is unlikely that the receiver can mean a lot to the bondholders. For example, he will not actively engaged in the management of the River Run / Bridge Creek companies or the project itself.
It may be possible that Jon Mintoft as CEO of River Run through the receiver to have more information than hitherto on the Bradley and Becker did. This will hopefully facilitate the project to restart.
Website partly auctions
3-12-2010
It appears that shielded files on the documents page in the Bridge Creek site were accessible through a cumbersome way. We then screened all the documents removed. Is now working for a better and safer solution. It is expected that by the end of this year ready.
Because this is too long is also working on a temporary interim solution. Hopefully that will soon be ready, so we all connected bondholders back safely to inform.
Meeting of bondholders
23-8-2010
On October 12 a meeting will be held as of the bondholders, who joined the initiative have joined CVinNood. All bondholders received message, but only those who have registered and have paid, to attend the meeting. You can register on our site or page Join or this PDF Registration Form .
Dismissal Bradley and Zinner!
10-8-2010
Bill Bradley and Gabor Zinner take effect immediately resigned as a director of Bridge Creek Corporation. The ownership of the land will be the order of a court in that company are located. An outsider is appointed to sort things out.
We will of course liaise with the new management. It is good news that are probably in a constructive manner and based on real data about the project can be provided. Also it probably had a better answer to the question where the money of investors remained.
The only problem with this is it only speaks to the personnel bankruptcy.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Surprise Surprise Development in the Crowsnest Pass
I use the word surprise for two reasons:
First of all Bridgecreek is going (gone into) receivership according to a very good source "The Pass Herald" see their front page story this week at the address below.
Second the article in the Herald states that former Councilors Ward, Cole, Salus, and Macleod made the right decisions regarding the municipalities involvement with this group. WOW
http://www.passherald.ca/index1.htm
Does anybody know anything about this new CEO Jon Mintoft?
More to follow on this story
First of all Bridgecreek is going (gone into) receivership according to a very good source "The Pass Herald" see their front page story this week at the address below.
Second the article in the Herald states that former Councilors Ward, Cole, Salus, and Macleod made the right decisions regarding the municipalities involvement with this group. WOW
http://www.passherald.ca/index1.htm
Does anybody know anything about this new CEO Jon Mintoft?
More to follow on this story
Friday, December 3, 2010
Crowsnest Pass, Investors in Bridgecreek, Good News
Here's your chance folks, all of those people that have had so much to say about Bridgecreek, River's Run, Trouts Landing over the last number of years.
Somebody is looking at doing a big story on this, it will not happen unless people step forward, want to be anonymous that's fine. Call the following number 403-563-0425 if you have information, step forward now is not the time to go quiet.
We all know there were people around here that were on the inside of this thing maybe now is the time they will step forward and do the "honest" thing.
On the good news side I was reading Brian Gallants blog available at http://www.briangallant.ca/index.php
Paying special attention to his comments regarding the AUMA convention:
"All I can say so far is “wow”! I am having a great experience at the AUMA convention. Beyond the educational component we are all making great connections and contacts. Here are just a few of the highlights for me."
"We had the opportunity to talk with the Minister of Transportation regarding the ongoing issues with Hwy 3. He did not have much time as every MLA had 100 people trying to get their ear but he did say that he understands our challenges as a community. He wants to meet with us in the near future."
" I made a number of contacts from a variety of industries. One of our education sessions talked about a potential revenue steam and one particular company is perfectly situated to help us make it happen. A win-win arrangement and I am keen to know more. More to come once I have the details. I have a pile of brochures to deliver to our administration. There are people out there who can help us save some money. "
I felt the same way at my first AUMA convention, but after a couple I started feeling like they were a waste of the taxpayers money. Its true when an MLA or Minister comes out on the floor they are swarmed by many different people looking for something. Have a discussion today with a hundred different people and see how many you remember tomorrow.
The highway 3 situation, over the last six years if they had paved one foot of highway for ever meeting we had the road would have been done by now.
Anyway not that long ago we met with Darryl Camplin and another senior manager from Alberta Transport, they committed to putting traffic lights at the turn off into Blairmore by Tim Hortons, and at the Highway 40 turn off in Coleman in 2011.
In 2012 they were going to deal with Intersection in Frank by the Industrial park and the Intersection by the Volker Stevin shop in West Coleman.
Both of these projects were subject to dollars coming forth from the province at the time we last met with them there was no money approved.
On the new contacts with industries and generation of new revenue streams, I and a lot of other residents are looking forward with great anticipation to new industry coming into town, and anything that will lessen the burden on the residential taxpayer.
Somebody is looking at doing a big story on this, it will not happen unless people step forward, want to be anonymous that's fine. Call the following number 403-563-0425 if you have information, step forward now is not the time to go quiet.
We all know there were people around here that were on the inside of this thing maybe now is the time they will step forward and do the "honest" thing.
On the good news side I was reading Brian Gallants blog available at http://www.briangallant.ca/index.php
Paying special attention to his comments regarding the AUMA convention:
"All I can say so far is “wow”! I am having a great experience at the AUMA convention. Beyond the educational component we are all making great connections and contacts. Here are just a few of the highlights for me."
"We had the opportunity to talk with the Minister of Transportation regarding the ongoing issues with Hwy 3. He did not have much time as every MLA had 100 people trying to get their ear but he did say that he understands our challenges as a community. He wants to meet with us in the near future."
" I made a number of contacts from a variety of industries. One of our education sessions talked about a potential revenue steam and one particular company is perfectly situated to help us make it happen. A win-win arrangement and I am keen to know more. More to come once I have the details. I have a pile of brochures to deliver to our administration. There are people out there who can help us save some money. "
I felt the same way at my first AUMA convention, but after a couple I started feeling like they were a waste of the taxpayers money. Its true when an MLA or Minister comes out on the floor they are swarmed by many different people looking for something. Have a discussion today with a hundred different people and see how many you remember tomorrow.
The highway 3 situation, over the last six years if they had paved one foot of highway for ever meeting we had the road would have been done by now.
Anyway not that long ago we met with Darryl Camplin and another senior manager from Alberta Transport, they committed to putting traffic lights at the turn off into Blairmore by Tim Hortons, and at the Highway 40 turn off in Coleman in 2011.
In 2012 they were going to deal with Intersection in Frank by the Industrial park and the Intersection by the Volker Stevin shop in West Coleman.
Both of these projects were subject to dollars coming forth from the province at the time we last met with them there was no money approved.
On the new contacts with industries and generation of new revenue streams, I and a lot of other residents are looking forward with great anticipation to new industry coming into town, and anything that will lessen the burden on the residential taxpayer.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Maybe the real story will come out in the Crowsnest Pass?
Check out this link:
http://forums.canadianbusiness.com/thread.jspa?threadID=20132&start=15&tstart=0
"Is anyone willing to talk to a reporter doing a major story on Bridgecreek in the Pass? Is there anyone who invested who's willing to go on record or has some inside knowledge of the company? If so, let me know - I'd like to talk."
Hopefully anybody that ever been involved with this will see this as an opportunity to step forward and tell the whole "honest" truth.
Wow I bet there are people sitting in front of their computers right now, saying I hope this reporter speaks about "everything" that happened here!
http://forums.canadianbusiness.com/thread.jspa?threadID=20132&start=15&tstart=0
"Is anyone willing to talk to a reporter doing a major story on Bridgecreek in the Pass? Is there anyone who invested who's willing to go on record or has some inside knowledge of the company? If so, let me know - I'd like to talk."
Hopefully anybody that ever been involved with this will see this as an opportunity to step forward and tell the whole "honest" truth.
Wow I bet there are people sitting in front of their computers right now, saying I hope this reporter speaks about "everything" that happened here!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Bridgecreek RiverRun story
For those that have been asking here is the Bridgegate River Run story that appeared in the Lethbridge Herald October 18.
Dream Interrupted.
http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/front-page-news/dream-interrupted-101610.html
Dream Interrupted.
http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/front-page-news/dream-interrupted-101610.html
Friday, October 1, 2010
Throw the bums out!
On Mr Prince's Blog this morning is a post regarding the rising discontent over incumbent politicians and how local incumbent politicians should be very afraid.
I would like to speak to some of the comments he refers to.
http://blog.johnprince.ca/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-07%3A00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=25
I know this is a case on the International and provincial side of things but the article he refers to does not talk at any point about municipal politics, but lets assume it will flow to that level.
Anyway let's talk about the rest of the post I will take some quotes and address them with my comments :
"According to the above story people in general are angry. Very Angry! They feel their politicians are elitist, arrogant and oblivious to their pain and suffering, and as such doing little to nothing to address their issues and concerns. As a result, it's a very, very bad time to be an incumbent."
Most of us on the present council are simple folks six of us have lived here for ten years or more.
Do we have some members of our council that are elitist, arrogant and oblivious to the residents pain and suffering, yes I think we have some of that do you really think taht applies to the whole of council? should they all be painted with that same brush?
Then we go to:
"With this in mind, I wonder how our own incumbents are feeling about their chances of getting back in, considering the mood of our residents towards the on-going, never ending, three year long battle between the two waring camps on our council?"
John you really do not buy into the 4-3 Irwin propaganda do you? we all know that council spilt over the Crowsnest Centre issue and a some budgetary related issues. We also all recognize that 95% of Council Motions pass by something other than 4-3.
Would this be the first council accused of being 4-3?
But as you have said many times yourself this council did a lot of things well and did not receive enough credit for the good things they did.
"The never ending battle between the waring camps" isn't that exactly how the media, Irwin and his cronies portrayed the council from 1998-2001? Was that all accurate?.
"All the while, apparently, oblivious to the fact there is a good chance none of them will be getting back in because of their past actions".
If none of us are to get back in due to our "past" actions then I suspect the voters will go back further than just this last council, because very few of us that have sat on council previously have not had our names tarnished by one part of the media or the other and Irwin's cronies.
"and understand from this that what is needed and wanted is democracy in action where councillors actually work together as a team for the greater common good and get things done, by applying some good old-fashioned basic common-sense while leaving the grandstanding and 'gotcha' politics behind"
Democracy isn't that about taking a position, debating it and voting? 4-3, 5-2, 6-1, 7-0 which one of them is not democracy.
"Can one blame them? After all, this council treated us like we were mushrooms i.e. kept us in the dark and fed us BS. We never had public forums to discuss any of the important issues, such as Bridgecreek/River Run and the lack of security deposits and long-term taxpayer liabilities, CLC (legal costs), the 4-3 voter split, etc., etc. and still know little to nothing on who, what, when and why with respect to these matters? They acted like they were above us and need not bother or trouble themselves with such matters as accountability and due diligence. Transparency went out the door as did fiscal responsibility. Thoughtful people believe one side was as bad as the other with respect to these matters, and therefore neither side is deserving of getting back in."
Couple of comments:
The Bridgecreek/River Run this is a private deal no different than any other development, we as a council can approve development agreements, zoning etc. No different than if I owned a piece of private land the municipality can not force me a built on it. There are people here that have owned land for 50 years and never done anything with it. That is a right allowed to us in a democratic country.
The mistakes the council made here was when the first council sold this property back in the mid 90's with no conditions attached to it.
Then this council made a large error, when we did not force them to put up security, I also feel that the Mayor made a big mistake when he appeared in their promotional video.
CLC legal costs those were not caused by council if you go back to the report in the spring that we were given by our financial officer after a request by Councillor Mitchell if memory serves me right those costs were about $80,000. Approximately $30,000 of that was due to the plebiscite that was forced on the municipality, which the public eventually sent a clear message on. The rest was as a result of the legal action taken due to the leases signed by the CLC Society.
The 4-3 I give Irwin credit here, he created an issue to blind as many people as possible to the real issues.
What amazes me is that some really smart people have brought into this issue, unless of course they are just using it for political advantage!
Another point if we are going to label this council as the 4-3 council what would we label previous councils, I hope I get this right:
1998-2001 4-3
2001-2004 5-2
2004-2007 4-3
2007-2010 4-3
Help me out folks let me know if I'm wrong.
"Fiscal Responsibility out the door".
Really over the last ten years can anybody point to a council that as done more to become more efficient, to reduce costs, than this one? sometime in the next two weeks I will list them all.
Anyway back to the question on the post, should incumbents be afraid? I guess depending on which side of the issues the voters side with, obviously some incumbents should be afraid.
But I believe that some of the councillors on this last council stood for what they truly believed in despite the fact that they were lambasted in parts of the media week after week.
They could have had it easy, they could have sat back and agreed with Irwin and his cronies, caused no controversy, had wonderful things said about them by those same hacks.
And today those same people would be blasting them for being a 7-0 council, a bunch of mindless sheep, Irwinites, that stood for nothing.
Anyway I believe that the people of the Crowsnest Pass are smart enough to cut through the crap that parts of the local media and Irwin and his cronies, have put out about members of this council and previous ones.
Finally yes I agree some what in that a few of the incumbents do not deserve to come back.
Change will happen in the Crowsnest Pass.
I would like to speak to some of the comments he refers to.
http://blog.johnprince.ca/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-07%3A00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=25
I know this is a case on the International and provincial side of things but the article he refers to does not talk at any point about municipal politics, but lets assume it will flow to that level.
Anyway let's talk about the rest of the post I will take some quotes and address them with my comments :
"According to the above story people in general are angry. Very Angry! They feel their politicians are elitist, arrogant and oblivious to their pain and suffering, and as such doing little to nothing to address their issues and concerns. As a result, it's a very, very bad time to be an incumbent."
Most of us on the present council are simple folks six of us have lived here for ten years or more.
Do we have some members of our council that are elitist, arrogant and oblivious to the residents pain and suffering, yes I think we have some of that do you really think taht applies to the whole of council? should they all be painted with that same brush?
Then we go to:
"With this in mind, I wonder how our own incumbents are feeling about their chances of getting back in, considering the mood of our residents towards the on-going, never ending, three year long battle between the two waring camps on our council?"
John you really do not buy into the 4-3 Irwin propaganda do you? we all know that council spilt over the Crowsnest Centre issue and a some budgetary related issues. We also all recognize that 95% of Council Motions pass by something other than 4-3.
Would this be the first council accused of being 4-3?
But as you have said many times yourself this council did a lot of things well and did not receive enough credit for the good things they did.
"The never ending battle between the waring camps" isn't that exactly how the media, Irwin and his cronies portrayed the council from 1998-2001? Was that all accurate?.
"All the while, apparently, oblivious to the fact there is a good chance none of them will be getting back in because of their past actions".
If none of us are to get back in due to our "past" actions then I suspect the voters will go back further than just this last council, because very few of us that have sat on council previously have not had our names tarnished by one part of the media or the other and Irwin's cronies.
"and understand from this that what is needed and wanted is democracy in action where councillors actually work together as a team for the greater common good and get things done, by applying some good old-fashioned basic common-sense while leaving the grandstanding and 'gotcha' politics behind"
Democracy isn't that about taking a position, debating it and voting? 4-3, 5-2, 6-1, 7-0 which one of them is not democracy.
"Can one blame them? After all, this council treated us like we were mushrooms i.e. kept us in the dark and fed us BS. We never had public forums to discuss any of the important issues, such as Bridgecreek/River Run and the lack of security deposits and long-term taxpayer liabilities, CLC (legal costs), the 4-3 voter split, etc., etc. and still know little to nothing on who, what, when and why with respect to these matters? They acted like they were above us and need not bother or trouble themselves with such matters as accountability and due diligence. Transparency went out the door as did fiscal responsibility. Thoughtful people believe one side was as bad as the other with respect to these matters, and therefore neither side is deserving of getting back in."
Couple of comments:
The Bridgecreek/River Run this is a private deal no different than any other development, we as a council can approve development agreements, zoning etc. No different than if I owned a piece of private land the municipality can not force me a built on it. There are people here that have owned land for 50 years and never done anything with it. That is a right allowed to us in a democratic country.
The mistakes the council made here was when the first council sold this property back in the mid 90's with no conditions attached to it.
Then this council made a large error, when we did not force them to put up security, I also feel that the Mayor made a big mistake when he appeared in their promotional video.
CLC legal costs those were not caused by council if you go back to the report in the spring that we were given by our financial officer after a request by Councillor Mitchell if memory serves me right those costs were about $80,000. Approximately $30,000 of that was due to the plebiscite that was forced on the municipality, which the public eventually sent a clear message on. The rest was as a result of the legal action taken due to the leases signed by the CLC Society.
The 4-3 I give Irwin credit here, he created an issue to blind as many people as possible to the real issues.
What amazes me is that some really smart people have brought into this issue, unless of course they are just using it for political advantage!
Another point if we are going to label this council as the 4-3 council what would we label previous councils, I hope I get this right:
1998-2001 4-3
2001-2004 5-2
2004-2007 4-3
2007-2010 4-3
Help me out folks let me know if I'm wrong.
"Fiscal Responsibility out the door".
Really over the last ten years can anybody point to a council that as done more to become more efficient, to reduce costs, than this one? sometime in the next two weeks I will list them all.
Anyway back to the question on the post, should incumbents be afraid? I guess depending on which side of the issues the voters side with, obviously some incumbents should be afraid.
But I believe that some of the councillors on this last council stood for what they truly believed in despite the fact that they were lambasted in parts of the media week after week.
They could have had it easy, they could have sat back and agreed with Irwin and his cronies, caused no controversy, had wonderful things said about them by those same hacks.
And today those same people would be blasting them for being a 7-0 council, a bunch of mindless sheep, Irwinites, that stood for nothing.
Anyway I believe that the people of the Crowsnest Pass are smart enough to cut through the crap that parts of the local media and Irwin and his cronies, have put out about members of this council and previous ones.
Finally yes I agree some what in that a few of the incumbents do not deserve to come back.
Change will happen in the Crowsnest Pass.
Monday, September 20, 2010
For those following the Bridgecreek story
108 investors
$15 million, a resurrection; Innoka Resort rises on site of Bighorn Mountain Resort
By Marty Hope, Calgary HeraldSeptember 18, 2010
They wanted their money back, to be sure -- but at the same time, they wanted their second home back as well.
Innoka Resort -- a 20-unit development at Kananaskis Way and Montane Road in Canmore -- is being created in response to the frustration of a group of investors.
They found themselves left in the lurch when the developer of what was then called Bighorn Mountain Resort went into receivership in 2009.
With the total support of 108 investors who have put up $15 million of their own money, Richard LeBlanc is spearheading the redevelopment of the recreation property.
To help relaunch the project, a shaman from the nearby Stoney reserve cleansed the land of the bad karma and blessed the investors on their quest toward success.
As CEO of Innoka Point Resort Corp. and an investor in the previous venture, LeBlanc says the project is "an exercise in the repatriation of lost equity."
The fractional ownership development will have 20 units in five blocks, with units ranging from 2,500 to 2,700 square feet.
Based on a one-eighth ownership, prices begin at $165,000 in the first block, says Cara Katterhagen, an investor and director of marketing for Innoka.
LeBlanc has been CEO since March -- and in the interim, he has cleared the required legal roadblocks to allow investors to purchase the property and to carry on with completion of the development.
"While there are strong and lingering emotional tones still, the reality is that we are in the business of developing a resort -- and that we must do so ourselves," says LeBlanc.
As a result, a vision of success has arisen from a financial nightmare -- and that vision, is closer to becoming reality each day now that work has resumed on the partially completed development.
The resort's existing footprint will be used.
Each unit has three bedrooms (each with their own ensuite), a media room with a pullout sofa, flat-screen TVs, as well as granite or stone counters.
Other features include slate and hardwood flooring, high-end commercial appliances, stacked in-suite laundry, garage with private storage, and three decks.
Prices in the first phase for the exterior units start at $165,000, while interior units start at $175,000. These units will be first offered to investors (shareholders and associates), says Katterhagen.
While prices for subsequent blocks haven't been finalized, they could be $5,000 higher.
Prices are based on an eighth share, giving each owner six weeks of usage in one week increments throughout the year on a rotating schedule.
LeBlanc hopes to have the first block complete by the end of October.
Completion of the remaining blocks will depend on sales, but as each block is at least partially constructed, construction time frames are expected to be about six to eight weeks per block.
This is a phased development; construction will depend on the sales pace. It is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete the project.
In addition to the residences, there is also a 5,000-square-foot amenities building on site.
The use of the building has not been finally determined, but it will include a hot tub, exercise room, and quite possibly a restaurant/ lounge and a spa.
The building is also mostly constructed and requires interior finishing. Owners and guests will have full access to all the facilities. The zoning for Innoka is commercial, which limits occupancy to 30 day -- therefore, it cannot be used as a permanent residence.
The company has chosen to sell Innoka as eighths, keeping prices under $200,000 and broadening market accessibility to a larger group of buyers.
If owners cannot or choose not to use their unit, they can place it in a rental pool, which will generate income and leverage their investment.
Innoka Resort will incorporate a First Nations theme, which includes using sustainable material wherever possible, as well as sacred materials -- for example, using sage in the landscaping plan.
There will also be the use of symbols, with the biggest one, at least visually, involving First Nations artwork. Each unit will mostly feature original works by First Nations artists.
"The effort to re-start construction and to inherit self-operation -- there is no money for an external party to make profit -- requires a strong mentality of backfilling lost equity," says LeBlanc. "We do not dream of making a profit building, though we may come close. It is simply of reducing our loss."
The effort and challenge put into building and selling Innoka has resulted in the creation of another company, Buzz Resorts Corp., that will operate Innoka, which will become a condo corporation, he says.
"We will not simply build and sell, but we will stand behind what we complete and support it going forward through Buzz," says LeBlanc, adding that this will also open up revenue and asset channels for investors and may provide a "beachhead" for future endeavours.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
PROJECT: Innoka Resort will have 20 timeshare units developed in five blocks. It is the result of a group of 108 investors in a previous project that went into receivership banding together to bring it back to life -- and completion.
DEVELOPER: Innoka Point Resort Corp.
AREA: Canmore (Kananaskis Way and Montane Road).
PRICE: Based on a one-eighth ownership, prices begin at $165,000.
INFORMATION: Visit www.innoka.ca
$15 million, a resurrection; Innoka Resort rises on site of Bighorn Mountain Resort
By Marty Hope, Calgary HeraldSeptember 18, 2010
They wanted their money back, to be sure -- but at the same time, they wanted their second home back as well.
Innoka Resort -- a 20-unit development at Kananaskis Way and Montane Road in Canmore -- is being created in response to the frustration of a group of investors.
They found themselves left in the lurch when the developer of what was then called Bighorn Mountain Resort went into receivership in 2009.
With the total support of 108 investors who have put up $15 million of their own money, Richard LeBlanc is spearheading the redevelopment of the recreation property.
To help relaunch the project, a shaman from the nearby Stoney reserve cleansed the land of the bad karma and blessed the investors on their quest toward success.
As CEO of Innoka Point Resort Corp. and an investor in the previous venture, LeBlanc says the project is "an exercise in the repatriation of lost equity."
The fractional ownership development will have 20 units in five blocks, with units ranging from 2,500 to 2,700 square feet.
Based on a one-eighth ownership, prices begin at $165,000 in the first block, says Cara Katterhagen, an investor and director of marketing for Innoka.
LeBlanc has been CEO since March -- and in the interim, he has cleared the required legal roadblocks to allow investors to purchase the property and to carry on with completion of the development.
"While there are strong and lingering emotional tones still, the reality is that we are in the business of developing a resort -- and that we must do so ourselves," says LeBlanc.
As a result, a vision of success has arisen from a financial nightmare -- and that vision, is closer to becoming reality each day now that work has resumed on the partially completed development.
The resort's existing footprint will be used.
Each unit has three bedrooms (each with their own ensuite), a media room with a pullout sofa, flat-screen TVs, as well as granite or stone counters.
Other features include slate and hardwood flooring, high-end commercial appliances, stacked in-suite laundry, garage with private storage, and three decks.
Prices in the first phase for the exterior units start at $165,000, while interior units start at $175,000. These units will be first offered to investors (shareholders and associates), says Katterhagen.
While prices for subsequent blocks haven't been finalized, they could be $5,000 higher.
Prices are based on an eighth share, giving each owner six weeks of usage in one week increments throughout the year on a rotating schedule.
LeBlanc hopes to have the first block complete by the end of October.
Completion of the remaining blocks will depend on sales, but as each block is at least partially constructed, construction time frames are expected to be about six to eight weeks per block.
This is a phased development; construction will depend on the sales pace. It is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete the project.
In addition to the residences, there is also a 5,000-square-foot amenities building on site.
The use of the building has not been finally determined, but it will include a hot tub, exercise room, and quite possibly a restaurant/ lounge and a spa.
The building is also mostly constructed and requires interior finishing. Owners and guests will have full access to all the facilities. The zoning for Innoka is commercial, which limits occupancy to 30 day -- therefore, it cannot be used as a permanent residence.
The company has chosen to sell Innoka as eighths, keeping prices under $200,000 and broadening market accessibility to a larger group of buyers.
If owners cannot or choose not to use their unit, they can place it in a rental pool, which will generate income and leverage their investment.
Innoka Resort will incorporate a First Nations theme, which includes using sustainable material wherever possible, as well as sacred materials -- for example, using sage in the landscaping plan.
There will also be the use of symbols, with the biggest one, at least visually, involving First Nations artwork. Each unit will mostly feature original works by First Nations artists.
"The effort to re-start construction and to inherit self-operation -- there is no money for an external party to make profit -- requires a strong mentality of backfilling lost equity," says LeBlanc. "We do not dream of making a profit building, though we may come close. It is simply of reducing our loss."
The effort and challenge put into building and selling Innoka has resulted in the creation of another company, Buzz Resorts Corp., that will operate Innoka, which will become a condo corporation, he says.
"We will not simply build and sell, but we will stand behind what we complete and support it going forward through Buzz," says LeBlanc, adding that this will also open up revenue and asset channels for investors and may provide a "beachhead" for future endeavours.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
PROJECT: Innoka Resort will have 20 timeshare units developed in five blocks. It is the result of a group of 108 investors in a previous project that went into receivership banding together to bring it back to life -- and completion.
DEVELOPER: Innoka Point Resort Corp.
AREA: Canmore (Kananaskis Way and Montane Road).
PRICE: Based on a one-eighth ownership, prices begin at $165,000.
INFORMATION: Visit www.innoka.ca
The riddle is solved, credibilty and affordable Housing
On my previous post I have filled in the gaps on the Credibility and Affordable Housing.
Yes these were the same folks that are going to build Affordable Housing in Blairmore????
One of the things you learn over a number of years as a councilor is that you really have to look at the credibilty of the group in front of you, especially when you are talking about waiving land use bylaws, and walking away from off site levies to the tune of $120,000.
Does anybody really want to see another eyesore behind the Blairmore Legion?
Yes these were the same folks that are going to build Affordable Housing in Blairmore????
One of the things you learn over a number of years as a councilor is that you really have to look at the credibilty of the group in front of you, especially when you are talking about waiving land use bylaws, and walking away from off site levies to the tune of $120,000.
Does anybody really want to see another eyesore behind the Blairmore Legion?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Follow up on Bridgecreek (latest development)
After my post of August 18 http://crowsnestpasshome.blogspot.com/2010/08/crowsnest-pass-and-bridgecreek.html .
Take a look at the story that came out in the local paper, and the spin that's been put on it to create the impression that council chased away a credible development that was looking to bring affordable housing to the Crowsnest Pass. The individual in the story makes its sound like this community and council have never supported him. (It must be getting close to an election, and then they use the same individual to spin the story even further to give credibility to blaming council for all of the problems in the Pass)
The story is available at http://www.passherald.ca/ also on the side of that page is a poll asking if you agree or disagree with councils position please participate and let the world know if you feel we made the right choice.
Take a look at the story that came out in the local paper, and the spin that's been put on it to create the impression that council chased away a credible development that was looking to bring affordable housing to the Crowsnest Pass. The individual in the story makes its sound like this community and council have never supported him. (It must be getting close to an election, and then they use the same individual to spin the story even further to give credibility to blaming council for all of the problems in the Pass)
The story is available at http://www.passherald.ca/ also on the side of that page is a poll asking if you agree or disagree with councils position please participate and let the world know if you feel we made the right choice.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Crowsnest Pass and Bridgecreek Development
At council on Tuesday August 17, we received a request from Bridgecreek to rezone the old glass shop in Blairmore from C2 to Direct Control. (Next door to the Blairmore Legion)
In the background information they informed us that they needed the property to be Direct Control because their proposed development (24 bungalow style residences) would not conform with present R3 guidelines in our municipal Land Use Bylaw.
In the information package they also informed us that they would be requesting Council to waive the "Off site levy charge" for the project. At approximatly $5000 a units it would be a loss to the municipality of $120,000.
A Motion was made be Councilor Taje to support first reading of the rezoning request, the Motion was defeated by a vote of 4-3 with Mayor Irwin Councilors Mitchell and Taje in favour.
Councilors Cole, Macleod, Salus and Ward opposed.
In the background information they informed us that they needed the property to be Direct Control because their proposed development (24 bungalow style residences) would not conform with present R3 guidelines in our municipal Land Use Bylaw.
In the information package they also informed us that they would be requesting Council to waive the "Off site levy charge" for the project. At approximatly $5000 a units it would be a loss to the municipality of $120,000.
A Motion was made be Councilor Taje to support first reading of the rezoning request, the Motion was defeated by a vote of 4-3 with Mayor Irwin Councilors Mitchell and Taje in favour.
Councilors Cole, Macleod, Salus and Ward opposed.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Interesting Article in this weeks Crowsnest Pass Promoter
RE: Development in the Crowsnest Pass
http://www.crowsnestpasspromoter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1388070
http://www.crowsnestpasspromoter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1388070
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Development in the Crowsnest Pass
I have had a number of requests for an update on what's going on with development in the Crowsnest Pass. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so here is my update, you can see for yourself what is happening.
Trout Landing on Crowsnest lake
Sunny View Estates in Coleman
Kananaskis Wilds
Southmore Development
River Run
PassMont
Valley Ridge Country Estates
Larkspur
Timber Ridge
Trout Landing on Crowsnest lake
Sunny View Estates in Coleman
Kananaskis Wilds
Southmore Development
River Run
PassMont
Valley Ridge Country Estates
Larkspur
Timber Ridge
Ironstone
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