What a mess, hopefully everybody is safe. Really feel for the people along Drum Creek in Hillcrest the banks are being gobbled up by the water. Lyons creek in Blairmore is a mess three hoes working on it. Highway 3 (12:30) is down to one lane, water every where I suspect it will be closing soon.
Was sent the following video taken at the lakes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlm8Jaoepqc
Pictures from the Government of Alberta Web site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/governmentofalberta/sets/72157634230900809/
There are also regular updates available on the municipal web site at: http://www.crowsnestpass.com/
From the Pincher Creek Voice: http://www.pinchercreekvoice.com/2013/06/cpr-bridge-washes-out-in-blairmore.html
Check out what's happening in the Elk Valley and with Teck: http://www.thefreepress.ca/
NEW VIDEO from Thursday morning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F7VM14u_j4&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkTS1PU9IwE
Weather outlook for Crowsnest Pass: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/alberta/crowsnest-pass
Showing posts with label Highway 3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Highway 3. Show all posts
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
Mayor's Task Force on the Economy of the Crowsnest Pass
Going back to the Mayor's Task Force on the Economy released on May 24,2011.
I find it very curious that on Page 3 of the report it states the following: "Of the 29 actions presented in the action plan, the task force believes the three most important actions are"
1. One unified community pulling together in mind and spirit to attract new economic opportunities.
2. Hiring an Economic Development Officer to lead the implementation of the Plan.
3. Gaining clarity regarding the timing and route for the Highway 3 realignment.
How do you think they are doing on those three priorities so far?
1. What kind of job have they done unifying the community?
2. How many months does anybody think the EDO will have to implement this plan prior to the election.
Out of the blue there is an EDO job posted on the Municipal site just six months prior to the election and Council requests a supper date with Community Futures to discuss the local economy.
3. Are we all clear on the timing and route of the Highway 3 realignment?
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Highway upgrade in the Crowsnest Pass
Mayor Decoux has been talking about significant upgrades to Highway 3 going through the Crowsnest Pass.
Story on CBC today link below, I thought he was talking about re-routing Highway 3, maybe with budget constraints in Edmonton the following is just the first step.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/01/24/calgary-crowsnestpass-project.html
Story on CBC today link below, I thought he was talking about re-routing Highway 3, maybe with budget constraints in Edmonton the following is just the first step.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/01/24/calgary-crowsnestpass-project.html
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Talk about perfect timing getting the answers in the Crowsnest Pass.
Yesterday I posted the following article http://crowsnestpasshome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-community-divided-real-fix-is-eleven.html
Almost ironically, I receive an email this morning from the
municipality, it’s the monthly newsletter. I will take a few quotes from the
Mayors Corner and contribute my own thought’s.
Quote #1. “I think it’s safe to say we are all
very interested in local politics and hopefully will continue to be. I have to
admit I am a bit disappointed in that we have held two budget meetings – with
no one in attendance.”
Response #1 Looks
like the people are speaking by their absence.
Quote #2 “I understand the current Councils’ “petition”
has been delivered to Edmonton
Response #2 Did
not realize it was the current councils “petition” I had assumed that it was
gathered by the ratepayers. Maybe this was an attempt at a little bit of
sarcasm.
Quote #3 “On
a positive note administration will be rolling out the new Fire Plan probably
before Christmas. The plan promises to provide improved service and long term
savings. The Director of Protective and Community Services, Mr. Albert Headrick
has indicated the plan will provide a cost savings of over one half million
dollars over the next two years and ongoing savings thereafter.
Response #3 Are
we talking here about the operational budget, capital budget combination of
both? The budget for Fire and Rescue (Operational) in 2010 was less than
$400,000 if they are going to reduce that by $500,000 in the next two years, it
will be very interesting to see what they will do. If it is reducing the
capital budget by not going with a $1.3 million Quint and instead buying
something for $800,000 that’s just playing with numbers.
Quote #4 “ We are in the process of determining an open
house date for our hotel development team to gather input from yourselves
regarding the development. I suspect it will be in February. Contrary to rumor
no “flag” hotel has yet been determined”
Response #4 Maybe
not an “Holiday Inn” looks like we are buying time. I predict that come next
September we are going to have all of these “Hot” projects ready to go subject
to the developers, manufacturers, corporations maintaining a level of comfort
with the direction of the “next” municipal council.
Quote #5 “ The
manufacturing company will be flying its executives out from Quebec
Response #5 These
problems will not get fixed in the short term, probably require another three
years see response #4 above.
Quote #6 Your
Chief Administrative Officer and I have met with four representatives of a
heavy industry once more to discuss further possibilities. They indicated they
would make a decision towards the end of the first quarter of 2013 or the
beginning of the second quarter. I am amazed at the research and care these
companies take to ensure that all environmental and social requirements can be
met before they commit. This is a welcome and complete reversal from my
experience as a young man. We have come a long way.
Response #6
Love the way all this timing is coming together, see response #4 and #5 above.
Does anybody really believe that none of these guys are running in the next
election.
Quote #7 “On
November 13th Councillors Gail, Gallant, the Chief Administrative Officer and I
met with Minister Griffiths to discuss Highway 3 and the MD of Ranchlands. As
you are aware the Provincial government has recently indicated it is not
adverse to borrowing funds for much needed infrastructure projects – I would
like to see our highway at the top of the list. We were able to provide the
Minister with a review of the need for a new highway relative to the bright
future of the Pass. Our second issue was the need to seriously address the
problem of the MD of Ranchlands vis à vis the Crowsnest Pass. There are many
complexities involved however we confirmed the obvious inequities and the
positive impact on our taxes if an amalgamation could be realized. The Minister
indicated he would visit us hopefully early in the New Year for a tour of the
Pass and to continue these discussions.”
Response #7 It
seems a long time ago since the provincial election remember all that talk from
the PC’s about balance budgets, surpluses in fairly short order. Remember the
opposition parties stating that the PC’s were basing their numbers on overly
optimistic oil and gas prices. Now we find out that they were only talking
about operational budgets, HWY 3 may be a priority for this community but it is not for Edmonton
The MD of
Ranchlands good luck I went to meetings with ministers to, met with the Council
and CAO of Ranchlands, seen many letters go
back and forth. I have not met many neighbors that are willing to share there
good fortunes with the poor guy down the street. Which way do you think the MD
of Pincher Creek and every other wealthy municipality are lobbying on this
issue.
Quote #8 “In conclusion, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said
“You will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than
you.” Please make no mistake. Your elected Council knows its duty well and is
committed to fulfilling that duty to the citizens of Crowsnest Pass.
Response #8
No matter what we the taxpayers think or care about the path they have chosen.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Why didn't we think of that?
Today I was having a conversation with a couple of newer residents of the Crowsnest Pass.
Quickly the discussion turned to the issue of the Crowsnest Centre, one of the folks started applauding the present council for not attempting to run the centre, for moving ahead with the demolition and for finally attempting to take advantage of commercial opportunities on that property.
To this point I totally agreed with this couple, then he totally floored me with the comment "I can't believe that previous councils didn't deal with this issue". Well if I had false teeth I would have spit them out. I asked "where have you been?, haven't you read the papers the last five years?". In all fairness they have only lived here since 2009.
So I ordered another tea and spent the next ninety minutes filling this couple in on the history of the facility.
If present council gets rid of this property and realizes the commercial opportunity that this community so desperately needs I say good for them, and good for the Pass.
I argued for the last ten years that there is no where else along highway 3 that provides the opportunities for commercial development that the Centre property allows for. I asked the naysayers over and over to tell me where else you could go? nobody had an answer.
If the proposed venture for that property comes true I am sure the entire present council and administration will line up for all the glory.
I would like to think that somebody will stand up and say lets give some credit to the majority of the previous council that had the brains to have a vision for this property that saw it being turned into a tax base for this community, a provider of employment and revitalization for this community. I hope somebody has the courtesy to recognize that the majority of the previous council had the "balls" to take this issue on. Believe me over the last three years of my time on council, my life could have been spared a lot of grief if I had backed off on this issue.
This council was given the opportunity to ride in and claim victory way after the battles had been fought for them.
But isn't politics all about timing?
I hope that council finds a buyer for this property quickly, I hope they do the sale with conditions that force a buyer to have a vested interest up front, with very strict conditions that force the buyer to develop quickly.
I hope they don't spend a considerable portion of our municipal reserves to demolish that building to have the property sit vacant for the next ten years.
The last thing this community needs is another developer that promises the world, and delivers nothing but holes in the ground.
Quickly the discussion turned to the issue of the Crowsnest Centre, one of the folks started applauding the present council for not attempting to run the centre, for moving ahead with the demolition and for finally attempting to take advantage of commercial opportunities on that property.
To this point I totally agreed with this couple, then he totally floored me with the comment "I can't believe that previous councils didn't deal with this issue". Well if I had false teeth I would have spit them out. I asked "where have you been?, haven't you read the papers the last five years?". In all fairness they have only lived here since 2009.
So I ordered another tea and spent the next ninety minutes filling this couple in on the history of the facility.
If present council gets rid of this property and realizes the commercial opportunity that this community so desperately needs I say good for them, and good for the Pass.
I argued for the last ten years that there is no where else along highway 3 that provides the opportunities for commercial development that the Centre property allows for. I asked the naysayers over and over to tell me where else you could go? nobody had an answer.
If the proposed venture for that property comes true I am sure the entire present council and administration will line up for all the glory.
I would like to think that somebody will stand up and say lets give some credit to the majority of the previous council that had the brains to have a vision for this property that saw it being turned into a tax base for this community, a provider of employment and revitalization for this community. I hope somebody has the courtesy to recognize that the majority of the previous council had the "balls" to take this issue on. Believe me over the last three years of my time on council, my life could have been spared a lot of grief if I had backed off on this issue.
This council was given the opportunity to ride in and claim victory way after the battles had been fought for them.
But isn't politics all about timing?
I hope that council finds a buyer for this property quickly, I hope they do the sale with conditions that force a buyer to have a vested interest up front, with very strict conditions that force the buyer to develop quickly.
I hope they don't spend a considerable portion of our municipal reserves to demolish that building to have the property sit vacant for the next ten years.
The last thing this community needs is another developer that promises the world, and delivers nothing but holes in the ground.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Great Expectations in the Crowsnest Pass! Realized or still just Smoke and Mirrors (Part 1)
Went to the town hall meeting last night with much anticipation of all the wonderful things that were going to happen, lots of chatter on the streets people were excited. I thought back to last November when Mayor Decoux spoke about bringing forth three Notices of Motion regarding the Crowsnest Centre, the River Run property plus duplications of services by May of 2011. I thought back more recently to Councilor Saindon’s blog post of Nov 3, “Good news to be announced on Nov 9!
So yes I expected lots, I even considered for a while that maybe my positions on some of these issues were out to lunch. But that’s ok prove me wrong. Any way it started out with the Mayor telling everybody a story about a past experience he had with another community, before you knew it 45 minutes had just flown by.
Then he talked about this council endeavours over the last year to create policies and procedures. I have heard this so many times now that even I am actually starting to believe that previous councils had no policies or procedures in place. Well I have news for you surprisingly we did, were some of them in need of improvement? Absolutely, were there issues that lacked policy? of course. I thank this council for filling those needs and creating policy where there was none. Do I think future councils will think that some of their policies need improving and feel that there are areas lacking of course I do.
Then you felt the aura of excitement in the room when the Mayor stated that he was going to address the big three. Crowsnest Centre site, River Run and Highway 3.
Crowsnest Centre site: the building is in terrible shape, its not feasible for the municipality to do anything there. Council realizes the best opportunity for that site is to pursue commercial possibilities, a hotel. In fact they spent $5000 on a consultant to tell them this and to do all the research to show why this site makes sense. Wow I was blown away to hear the Mayor say everything about the Crowsnest Centre site that the majority of council was preaching over the last three years.
Then the River Run site, to my amazement he stated that this site is involved in a legal process between the various affected parties that could take years to resolve until those parties are finished with the courts. It’s private property there is nothing you can do. More shocking news.
Then we still had Highway 3, drum roll please, couple of deep breaths before the big news. The province is going ahead with the route that they have had gazetted since 1972 crossing over to the south of the valley by the west end of Blairmore heading east and south of bush town and coming out back on the west side of Coleman around the Devon plant. Timing somewhere in the next 20-25 years wow I was shocked the same story we got on the last two councils I sat on. Somebody asked the question about controlling the flow of traffic through the Pass to which the Mayor stated they have had discussions with the department of transport and they were looking at some locations for traffic lights and passing lanes, which made it through the planning stage but got shut down at budget. Strangely the same thing transport told the previous council for at least two years prior to this.
To be continued.......
So yes I expected lots, I even considered for a while that maybe my positions on some of these issues were out to lunch. But that’s ok prove me wrong. Any way it started out with the Mayor telling everybody a story about a past experience he had with another community, before you knew it 45 minutes had just flown by.
Then he talked about this council endeavours over the last year to create policies and procedures. I have heard this so many times now that even I am actually starting to believe that previous councils had no policies or procedures in place. Well I have news for you surprisingly we did, were some of them in need of improvement? Absolutely, were there issues that lacked policy? of course. I thank this council for filling those needs and creating policy where there was none. Do I think future councils will think that some of their policies need improving and feel that there are areas lacking of course I do.
Then you felt the aura of excitement in the room when the Mayor stated that he was going to address the big three. Crowsnest Centre site, River Run and Highway 3.
Crowsnest Centre site: the building is in terrible shape, its not feasible for the municipality to do anything there. Council realizes the best opportunity for that site is to pursue commercial possibilities, a hotel. In fact they spent $5000 on a consultant to tell them this and to do all the research to show why this site makes sense. Wow I was blown away to hear the Mayor say everything about the Crowsnest Centre site that the majority of council was preaching over the last three years.
Then the River Run site, to my amazement he stated that this site is involved in a legal process between the various affected parties that could take years to resolve until those parties are finished with the courts. It’s private property there is nothing you can do. More shocking news.
Then we still had Highway 3, drum roll please, couple of deep breaths before the big news. The province is going ahead with the route that they have had gazetted since 1972 crossing over to the south of the valley by the west end of Blairmore heading east and south of bush town and coming out back on the west side of Coleman around the Devon plant. Timing somewhere in the next 20-25 years wow I was shocked the same story we got on the last two councils I sat on. Somebody asked the question about controlling the flow of traffic through the Pass to which the Mayor stated they have had discussions with the department of transport and they were looking at some locations for traffic lights and passing lanes, which made it through the planning stage but got shut down at budget. Strangely the same thing transport told the previous council for at least two years prior to this.
To be continued.......
Friday, October 28, 2011
Great Expectations in the Crowsnest Pass-Reality or Smoke and Mirrors
On November 9th at the Elks hall the Mayor will be presenting the strategic plan that will hopefully deal with and resolve the issues that were raised by the Mayor's Taskforce back in May.
I feel from reading the Mayor's report numerous times and based on the comments that I receive from people around town the highest profile issues are the following: The Economy, Tourism, Highway 3, Crowsnest Centre Site, Bridgegate River Run property and Residential Attraction and Retention.
To refresh every body's memories I will include what the Mayor's report had to say on each of these issues. Including the Action, Comments, Timeline, Cost and Source of Funds, and finally the measurement. What you will see below are direct quotes from the Task Force Report.
The Economy:
Action
Adopt a community economic development model:
Disband the current Crowsnest Advisory Committee.
Establish a Community Economic Development Advisory Committee. This committee, established by Council, will advise Council and the EDO and will participate actively in oversight, planning and delivery of results. Council should select members for the Committee through a request for expressions of interest and submission of qualifications. One member of the Committee should be a member of Council. All other members should be chosen based on merit and diversity, resulting in a committee that is representative of the community, including youth and seniors representation.
Hire an Economic Development Officer (EDO) on contract until such time as this position can be added to the Municipal budget.
Establish a budget for administrative support within the budget for the EDO’s office.
Comments
The Community Economic Development Advisory Committee is an essential advisory body to work with Council and the EDO to maintain a strategic and effective focus on economic development and bring the voice of the community to these important initiatives.
Hiring an EDO is seen as a top priority in order to implement this Plan and change the direction of the economic future for the community
Timeline
June-Sept 2011
Cost and Source of Funds
S80,000 per year for EDO salary from Municipal budget
Measurement
Both in place by the end of Q3 2011
Tourism
Action
Establish a full-time Tourism Coordinator Position and implement the approved Visitor Friendly Tourism Development Plan.
Comments
Community Futures will establish a full-time Tourism Coordinator position. This individual will be responsible for supporting tourism initiatives and will work with the Travel Alberta, the DMO, tourism organizations and operators to achieve tourism growth objectives.
Timeline
Sept – Nov 2011 and ongoing
Cost and source of Funds
Community Futures budget for Tourism Coordinator
Measurement
Tourism Coordinator place by Q4 2011
Highway 3
Action
Achieve agreement with the Government of Alberta on the location and timing of the realignment of Highway 3.
Comments
The uncertainty around this is a significant barrier to economic development in Crowsnest Pass and clarity will enable commitments from developers on major initiatives. The recent Alberta Competitiveness Council Report, “Moving Alberta Forward”,16 stated the need to increase the province’s ability to supply the Port of Vancouver and improvements to Highway 3 would be a significant contributor to this strategy.
Timeline
June-November 2011
Cost and Source of Funds
None
Measurement
Formal statement on plans for Highway 3
Crowsnest Centre Site
Action
Demolish and remediate the former Crowsnest Centre site and issue an RFP to developers for proposals to redevelop the site.
Comments
This site represents a significant opportunity for economic development in the community which must be capitalized on without further delay.
Timeline
June – Nov 2011
Cost and Source of Funds
Unknown
Measurement
New vision for development by Q4 2011
Bridgegate River Run Property
Action
Investigate opportunities to re-appropriate the former Bridgegate River Run property and actively pursue proposals for redevelopment.
Comments
This site also represents a significant opportunity for economic development which must be capitalized on without further delay.
Timeline
Sept 2011 – Dec 2011
Cost and Source of Funds
Unknown
Measurement
New vision for development by end of Q4 2011
Residential Attraction and Retention
Action
Develop relationship with Human Resources at Teck and Devon to understand how Crowsnest Pass could assist them in their recruitment and retention processes and attract new residents to Crowsnest Pass:
Work with Teck to identify ways to support their current expansion process.
Identify long-term opportunities for ongoing attraction of employees to the organizations and to Crowsnest Pass, including affordable housing.
Comments
Teck and Devon are important partners in the Crowsnest Pass economic future and the relationship with these organizations must be mutually beneficial.
Timeline
May – June 2011
Cost and Source of Funds
No Cost
Measurement
Successful attraction of expanded workforce to Teck and Crowsnest Pass
Do you agree with these being the issues, should there be others. What do you feel should be done, and what are your expectations, wishes or hopes for resolution of these issues.
Do you think will are going to see timely achievable resolutions to the problems listed or will it be smoke and mirrors?
I feel from reading the Mayor's report numerous times and based on the comments that I receive from people around town the highest profile issues are the following: The Economy, Tourism, Highway 3, Crowsnest Centre Site, Bridgegate River Run property and Residential Attraction and Retention.
To refresh every body's memories I will include what the Mayor's report had to say on each of these issues. Including the Action, Comments, Timeline, Cost and Source of Funds, and finally the measurement. What you will see below are direct quotes from the Task Force Report.
The Economy:
Action
Adopt a community economic development model:
Disband the current Crowsnest Advisory Committee.
Establish a Community Economic Development Advisory Committee. This committee, established by Council, will advise Council and the EDO and will participate actively in oversight, planning and delivery of results. Council should select members for the Committee through a request for expressions of interest and submission of qualifications. One member of the Committee should be a member of Council. All other members should be chosen based on merit and diversity, resulting in a committee that is representative of the community, including youth and seniors representation.
Hire an Economic Development Officer (EDO) on contract until such time as this position can be added to the Municipal budget.
Establish a budget for administrative support within the budget for the EDO’s office.
Comments
The Community Economic Development Advisory Committee is an essential advisory body to work with Council and the EDO to maintain a strategic and effective focus on economic development and bring the voice of the community to these important initiatives.
Hiring an EDO is seen as a top priority in order to implement this Plan and change the direction of the economic future for the community
Timeline
June-Sept 2011
Cost and Source of Funds
S80,000 per year for EDO salary from Municipal budget
Measurement
Both in place by the end of Q3 2011
Tourism
Action
Establish a full-time Tourism Coordinator Position and implement the approved Visitor Friendly Tourism Development Plan.
Comments
Community Futures will establish a full-time Tourism Coordinator position. This individual will be responsible for supporting tourism initiatives and will work with the Travel Alberta, the DMO, tourism organizations and operators to achieve tourism growth objectives.
Timeline
Sept – Nov 2011 and ongoing
Cost and source of Funds
Community Futures budget for Tourism Coordinator
Measurement
Tourism Coordinator place by Q4 2011
Highway 3
Action
Achieve agreement with the Government of Alberta on the location and timing of the realignment of Highway 3.
Comments
The uncertainty around this is a significant barrier to economic development in Crowsnest Pass and clarity will enable commitments from developers on major initiatives. The recent Alberta Competitiveness Council Report, “Moving Alberta Forward”,16 stated the need to increase the province’s ability to supply the Port of Vancouver and improvements to Highway 3 would be a significant contributor to this strategy.
Timeline
June-November 2011
Cost and Source of Funds
None
Measurement
Formal statement on plans for Highway 3
Crowsnest Centre Site
Action
Demolish and remediate the former Crowsnest Centre site and issue an RFP to developers for proposals to redevelop the site.
Comments
This site represents a significant opportunity for economic development in the community which must be capitalized on without further delay.
Timeline
June – Nov 2011
Cost and Source of Funds
Unknown
Measurement
New vision for development by Q4 2011
Bridgegate River Run Property
Action
Investigate opportunities to re-appropriate the former Bridgegate River Run property and actively pursue proposals for redevelopment.
Comments
This site also represents a significant opportunity for economic development which must be capitalized on without further delay.
Timeline
Sept 2011 – Dec 2011
Cost and Source of Funds
Unknown
Measurement
New vision for development by end of Q4 2011
Residential Attraction and Retention
Action
Develop relationship with Human Resources at Teck and Devon to understand how Crowsnest Pass could assist them in their recruitment and retention processes and attract new residents to Crowsnest Pass:
Work with Teck to identify ways to support their current expansion process.
Identify long-term opportunities for ongoing attraction of employees to the organizations and to Crowsnest Pass, including affordable housing.
Comments
Teck and Devon are important partners in the Crowsnest Pass economic future and the relationship with these organizations must be mutually beneficial.
Timeline
May – June 2011
Cost and Source of Funds
No Cost
Measurement
Successful attraction of expanded workforce to Teck and Crowsnest Pass
Do you agree with these being the issues, should there be others. What do you feel should be done, and what are your expectations, wishes or hopes for resolution of these issues.
Do you think will are going to see timely achievable resolutions to the problems listed or will it be smoke and mirrors?
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Torch is passed to the "Dream Team"
Mayor’s Final Task Force Report June 20 2011.
Well last night I attended the presentation of the Mayor’s Final Task Report, the task force and council was all there with by my estimation 150-200 local residents.
The Mayor gleefully informed us at the beginning that his council was now known as the “Dream Team”. I love dreams the only down side is when you are just really getting to enjoy one, you wake up and realize it was just a dream and now you have to deal with reality.
The Mayor put a lot of emphasis on the Task Forces member’s great wealth of expertise (no argument) and their many connections to the Crowsnest Pass. I think some how trying to distant the initial public reaction to the fact that there was no “locals” named to the team, but any way the report is here now and needs to be addressed.
Did I hear anything really new? No. I have always taken the position that there are many good ideas here in the Crowsnest Pass, the issue then, now and in to the future. Is embracing the ideas, implementing them and eventually the most important part of the equation paying for them.
Therefore, what did I hear from the report:
1. One unified community,
2. One Crowsnest Pass Fire and Rescue Department with one chief and multiple substations, one library system with multiple branches.
3. Hiring an Economic Development Officer
4. Clarity on the timing and route for the Highway 3 realignment
5. Establish a Community Economic Development Advisory Committee
6. “Crowsnest: Mountain Freedom” branding and put in place gateway signage
7. Establish a grant and funding process to support specific economic development projects
8. Full time Tourism Coordinator Position
9. Implementation of a Tourism levy as part of the hotel rate structure as well as a 1 cent/litre gas tax to fund tourism/community marketing.
10. Review and re-develop Rum Runner Days/Thunder in the Valley, establish a community committee to run this weekend, and develop a financial model that is transparent regarding sources and uses of funds and results in profits to the Municipality, local businesses and the event.
11. Seek investment or partner to add chair lift to the Pass Powderkeg Ski hill.
12. Work with historical partners to expand the Crowsnest Museum
13. Demolish and remediate the former Crowsnest Centre site and issue an RFP to developers for proposals to redevelop the site.
14. Investigate opportunities to re-appropriate the Bridgegate River Run property.
15. Work on a Centre for excellence in Field Studies
16. Develop strategy to attract new development.
17. Develop and maintain relationships with major employers.
18. Build community pride to increase support for local business
19. Explore feasibility of a regional Truck stop/Bulk Fuel/Tire Sales along Highway 3
20. Enhanced services and activities for retirees and seniors
21. Enhance amenities for families, community recreation centre
I have not listed all the recommendations, a lot of them are similar these are the ones that jumped out at me. The tricky part as I stated previously is going to be the implementation and paying for these great ideas. To that end the Mayor informed us that Council will be coming back to the public in early fall with a strategic plan.
How do we the public measure the success of this report? A couple of ways, 29 recommendations, 15 of them have a timeline of this year attached to them. Budget 2012 will be here before you know it.
Note: Just received a call mentioning to me that at this time we all need to keep in mind that these are the recommendations of the Task Force, Council does not have to accept them all, or any for that matter. Right now this is one of those famous political trial balloons so for my readers if you wish to influence where this report or any of its suggestions go. You need to speak to your members of council.
Randy thanks for the call, your right.
Well last night I attended the presentation of the Mayor’s Final Task Report, the task force and council was all there with by my estimation 150-200 local residents.
The Mayor gleefully informed us at the beginning that his council was now known as the “Dream Team”. I love dreams the only down side is when you are just really getting to enjoy one, you wake up and realize it was just a dream and now you have to deal with reality.
The Mayor put a lot of emphasis on the Task Forces member’s great wealth of expertise (no argument) and their many connections to the Crowsnest Pass. I think some how trying to distant the initial public reaction to the fact that there was no “locals” named to the team, but any way the report is here now and needs to be addressed.
Did I hear anything really new? No. I have always taken the position that there are many good ideas here in the Crowsnest Pass, the issue then, now and in to the future. Is embracing the ideas, implementing them and eventually the most important part of the equation paying for them.
Therefore, what did I hear from the report:
1. One unified community,
2. One Crowsnest Pass Fire and Rescue Department with one chief and multiple substations, one library system with multiple branches.
3. Hiring an Economic Development Officer
4. Clarity on the timing and route for the Highway 3 realignment
5. Establish a Community Economic Development Advisory Committee
6. “Crowsnest: Mountain Freedom” branding and put in place gateway signage
7. Establish a grant and funding process to support specific economic development projects
8. Full time Tourism Coordinator Position
9. Implementation of a Tourism levy as part of the hotel rate structure as well as a 1 cent/litre gas tax to fund tourism/community marketing.
10. Review and re-develop Rum Runner Days/Thunder in the Valley, establish a community committee to run this weekend, and develop a financial model that is transparent regarding sources and uses of funds and results in profits to the Municipality, local businesses and the event.
11. Seek investment or partner to add chair lift to the Pass Powderkeg Ski hill.
12. Work with historical partners to expand the Crowsnest Museum
13. Demolish and remediate the former Crowsnest Centre site and issue an RFP to developers for proposals to redevelop the site.
14. Investigate opportunities to re-appropriate the Bridgegate River Run property.
15. Work on a Centre for excellence in Field Studies
16. Develop strategy to attract new development.
17. Develop and maintain relationships with major employers.
18. Build community pride to increase support for local business
19. Explore feasibility of a regional Truck stop/Bulk Fuel/Tire Sales along Highway 3
20. Enhanced services and activities for retirees and seniors
21. Enhance amenities for families, community recreation centre
I have not listed all the recommendations, a lot of them are similar these are the ones that jumped out at me. The tricky part as I stated previously is going to be the implementation and paying for these great ideas. To that end the Mayor informed us that Council will be coming back to the public in early fall with a strategic plan.
How do we the public measure the success of this report? A couple of ways, 29 recommendations, 15 of them have a timeline of this year attached to them. Budget 2012 will be here before you know it.
Note: Just received a call mentioning to me that at this time we all need to keep in mind that these are the recommendations of the Task Force, Council does not have to accept them all, or any for that matter. Right now this is one of those famous political trial balloons so for my readers if you wish to influence where this report or any of its suggestions go. You need to speak to your members of council.
Randy thanks for the call, your right.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Crowsnest Pass Forum Questions and Answers!
Question. Security Deposits on Developments?
The lack of security on the River Run project was a huge mistake on the part of council. This can never be allowed to happen again, we put in place a policy now that development can not start without having sufficient security in place (All of council was in favour of this except the Mayor). Hopefully in the future when a real developer comes in to develop this particular site the council at the time will make sure there is an adequate development agreement in place to clean it up.
Question. How do we attract people to the community?
We continue to build on the initiatives we have put in place, ie walking trails, mountain bike trails, cleaning up the community to make it more appealing. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world there is no logical reason that with some hard work and creative solutions we can't bring more people here.
Question. Marketing of the Community?
Similar question to above, this must become a priority and an area where council must work together with Community Futures, Chamber of Commerce and spend some money. Our marketing budget since I have been on council is $20,000 per year that's a joke. To spend that amount of money is a waste, if we provide a decent budget, and work with those other groups to attain grants we can do a far better job.
The mountain bike project is a good example of that in partnership with the Community Futures the municipality put in $10,000 that eventually gained us in excess of $200,000 to develop Mountain Bike Trails.
Question. Unsightly Premises Bylaw?
This is an effort by the present council to clean up the municipality, (supported by all of council except Councillor Taje). The only goal is to make the community look better more attractive for both the people living here and coming into our area. Nobody as the expectation that every lawn is going to be manicured, that every yard will be a pristine piece of the rocky mountains.
Can we do better than we are? of course.
The bylaw is not perfect and should be reviewed by the next council with the benefit of some experience. For information so far our Bylaw Officer as written two (2) tickets related to this bylaw, he as done a very good job of working with people to give them the opportunity to work within the bylaw.
Question. Highway 3?
Everybody that runs for council says they are going to lobby the province on this issue, going back to the early seventies. We have done that for the last three years, like it or not it will not happen for some time. Over the next few years you will see some minor widening of roads in Frank, and west Coleman, and traffic lights at the Kananaskis and the West end of Blairmore.
If anybody from the Crowsnest Pass tells you that they are going to push the Province in to doing anything more than that, they are dreaming. Keep in mind the road to Ft McMurray will not be completely four landed until 2014.
One good point that a speaker raised is as far as getting people into our town do we really want to push them through the Pass at a 100KM a hour?
Question. Affordable Housing?
The study that was done on affordable housing clearly shows that long term we need it. We have to follow the leadership of other communities in this area and find "credible" developers that will partner with us to access Federal/Provincial Grants and move in this direction.
The municipality does have land available for this.
Question. How does the Municipality support small business?
The municipality needs to talk to the business community (Chamber etc) and find areas where we can assist them, if its a problem with regulations, paperwork, bylaws that are impeding them then we need to address those issues. The municipality purchasing its goods locally as far as I am concerned as long as a local supplier is competitive and can supply a quality product then that's automatic.
Question. What happens with the Crowsnest Centre?
Last council meeting we directed administration to come back with a cost on taking the building down. It will be expensive, but if we want commercial business to come here we have no other place to put it. To attract anybody especially larger companies you have to have property that does not require a lot of work to make it flat, it must be serviced and it must be accessible to the highway. There are 12000 vehicles a day going by this site imagine if we could pull just 5% of them off the highway.
Question. What will we use as a disaster centre during emergencies?
Many communities experience emergency type situations, not many have an old hospital to put people up in. What we do have available, is the following: the present hospital, three existing schools, two arenas, the MDM facility, Elks Hall, Polish Hall, Seniors halls, hundreds of hotel beds and what a lot of people did in years past, is take people in to their homes.
Question. Looking for Bridge Builders on Council?
This is where it is so important to have a strong Mayor on council, one who does not believe that the only agenda to be promoted is his, one who can work with a diverse group of individuals, people that want to move the community forward, and govern it in an effective manner.
You can read the Cuff report and the other corporate review yourself on the municipal web site.
This Mayor did not do a very good job of team building and leading, this Mayor did not provide a willingness to look at change, the spilt in council was created by the steadfast refusal to consider change and in fact put up every road block available to maintain the status Quo.
Being a bridge builder means that you have to be a leader, willing to look at different ideas even when you don't agree and willing to work with other people that don't just show up at meeting and vote your way because they fell they should.
Question. Helping Seniors
This council as committed to support the renovation and expansion of the York Creek Lodge, with 40% of our population being seniors this is so important. We have our seniors living in 280 square foot rooms. We must do a better job for them and I will support whatever we have to do to improve the lodge.
The lack of security on the River Run project was a huge mistake on the part of council. This can never be allowed to happen again, we put in place a policy now that development can not start without having sufficient security in place (All of council was in favour of this except the Mayor). Hopefully in the future when a real developer comes in to develop this particular site the council at the time will make sure there is an adequate development agreement in place to clean it up.
Question. How do we attract people to the community?
We continue to build on the initiatives we have put in place, ie walking trails, mountain bike trails, cleaning up the community to make it more appealing. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world there is no logical reason that with some hard work and creative solutions we can't bring more people here.
Question. Marketing of the Community?
Similar question to above, this must become a priority and an area where council must work together with Community Futures, Chamber of Commerce and spend some money. Our marketing budget since I have been on council is $20,000 per year that's a joke. To spend that amount of money is a waste, if we provide a decent budget, and work with those other groups to attain grants we can do a far better job.
The mountain bike project is a good example of that in partnership with the Community Futures the municipality put in $10,000 that eventually gained us in excess of $200,000 to develop Mountain Bike Trails.
Question. Unsightly Premises Bylaw?
This is an effort by the present council to clean up the municipality, (supported by all of council except Councillor Taje). The only goal is to make the community look better more attractive for both the people living here and coming into our area. Nobody as the expectation that every lawn is going to be manicured, that every yard will be a pristine piece of the rocky mountains.
Can we do better than we are? of course.
The bylaw is not perfect and should be reviewed by the next council with the benefit of some experience. For information so far our Bylaw Officer as written two (2) tickets related to this bylaw, he as done a very good job of working with people to give them the opportunity to work within the bylaw.
Question. Highway 3?
Everybody that runs for council says they are going to lobby the province on this issue, going back to the early seventies. We have done that for the last three years, like it or not it will not happen for some time. Over the next few years you will see some minor widening of roads in Frank, and west Coleman, and traffic lights at the Kananaskis and the West end of Blairmore.
If anybody from the Crowsnest Pass tells you that they are going to push the Province in to doing anything more than that, they are dreaming. Keep in mind the road to Ft McMurray will not be completely four landed until 2014.
One good point that a speaker raised is as far as getting people into our town do we really want to push them through the Pass at a 100KM a hour?
Question. Affordable Housing?
The study that was done on affordable housing clearly shows that long term we need it. We have to follow the leadership of other communities in this area and find "credible" developers that will partner with us to access Federal/Provincial Grants and move in this direction.
The municipality does have land available for this.
Question. How does the Municipality support small business?
The municipality needs to talk to the business community (Chamber etc) and find areas where we can assist them, if its a problem with regulations, paperwork, bylaws that are impeding them then we need to address those issues. The municipality purchasing its goods locally as far as I am concerned as long as a local supplier is competitive and can supply a quality product then that's automatic.
Question. What happens with the Crowsnest Centre?
Last council meeting we directed administration to come back with a cost on taking the building down. It will be expensive, but if we want commercial business to come here we have no other place to put it. To attract anybody especially larger companies you have to have property that does not require a lot of work to make it flat, it must be serviced and it must be accessible to the highway. There are 12000 vehicles a day going by this site imagine if we could pull just 5% of them off the highway.
Question. What will we use as a disaster centre during emergencies?
Many communities experience emergency type situations, not many have an old hospital to put people up in. What we do have available, is the following: the present hospital, three existing schools, two arenas, the MDM facility, Elks Hall, Polish Hall, Seniors halls, hundreds of hotel beds and what a lot of people did in years past, is take people in to their homes.
Question. Looking for Bridge Builders on Council?
This is where it is so important to have a strong Mayor on council, one who does not believe that the only agenda to be promoted is his, one who can work with a diverse group of individuals, people that want to move the community forward, and govern it in an effective manner.
You can read the Cuff report and the other corporate review yourself on the municipal web site.
This Mayor did not do a very good job of team building and leading, this Mayor did not provide a willingness to look at change, the spilt in council was created by the steadfast refusal to consider change and in fact put up every road block available to maintain the status Quo.
Being a bridge builder means that you have to be a leader, willing to look at different ideas even when you don't agree and willing to work with other people that don't just show up at meeting and vote your way because they fell they should.
Question. Helping Seniors
This council as committed to support the renovation and expansion of the York Creek Lodge, with 40% of our population being seniors this is so important. We have our seniors living in 280 square foot rooms. We must do a better job for them and I will support whatever we have to do to improve the lodge.
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