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Crowsnest Pass
Herald Serving our communities since 1930
Eric Clarke from Canada’s U16 wins at World Lacrosse Championship Eric Clarke, a member of Canada’s U16 national team won gold at the IIJL World Championship held in New York, United States, from August 29 to September 2. The team won all six games with a final victory against the United States. Clarke scored a pivotal goal in the third period to break a tie, which put the team ahead, heading into the fourth period with a final win of 10-8. Clarke wishes to thank the community and everyone who sponsored him in the tournament leading to his incredible opportunity to represent the Crowsnest Pass and Canada on the world lacrosse stage.
Vol. 94 No. 33
September 4, 2024 $1.25
8 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Future of AHS and hospitals cont’d from page 7 Hardcastle said the claim that Covenant Health would be better suited to run rural hospitals is unfounded, and that the premier needs to provide a rationale for why changing operators would have an effect on the number of rural doctors in a community or their availability to work. “That’s just something that she’s made up as a theory, and there’s no factual support for that. The fact that Covenant hasn’t had any ER closures in facilities they run doesn’t mean they wouldn’t have closures if they ran the same facilities that AHS runs,” she said. Public notices from Covenant Health show there have been multiple temporary emergency department closures at its facilities in Bonnyville and Killam due to staffing shortages. Transferring hospitals to a religious facility operator would also create issues around access to forms of care it does not permit to be performed, Hardcastle said. Covenant does not allow staff to provide emergency contraceptives, abortion, medical assistance in dying, and other medical procedures. Dr. Luanne Metz, Alberta NDP health critic, said the loss of these services in hospitals would create major challenges in rural Alberta. “It will be devastating for these communities if they lose access to a whole avenue of health care that is provided to other Albertans, and that may be reproductive health care as well as medical assistance in dying, which (Covenant) also does not support,” she said. Metz said the province’s ongoing health care changes have resulted in budget cuts for AHS that impact the services it needs to provide, while more money is going to restructuring and consultants. The government are the ones “dictating what AHS can do . . . they’re putting all the blame on AHS when, in fact, they’re the ones pulling the puppet strings,” she said. Talk of changing hospital operators risks adding “another layer of instability” that would make attracting doctors and nurses more difficult and indicates plans for further privatization of the public health system, Metz said. “I really think that this is part of our move towards privatization. I don’t think it’s really just a story about Covenant versus AHS. It’s a way of introducing the concept
Sunday
1
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Monday
2
LABOUR DAY
Monday-Friday 8:30-4:00
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*Closed for lunch between 12:00-1:00*
Tuesday
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10:00-11:30 Reminiscing Group 2:00-3:30 Drop-in Open Activities (you choose!)
Labor Day
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Our programs are open to older adults +55 Drop-in $10/day (cash or monthly invoice available)
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of bringing in other providers,” she said. Metz also challenged the impact of existing private health care initiatives in Alberta. “When (Smith) talks about chartered surgical facilities, they have not helped. We’ve seen the numbers months ago showing that we’re not doing more surgeries. And the whole result of this is also going to make rural health care worse, because it’s the most challenging kind of health care to provide.” A spokesperson for the office of the Minister of Health said in an email that the work to refocus Alberta’s health care system includes transitioning Alberta Health Services, over time, to deliver only acute care services. “Both Alberta Health Services and Covenant Health will continue to play key roles in health care service delivery, providing acute care and continuing care services to Albertans. Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring key health partnerships continue, providing Albertans with the best care possible.”
Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?
Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?
Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?
Neither do we!
Local businesses live here. They play here. They invest here. They need our support, now more than ever. News Media Canada Médias d’Info Canada
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Friday 10:00-11:30 Coffee Social
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10:00-11:30 Coffee Social
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Grandparents Day
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1:00-3:30 Yard Games & Music Social
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10:00-11:30 Coffee Social
Closed @ 12:00pm 2:00-3:30 Art Thursdays Group Oktoberfest Begins
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10:00-11:30 Reminiscing Group 2:00-3:30 Drop-in Open Activities (you choose!)
10:00-11:30 Crafts & Coffee
10:00-11:30 Crafts & Coffee
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1:00-3:30 Yard Games & Music Social
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9:00-11:00 Seated Exercises
10:00-11:30 Coffee Social
27
Closed @ 12:00pm 2:00-3:30 Art Thursdays Group
Autumn Begins
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Wednesday, September 4, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 9
Municipal Public Hearing gets heated NICHOLAS L.M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter
Residents Voice Concerns at Public Hearing on Comprehensive Ski Village Rezoning During the public hearing for the proposed rezoning of land in the Comprehensive Ski Village from recreation and open space to urban tourism accommodation and recreation, a variety of opinions were voiced. The amendment in question was Bylaw 1187-2024, which aimed to rezone the land described as Plan 0812254, Block 1, Lot 551MR. Submissions both for and against the bylaw were received and included in the council’s package. Marilyn Bigcharles, a resident of Southmore in the Comprehensive Ski Village, spoke at the hearing and was adamantly opposed to the rezoning, particularly in regard to the development proposed for Lot 51. Bigcharles highlighted concerns about the steepness and shape of the lot, asserting that “this lot poses many dangers… it is so dangerously steep that only deer can use it, and it should be marked as an environmental reserve because of its danger.” She also expressed frustration with how the rezoning process had been handled, claiming that “this Council did not listen to the 41 people that represented the letters that were sent.” According to Bigcharles, the council members who supported the rezoning “did not take in the best interest of the people of this community.” Bigcharles raised specific concerns about the potential impact on her neighbourhood, particularly the noise and traffic that the proposed development would bring. She noted that in similar tourist homes, there have already been disturbances. “On August 10th of this year, Brock had in his little tourist home people out talking away that we could hear from our place till 12:30 a.m.,” said Bigcharles. In addition to the safety and noise concerns, Bigcharles questioned the integrity of the re-zoning process, particularly the potential conflicts of interest among council members. She pointed out that “two offers to purchase were talked about on Lot 50 MR in Southmore and Lot 49, which is not MR, and both of those offers were defeated. Quite likely the very same person trying to buy more of the municipal reserve for his purpose and his opportunity.” While numerous others spoke out against the bylaw at the council meeting, there were also speakers for the rezoning. Danielle Self presented herself as a proponent of the rezoning, arguing that the development would benefit the community. She stated, “I think that by allowing us to go forward, it will bring a lot of wealth into the community, it will bring a lot of opportunity to the businesses and the locals, and it will also allow for the opportunity for visitors to be able to come to this area and enjoy this area.” Regarding the impact on green space, Bigcharles warned that “children would have no safe place to play on but will have to go to playgrounds elsewhere” due to the loss of green space in the area. She also criticized the proposed dwellings, describing them as “obviously they’re not handicapped and wheelchair friendly.” Bigcharles addressed potential conflicts of interest, requesting that the mayor
“confirm and give proper evidence that there [are] no business dealings with his family’s business, Home Hardware, and the developer.” She suggested that if such a conflict existed, “then we expect the mayor to recuse himself from all votes on bylaw 1197-2024.” She also questioned the impartiality of local reporting claiming the paper has ties to the developer, noting that the reporter “does not mention Southmore CSV at all” in coverage of relevant meetings. In conclusion, Bigcharles urged the council to reject the rezoning proposal, stating, “This lot 51 belongs to the neighbourhood of Southmore CSV. This commercial business in urban tourism accommodation does not belong there.” She appealed to the developers to withdraw their proposal, suggesting that doing so would “gain you much credibility in the community” and “restore your presence and business reputation of being home builders.” Brock Fulker, a Partner at Tanrock Homes, defended the project. Fulker addressed concerns raised by community members, emphasizing that the development is not driven by personal gain but by a belief in the potential of the Crowsnest Pass. “This project is about helping the community thrive and grow,” Fulker said, “I moved my family here because I believe in what this area has to offer, and I want others to have the same opportunities.” Fulker clarified that the initial phase of the development will include six lots designated for short-term rentals, specifically designed for couples or small families. He assured the public that these units would have strict guidelines to minimize any disruption to the community, emphasizing that the rentals would offer a resort-like experience with features such as saunas and hot tubs. In response to previous feedback, Fulker also announced that three additional units would be allocated for long-term rentals, addressing the community’s need for more permanent housing options. He explained that the project would proceed in phases to ensure a smooth rollout and to allow for adjustments based on community feedback. Sustainability and property maintenance are central to the development’s design, with plans to incorporate solar panels, rain barrels, and fully landscaped properties, all managed by a professional property management group. Fulker also highlighted the steps taken to ensure the stability and safety of the homes, including consultations with soil and structural engineers. To conclude his remarks, Fulker presented a video intended to provide a clearer vision of the project’s impact, hoping to further align the development with the community’s expectations. After the public hearing, the matter went through second and third readings with each of the councillors and the mayor speaking to the issue. Council members debated the potential impact of the development on local traffic, utilities and the community’s character. According to CAO Patrick Thomas, the development plan includes provisions for adequate off-street parking and is in preliminary stages of utility discussions, including water, wastewater, and energy services. A geotechnical investigation is also underway to ensure the site’s suitability for construction. Councillor Glen Girhiny expressed concern that the rezoning, while facilitating development, could lead to unintended consequences for the neighbourhood. He highlighted the need to balance growth with preserving the area’s unique character and expressed hesitancy about approving the rezoning without considering the broader implications. Other council members voiced support for the development, citing the need for increased tourism infrastructure and the potential economic benefits. They argued that the area was originally intended for such uses and that the development aligns with the community’s long-term growth strategy. They also noted that the proposed development fits within the Ski Village district’s goals of enhancing tourism and recreational opportunities. Cont’d on page 15
Community Events Listing Sponsored by: Event
Date
Time
Place
Community Market
September 5
3:00 pm
Gazebo Park
Community Registration
September 5
3:00 pm
Gazebo Park
Municipal BBQ
September 5
4:00 pm
Gazebo Park
Amazing Teen Race
September 7
All Day
Various Venues
September 20
6:00 pm
Harvest of Memories
Coleman Museum
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