Council Clips – September 21, 2021
Three Sisters Mountain Village Properties’ Appeals and Litigation
After Council voted to defeat applications for the Smith Creek and Three Sisters Village Area Structure Plans (ASPs) submitted by Three Sisters Mountain Village Properties Ltd. (TSMVPL) earlier this year, TSMVPL filed two Notices of Appeal – one for each ASP - with the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT) and two applications for Judicial Review – one for each ASP – in the Court of Queen’s Bench.
A preliminary LPRT hearing has been set for 9 a.m. on Sept. 30, 2021. The dates of the main hearing on the merits of the appeals have not been set; however, are expected to be in February of 2022 and to take up to three weeks. Both Judicial Reviews have been adjourned to no set date.
Council has no active role in these legal proceedings. The Town is also not expecting any decisions of council in relation to these proceedings before the municipal election on October 18, 2021 as the main proceedings will occur after that date. However, the decisions to refuse the ASP applications were decisions of council and there will likely be decisions required of future councils based on steps and outcomes of the legal proceedings. For a copy of the applications, appeals, and responses see Item D in the agenda package https://canmore.ca/documents/4749-2021-09-21-cow-agenda Updates will be posted on Three Sisters Mountain Village Area Structure Plan Applications
COVID-19 Update
Council heard an update from the CAO on the impact of new provincial health measures announced last week. The Town of Canmore’s recreation facilities and Family Resource Network are participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) to allow them to operate without the majority of public health restrictions if patrons provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. There is no REP in place at other municipal facilities. More details can be found at COVID-19 Information
Staff can participate in a Voluntary Rapid Testing Program to identify and prevent asymptomatic spread of the virus in the workplace. As well, all staff are required to disclose their vaccination status, which will be kept confidential by the HR department and this data will allow for a future administrative decision regarding vaccination mandates for staff.
Update on TIP20 (Intersection at Benchlands & Bow Valley Trail)
Council was provided with an update on the functionality of the new intersection at Benchlands and Bow Valley Trail. Safety has been the primary driver behind the changes to the intersection and the presentation showed how this intersection has made it safer for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Upcoming signal light optimization is expected through new hardware (delayed due to supply chain issues) giving us more flexibility in signal phasing options. To stay up to date on work on this project, visit Transportation Improvement Program 2020
Quarry Lake Paid Parking Update
Administration provided an overview of the first summer of paid parking at Quarry Lake. After incorporating community feedback, a paid-parking program was implemented, the parking areas were re-defined to improve safety, Canmore residents were provided with a free parking pass, and a permit program was introduced in adjacent neighbourhoods. Average use on busy days indicated 87% of vehicles were registered to visitors, with weekend usage being the highest. Although paid parking revenues were projected to be $180,000 this year, so far revenues have exceeded $292,000. The program largely accomplished its goals of managing parking demand at Quarry Lake, controlling spillover parking in adjacent neighbourhoods, and preserving access to the area for residents. For more information, visit Quarry Lake Paid Parking
Impact of CERB on Low Income Seniors’ Benefits
Council heard about how the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) impacted low-income seniors. The long-term consequences of an increased income of up to $14,000 last year meant that the Alberta Seniors Benefit and Guaranteed Income Supplement this year was clawed back or denied without any assurance of re-instatement. There is not timeline on the government responding to this issue. FCSS has been supporting local residents to advocate to the MLA and MP, and connecting seniors to other services such as food supports, bridging loans, and mental health supports. Seniors struggling with this issue can reach out to FCSS at Family & Community Support Services (FCSS)
