Editor:
I write to developers Serge Ouimette and Frank Kernick on behalf of the Rundle Pointe Condominium Association, which represents the owners of 18 homes in the Rundleview neighbourhood of Canmore, to express our concerns about their proposed development of a spa – being called a health and wellness centre – and boutique hotel in Rundleview.
There are many reasons we question the appropriateness of this proposed development, including but not limited to the following.
Undermining is a major concern in this area, where sinkholes currently exist and we believe will continue to appear for the foreseeable future.
Traffic along Spray Lakes Road has steadily increased in recent years, causing congestion in both directions on that road and Three Sisters Drive. This is of no small concern to us as Rundleview residents for two reasons. First, the growing threat of wildfires is increasing the likelihood that Rundleview residents and visitors will one day need to evacuate the district. Second, as residents, however, we know that many species, including ungulates and large predators, use the area for both rest and travel. At a time when such habitat is rapidly disappearing in the Bow Valley, your proposed development would have a significant negative impact on wildlife.
There is plenty of land already ready for development throughout the community that would be better suited to a spa and hotel development, including land in Spring Creek Mountain Village, which is owned by Mr. Kernick.
According to the Town of Canmore’s land use bylaw, and as you doubtless know, the parcel you have been invited to develop is currently zoned as future development district. The official permitted use of this land is restricted to public utility.
It was stated in your public presentations the Alberta government had “invited” you to develop this parcel of land. Was this invitation the outcome of a call for tenders? If this offer did not result from a call for tenders, would you kindly explain why the provincial government chose you for this undertaking?
The Rundle Pointe Condominium Association is opposed to your proposed development.
Jordy Shepherd,
Canmore,
President of Rundle Pointe Condo Association
