Clarifying the issue -- vote with all the facts on Saturday

Posted by on 13 November 2009 | 0 Comments

When I decided to get involved with the Yes to Opportunity group, my intentions were simple; to engage the citizens of Cranbrook in an information gathering quest. I knew that when any one person looked at the facts with an open mind, they would undoubtedly see that this is a great opportunity for Cranbrook. That’s what the East Hill Boundary Extension is all about; an opportunity for us to plan for future generations. But some how in the last few weeks, the real referendum question has been forgotten and replaced with all sorts of unrelated issues. So what are we voting on again? Oh ya, the referendum question is: Should the City of Cranbrook expand its city boundary to include the private lands on the East hill?

So why is the CLC opposed to the boundary expansion? I don’t think they are! I’ve read everything I can get my hands on that they have produced. It seems to me that their main concern is that they don’t like the process. That is a debatable issue, however, under provincial law that process is legislated and the City of Cranbrook is following the stated process. So even if we as citizens don’t like the process, then we should be taking it up with the province, not the city. But before you pick up the phone and call our MLA, ask yourself what is more logical? Should taxpayers spend a bunch of time and energy planning for land we have no jurisdiction over, or apply for jurisdiction and then start the planning process. It’s the old cart before the horse analogy. And to use another cliché, voting no because you don’t like the process is throwing the baby out with the bath water.

So let’s ask a few questions about our existing city: Do we currently have any large land parcels of 10-50 acres for business and industry? No. Do we have any inexpensive land that we could turn into lower income housing? Not really. Do we have any land that we could develop into larger 2 acre residential lots? Not at a price any sane individual would pay. We need more land! There is an inventory of vacant land within the city, but it does not provide these opportunities, nor does it address our long term needs. Over the last decade we have added an International Airport, regional hospital, and new library. We have also made improvements to the downtown and the strip. We have re-branded the city and developed a new tag line – “mountains of Opportunity”. And now a few folks are saying Whoa? I’m sorry, but that is not fair to the rest of the citizens of Cranbrook that believe Cranbrook is moving in the right direction.

So please remember what the referendum question is. Don’t confuse it with all the other distractions that are out there. The question is whether you as a citizen of Cranbrook would like to have a say as to what gets developed on the East Hill Lands. If you still need more information visit the city website at www.cranbrook.ca. You’ll find an extensive Q&A section where you’ll discover that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Will we be ok if we don’t take this opportunity? Absolutely. In my opinion Cranbrook is a great place to live with or without the extension. But if we don’t do it now, it will just make things more complicated and difficult for the future. So on Saturday, November 14 go vote. I’ll be hoping you vote YES.

PS – feel free to pass this on to anyone you wish.

Regards,

Joey Hoechsmann | Owner Operator
The Bedroom Furniture Galleries
250.426.2316 phone
250.426.4143 fax
www.bedroomfurnituregaller