Yes to Opportunity group holds rally

Posted by on 6 October 2009 | 0 Comments

The Daily Townsman - September 23, 2009
By Bonnie Bryan

The group encouraging citizens to vote in favour of the East Hill boundary expansion held a rally yesterday at its newly opened campaign office.
Approximately 75 people attended the Yes to Opportunity committee's rally, which co-chair Brian Sims found encouraging.

"We are overwhelmed by the turnout, especially considering the Yes Rally was just announced last week. This issue will impact the future of Cranbrook and create opportunities," Sims said. "Our strategy is simple: inform voters on the issue. The more people learn the facts, the more likely they are to support the boundary extension."

Cranbrook City Council authorized a referendum at its last meeting on Sept. 14 and it will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14.
In his speech at the rally Sims said the Yes to Opportunity committee was formed to be a positive voice for the boundary expansion, which, if it goes ahead, will add 9,000 acres to Cranbrook.

"Our mission statement is very simple. We are a group of concerned citizens that need to get a positive voice out there to the community. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Cranbrook to obtain lands. The landowners have asked to be incorporated into the city, we're not purchasing those lands and this is something that's going to work for generations and generations to come," he said. "We're asking the citizens of Cranbrook to become informed and make their informed decision, which we all know is yes."

The Yes to Opportunity committee's position is that the East Hill boundary extension is an incredible opportunity for the city to properly plan its growth for the next two or three generations.

"Over the last year I've had the luxury of listening to presentations from the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook (CLC), and the City of Cranbrook. I've done my own reading on lots of web sites, talked with Bob Whetham, Wayne Stetski, Sharon Cross, also had discussions with Councillors and Mayor Manjak, and Will Pearce, city administrator. I really wanted to get as much information myself on the issue so I could make an informed decision about what is best for Cranbrook," said Joey Hoechsmann, co-chair of the Yes to Opportunity campaign. "What I found interesting is that in many instances the CLC and City of Cranbrook want the same things, yet are on opposite sides."

"The CLC thinks the City is trying to ram something through and I just asked myself, 'Ram what through?' " They (the City) have been working on this since 2007, expanding the city boundary, and the East Hill might be the biggest opportunity we've seen in decades.
"This should be a simple decision, one of who makes the decision; the City or the Regional District of East Kootenay? That's it. Once we make this decision we can actually start planning for the future."

Area C Director Rob Gay was at the rally and spoke of the RDEK's support for the boundary expansion.

"This motion was passed by the Regional District Board of Directors in January of 2008, it's been around a long time. So, 18 months ago we in RDEK have made our decision, yes, this is a wise move for Cranbrook. Our position is to support the City of Cranbrook in their motion," he said.
The Yes to Opportunity campaign office officially opens on Wednesday, Oct. 14. It is there to provide information on the boundary extension issue and to provide a resource for volunteers organizing phone banks, door knocking and recruitment. Those looking for more information can visit the committee's web site at www.yesvote.ca.