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Tuesday, July 17, 2012
And the hits keep on coming - Atlas Road Closure
Reading this week's Pass Herald I see some really disturbing news - a Fait accompli - the closure of Atlas Road on August 13, 2012.
Reading the story (not available on-line) obvious questions and concerns come to mind because of how important this road is to our community both economically and recreationally.
The first being, where was our Mayor and Council on this issue? Does our Mayor have no clout? Would this have happened under former Mayor Irwin? I don't think so! And it definitely wouldn't have happened under my watch!! Apparently the decision was made prior to June 22 (a day after our Town Hall Meeting) yet Mayor and Council made no mention of this to us? Did Mayor and Council consult with our new MLA Pat Stier to lobby on our behalf? If not, why not? Why the rush to decommission and close this road in only a matter of 3-4 weeks (Aug. 13)? After raping and pillaging our land for decades where does Spray Lakes get off just walking away leaving us with diddly-squat in the process? So many questions and no answers?
Our community, it seems, is dying a slow death by attrition due to a lack of vision, intestinal fortitude, and leadership. Or is it by design? Like the arbitrary cancellation of Thunder in the Valley.
It seems our municipally elected representatives are doing everything possible to kill any hope of encouraging and promoting tourism as a viable economic engine for this area.
How much more can residents here take before "enough is enough"?
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
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11 comments:
It does not feel like council is putting up a big fight. They simply shrug there shoulders and say not my problem. We have had some really bad councils in the past but nothing compared to these guys. They are so out of touch with the community it is unbelievable.How much more damage can be done in the next 14 months?
The community certainly does not benefit from the road closure. So, who does?
Is this area going to become an extension of Waterton Park with no motorized access into the forest? Is the road reclamation the first step in eliminating trails for rec vehicles? If we become part of a nature park, who would benefit?
Councilor Lonsbury gave an impassioned speech at the last town hall meeting. He stated that it was ridiculous to suggest that council wanted to kill the Pass. I believe him; however, does this bunch have the intellectual capacity to foresee the consequences of their policies and actions? Are they capable of objective evaluation of their decisions?
Pat Steir is either out of the loop or he is influenced by those who support the closure.
Who benefits from this closure?
10:37 The simple answer is Spray lakes as once the road is finished they have no more responsability of upkeep. The question I have is Why can the CNP not take over this road in partnership with the user groups and with federal and provincial funding.
12:15 ...
I agree that SLS benefits by not having to maintain the road any more. Think about the larger issue ...
There was a rush in the spring to log out the Castle area. SLS has captured economic benefit in advance of any change in land use.
The Atlas area is logged out for this crop cycle and the road is being reclaimed.
I think that the whole CNP area may become something like a national park. There is no doubt that SLS will see an immediate benefit, but the long term benefits will belong to large landowners near good access routes like Hwy 3 and the Castle Ski area road. Our town will be Banff reincarnate; once again, owners of large parcels of undeveloped land will benefit ... I can think of some names ...
This is not a "conspiracy theory" but a credible possible outcome. Our council may not be complicit, but they sure don't seem to think outside the box. Once again, besides the obvious, who benefits from the closure? Not you and not me and not the ATV riders who bring a lot of $$ to the Pass.
The simple answer nobody wants to pay.
The municipality as no money, even though they spend like they have lots.
Most user groups can't afford the ongoing commitment.
Then I always love the "let's go get money from Edmonton or Ottawa"
First of all how much money do you think these two levels of government have and how many town, cities, municipalities are lined up waiting for a share.
Second politically the Provincial PC's have learnt that they can stay in control without the votes of the southern part of the province.
At the Federal level they understand that no matter what this area will always vote conservative.
Maybe once the CNP attains the MD of Ranchlands tax revenue issues like this will be easily handled.
Sorry John I forgot to sign the last comment.
Dean Ward
I wonder how many people know that this means no more easy access to places like Crowsnest mountain or Window mountain and lake and countless other trails.
As for the money coming from the governments, you have to ask. You can not give a political opinion and close the door on the idea. I thought I read once that the quad squad got a substantial amount of money from the government.My point is for council and effected user groups not to take the easy way out and give up, but to fight for something that is very important to the community.
I am not saying to give up by any means I just know there are a lot of people looking for money, and not lots to go around.
So I say good luck because I recognize how important giving people reasons to come here is.
Dean Ward
Time for me to throw my two cents in.
I believe the first commentor (anon @9:04) here on this post got it right. This council seems to be getting very good at shrugging their collective shoulders and running away from problems. That I find very disturbing!
I mean, if you're not prepared to stand up and fight for this community, what the hell are you doing there??
JP
Maybe everybody is waiting until the last moment I just drove by the ISS field there is not one camper parked any where close to the area.
On mainstreet I would say there is one porta potty per tourist.
Dean Ward
Dean,
I know we are digressing from the subject at hand but this morning I had to take my wife to Lethbridge and while passing the campground in Bellevue I was 'shocked' to see it completely empty. Not one camper!
Rum Runner Days already looks like it is going to be a complete dud. Sad! But I think most of us (except council) expected that.
JP
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