Well, we’re back! 

You may have heard by now that at the regular Council Meeting last night (Tuesday, March 10), council voted unanimously to turn down the proposal for annexation of Grizzly Ridge Properties.  The sentiments expressed reflected a general discomfort with the proposal as it now stands.

 After the initial public house, several things became clear:

            -much more solid information was required by both council and the public in order to confidently make a decision of such monumental proportions and long-lasting effects on the future of Invermere

            -the residents of Invermere strongly expressed their desire to include MUCH more up-front, quality parkland in the proposal

            -there was no desire or need to rush through the public consultation and  annexation process

 Although most of the members of Council agreed that there are still potential benefits that could possibly be realized by annexation, they didn’t feel that at this time, the benefits outweighed the negatives.  So, Invermere, you have spoken, and been heard.

 My personal thoughts and reactions are this:

I have expressed from the beginning my concerns over the size and speed of the proposed annexation.  I’ve always felt that a decision of this size should be made pro-actively, from a well-planned, thought-out plan, rather than in reactionary way.  The truth is that if GRP hadn’t made the proposal, we would not be considering annexation of any of these lands.  We simply don’t need it at this time.  Since this is Council’s process, we should feel free to proceed at a rate that we and the public feel comfortable with.  If it is deemed important (which I think it is) to have a third-party analysis done of the possible risks and benefits associated with an annexation of this magnitude, then we need to take the time to do it.  We need to be able to do proper consultation with the public, including some measurement of our vision for our community, to determine if this is what we want and need.  As a new councilor, I didn’t feel comfortable trying to make this decision without much more information.

I think our job now will be to work closely and co-operatively with the Regional District to ensure that whatever happens on these lands is consistent with the current land use plans, is compatible with surrounding land use, and supportive of Invermere’s current Official Community Plan.  We’ll need to look for creative ways to secure greenspace, protect our water source, and encourage light industry in Invermere.  I look forward to exploring the possibilities!

It is also important to note that there is currently a study regarding the potential for Regional Governance within the Columbia Valley, and it’s outcome could effect how land use is determined.       

As always, I welcome all of your thoughts and comments.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone, e-mail, or in person.  Thank you for your interest and attention!