Notes from the Council Meeting of Monday October 4th

One standout issue was the first, second, and third readings given to two bylaws involving development. These bylaws can be read in full at:

http://cranbrook.ihostez.com/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=1170
Erosion and Sediment Control
http://cranbrook.ihostez.com/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=1173 
Subdivision and Development Servicing

Council 5 to 1, voted to refer these new bylaws for input to a new group of people known as CABBDA.

CABBDA Cranbrook and Area, Business and Developers Association is a newly formed group who introduced themselves to Council last evening. It was unclear if the group is a non-profit, for profit, professional or lobby organisation. The formal structure of the group was not presented but in Dennis Hockley’s presentation he made note of how the group wants to do the best for Cranbrook, as we all do. He went on to say that the group has within it, a lot of expertise, which they wish to share with the RDEK and Council. They want to promote the city and work with the city to help it to prosper and grow. Hockley felt the group had the tools and expertise to work with the city. He commented that they have talked to different groups within the city in order to work together. He did not say which groups they have consulted with. Dave Kaiser spoke of planned, quality, sustainable development. These admirable goals certainly fit within the goals of many other studies, ongoing projects and general aspirations of residents. Mr. Hockley did mention they have sought the advice of FABDA (Fernie Area Builders Association.) This group was formed to provide a vehicle for the promotion of industry interests and to assist members in their business.


Although City Administrator Pearce made it clear anyone can comment on these bylaws, it was very unclear as to why the bylaws would be brought directly to the attention of one self-interest group and why they alone would be invited to comment. Bylaws such as these affect all residents of Cranbrook – just ask a few of this year’s flood victims or those residents still without city services or the various groups that work to protect our waterways.


Should the invitation for comment not be a general one and be brought to general attention, possibly in the City’s ‘Our City Working for You’ space?