Post Notes for the Council Meeting of March 7th 2011

Delegation
Judy Bertalanic and Jim Dezall of Cranbrook Search and Rescue made a presentation to the City of Cranbrook thanking the City for their support over the years. Cranbrook Search and Rescue is celebrating its 35th year and works closely with the City.  Cranbrook Search and Rescue respond to between 80-100 calls per year, many highway emergencies. It is an all volunteer group and we are certainly lucky to have these dedicated citizens working in our community.

Administration Updates
During the review of the Administration Updates, Councillor Bob Whetham expressed his concerns about the staff's review of a St. Marys Neighbourhood Plan bylaw that was brought to the city's attention in a letter by Sharon Cross, President of the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook.  The City Staff expressed their view that the Shadow Mountain Development is in full compliance with the St Mary Neighbourhood Plan which forms part of Cranbrook's Official Community Plan.  However Councillor Whetham  does not believe the development is in compliance specifically with Section ii) of The St. Mary Neighbourhood Plan which states,

"The City requires some public opportunity to access the piece of Crown Land through subdivision through the strata lands."


Both Councillors Jim Wavrecan and Denise Pallesen supported the Administration Report and think that  the development is following the "intent" of the by-law. Mr. Whetham stated that this is a stand alone provision of the bylaw and that it is not related to any others and therefore the development is not in compliance. The City cannot pick and choose which parts of the bylaw it wishes to comply with. Councillor Whetham has asked that the bylaw be sent for legal advice as it could have serious consequences for the city in the future. Councillor Whetham did not vote in support of accepting the Administration Report. Many people should be concerned that while we, as taxpayers, are paying for the park we will not have equal access to it. Those who live in the development can walk or drive to the park entrance to access the river while the rest of us will have to access the park down a VERY steep embankment with stairs.

Councillor Diana J. Scott expressed her concerns about the lack of sidewalk clearing during the recent heavy snow. This has made her sidewalk dangerous to walk on and impassible for some people. It also discourages walking. She has asked that the issue of a snow removal bylaw yet again be discussed. Mayor Manjak and Councillor Wavrecan pointed out that we are a "complaint" driven city and that it would be difficult to enforce. Many other cities have a bylaw regarding snow removal so it does not seem unreasonable that the City look at this particular issue again. Why do some of these issues seem impossible to deal with in our City yet are standard practice in many others?

FYI - 12.2 Proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2300 - Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw that was to be discussed relating specifically to a development in Gold Creek was removed from the agenda. It will be brought back at a later date.