Canmore affordable housing project approval upsets neighbours

Canmore town council has approved a plan to build affordable housing in a green space, which is upsetting some neighbours who say they will continue to fight the project.

• Canmore residents upset about planned housing in Larch Park

Earlier this week,council voted unanimouslyto rezone a piece of land in a municipal reserveknown as Larch Parkand build about 40 housing units.

Resident Kim Johnson saidneighbours haven't given up onsaving what they see as park space in the Larch area.Johnson says he knows there is a critical need for affordable housing in the mountain town,but believes there are better locations.

"My pride in this town has fallen.This council, this pro-expansionist council, has just created what I think is the worst thing they could do. Let's put housing in our parks that's ridiculous," he said.

The town, 88 kilometres west of Calgary,attracts people because of its beauty and location, butit hasazero vacancy ratefor rental accommodation, whichhurts local businesses when it comesto hiringand retaining staff.

"We have very limited lands that the town owns and in order to build affordable housing, the land has to come with zero cost," said Canmore Mayor John Borrowman.

He adds that this spotis not officially park space and the existing ice rink will remain.

Canmore is trying to build homes for nurses, teachers and firefighters andneeds places they can afford, says Borrowman.

There will be another public hearing next yearwhen the land goes through the rezoning process.