Canmore council approves controversial rezoning of Peaks of Grassi urban reserve

Canmore town council approved a controversial plan to rezone land set aside as an urban reserve in order tomake way for future development.

The land in the Peaks of Grassineighbourhood was one of three parcels that were protected20 years ago as part of an agreement between the town, the Natural Resources Conservation Boardand the original developer in the area.

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Residents are angry the reserve will be churned up.

"We're all disappointed that councilmade the decisionthey did," said resident Tom Boone.

Although a similarproposal was brought forward last year and rejected, Mayor John Borrowmansays it was approved this time because it includes calls more affordable housing.

"Our number one priority is addressing housing issues and trying to find solutions for affordable housing. This presents, in my opinion, quite a good opportunity," he said.

The rezoning calls for 62 per cent of any development to be either "perpetually affordable" or "market affordable."

'Moral obligation'

Coun.Ed Russell didn't support the move, saying he felt "a moral obligation" to stick to the agreement to protect the land.

He also had concerns with potential flooding and the limited impact of the affordable housing when compared to the disruption development would have.

A group of residents tried to fight the change, and cited issues ranging from parking to environmental issues to the impact on "community character."

Boone, who says he plans to seek legal advice,argues the deal also allows developers to opt out of some of the affordable housing promises.