BVCA Submission to the Public Hearing on the Palliser Trail Area Structure Plan Bylaw 2023-22

Submission by Bow Valley Climate Action Society to the Public Hearing on the Palliser Trail Area Structure Plan Bylaw 2023-22

Bow Valley Climate Action Society (BVCA) welcomes the opportunity to submit the following comments with respect to the proposed Palliser Trail Area Structure Plan Bylaw 2023-22.

BVCA is a group of Bow Valley residents who are deeply concerned about climate change. We are a volunteer organization and a registered non-profit society. We seek to promote civil citizen dialogue that spurs individual and collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of our primary areas of focus is supporting the Towns of Canmore and Banff to fully implement their respective climate action plans.

BVCA supports the proposed Palliser Trail Area Structure Plan Bylaw 2023-22. We are particularly supportive, and appreciative, of the measures outlined in section 4.3 Green Development. We commend Town of Canmore staff for responding to the need for climate action and for showing exemplary leadership. The measures contained in the ASP represent a step change in aligning public development with the exigencies of the climate crisis. We strongly encourage Town council to join in the excellent work and leadership of Town staff by adopting the provisions of section 4.3 as presented.

We also wish to thank the Town for an excellent engagement process and for seriously incorporating the feedback of ourselves and others. In March, we participated in that engagement, and we expressed serious concern about the limited climate measures presented at that time. As we submitted at that time, “the Palliser Trail Area Structure Plan Update presents a unique opportunity for the Town of Canmore to demonstrate real, effective leadership consistent with its Climate Action Plan and its declaration of a climate emergency.” We are whole- heartedly grateful to see the Town recognize and embrace this opportunity. And we are appreciative to the Town for hearing and acting upon our concerns.

This ASP sets a foundation for future development in our community. It is an exciting step forward for our linked goals of housing affordability, climate adaptation, and climate change mitigation.

BVCA urges council to adopt Palliser Trail Area Structure Plan Bylaw 2023-22 as proposed.