LETTER: Council, CRPS, could come together to increase affordable housing

Editor:

We are writing to say that we wholeheartedly support an idea being floated by Bow Valley Engage for finding a creative solution to the need for high density affordable housing downtown on the Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) lands. We live in south Canmore, and fully agree that this is an ideal opportunity to build up to 100 units of vital homes – including housing for CRPS employees – rather than a majority of market-value homes, as proposed by CRPS.

We do not need any more market housing downtown. South Canmore, with its proximity to schools, the downtown core, and other essential facilities is the perfect place for high density affordable housing, where transportation issues are minimized for residents.

We urge Town council and CRPS to come together on this, to find a creative solution through a land swap or some other mutually agreeable idea that will still enable CRPS to build a sizeable endowment fund for future education needs.

One of the greatest tragedies in Canmore is that we give our children a great education, and then they leave the Bow Valley because they can’t afford to live here. Please, council and CRPS, take advantage of this unique opportunity to make a difference to young adults, service workers, new Canadians and others who have so much to contribute to our community, yet struggle to find/keep a roof over their heads.

Heather Walter and Patrick McCloskey,

Canmore