Quote:
Originally Posted by Fuzz
Kananaskis is an option, but places like Harvey Heights and Lake Louise just don't have enough developable area. And the idea of the NP embracing massive growth at LL is fantasy that isn't worth battling anyway.
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Agreed. I didn't mean all of it in the same area, but combinations of areas in Kananaskis, the corridor between Canmore and Banff, underdeveloped areas in Kananaskis and under developed areas between the Banff to BC border corridor.
However, the issue still ultimately is that current infrastructure is stretched to its limit and these ideas are going through far faster than the planned infrastructure upgrades is being planned to address the increase in foot and road traffic will be able to handle.
I'm not on the side of those that live in the area that want to block it all just because they want to keep the small town vibes. The cat is out of the bag for that one and I'm on the side of wanting to grow and sustainably develop the area to be more awesome. But I'm also not really on the side of pushing these ideas as fast as possible without first thinking of how to address current issues that will amplify once these things are in and everyone rushes out to see it.
IMO in the short term, I think we would need to see a massive increase in some form of a bus traffic from an overflow area that doesn't have serious issues. Like a gigantic parking area in the Exshaw or similar area before Canmore that will then send a fleet of a half a dozen double decker busses at a reasonable price that's separate from town transit (ie: <$10 and/or up to 4 people per "car" at a capped rate of $25 or something "reasonable" to get people used to considering it over driving) to ensure regular bus departures every 20-30 minutes in a specific and limited loop to reduce road traffic in current high issue areas. Advertise it as a way to save on park pass costs. That and/or a train station that leaves in a similar schedule (maybe a bus station that ultimately turns into a train station?) that kinda looks like Lake Louise parking lot? Charge more for parking in the area to pay to develop these infrastructure needs while also amplifying the value people get going out there? EDIT: Also wondering if the idea of such a service being build beside the Stoney Nakoda Casino (?) vs Exshaw would be a good idea. About 25 mins from Canmore.
Whatever the solution is, it's going to be complex, not simple. But I don't think people will be able to stop development either. Slow it at best. So gotta find a compromise.