The Walking Trail System in The Crowsnest Pass

I have recently been educated on this wonderful project that is underway. The master plan can be found here. What an asset to the community this network will be when completed.

The last few days

For the last few days I have been out knocking on doors ,talking to people and listening to them. We held an open house and had a number of people drop by, some to lend their support, others to find out more about me. I would like to thank all that took the time to come and see us.
Today found us out  and about cruising town in the model A. Now that draws attention.

Open House

 Next Thursday October 14 between 5:00 and 7:30 I am hosting an Open house for all those intrested in chatting about my ideas and to express your concerns.

Drop by and visit us at
 Country Encounters  7701 17 ave Coleman
Thursday October 14 between 5:00 and 7:30

and Remember Oct 18 Vote George Hoff for Council

The Affordable Housing Dilemma

The term “affordable housing’ seems to be a catch all phrase for anything from subsidized rent, to housing that seniors on a fixed income can afford, to  assorted projects that can help first time home owners . Let’s leave the “seniors housing” out of this for a moment and talk about the future of our town – the young. When local voters mention “affordable housing” do they mean housing purchased at a low cost or do they mean a project where rent is subsidized in one form or another? To me “affordable housing” is the first where “low cost housing” is the second.

Both types have problems to overcome and benefits to be gained. To develop a project that could entice our young people back to The Pass, dangling the carrot of owning their own home is appealing. The administration for either type of project could be a nightmare if incorrectly undertaken. Those who really need the help and show the willingness to work for it, may lose out if a very stringent set of criteria are not set well in advance.  

One idea for “affordable housing” that has been presented runs as follows: A group of semi detached housing units are built and sold to qualified buyers (these qualification could be any number of things including income, down payment, etc.) with conditions attached. Things like maximum resale price achievable and only selling to another qualified buyer. It is really nothing more than a stepping stone to standard home ownership. Could it work? Maybe but only if the will is there. It would most certainly take a combined effort between Council, private business and those that would gain from such a project.

Low cost housing on the other where rents are subsidized creates a whole different set of problems and would have to be studied and undertaken only if it did not create a burden on the taxpayer. How much of a need actually exists, I don’t know nor do I have all the answers

In the case of low cost seniors housing work would have to be done with federal and provincial counterparts to expand program already in place.

It gives us all something to think on.

Marketing of a Community

                                                                                                                             

Some years ago the community of Milk River undertook the task of selling itself to the larger world. It had an organized schedule of TV and print ads, billboards, and the like. If a business sees the need to advertise (and almost all do) they may go about setting up a plan on where to spend their money in the most productive manor- The Marketing Plan.

Now keeping in mind these two points, is it possible for the Crowsnest Pass to do the same? Set up an organized plan of where and how to spend dollars most effectively in the world at large to produce the desired results of increasing the flow of people ( tourist and resident alike) as well as business to our area. Of course it is, and we should.

There have been several studies identifying businesses that could be encouraged to set up shop in our area. Now is the time to use that information as well as input from local groups such as Community Futures, The Chamber of Commerce and individuals to create a Marketing Plan that show first and foremost that the Crowsnest Pass is open for business and it wants you.  But planning is not enough, that plan must be implemented as soon as it is ready, strictly carried out, and the evaluated.  Time is of the essences.

A little something about me

This was the first interview done by the Pass Herald

A Visit to York Creek Lodge

 I visited York Creek Lodge and Tecumseh Manor earlier this week and met a very pleasant group of residents.  During our chat some of the seniors brought up their displeasure with present Council. They have attempted to get a crosswalks plus lights for some time on 20 th ave by the York Creek turn off.  What is wrong with the present Council and Mayor?  This is not a major budget mater; it is a matter of safety. According to my in formation the light is in the municipal warehouse. The answer seems simple to me. Paint some lines, install the lights and have happy and safe seniors. Sometimes a little common sense goes a long ways.

Another concern that came up during our talk was the waking bridge over York Creek. According to the residents, in the winter snow from the street is piled up at the walking bridge so it is difficult to access it. Again it seems to me that if a little common sense is applied the problem could be solved.

Now these may not seem to many to be major issues but they are things that concern these nice folks and are easily fixed. A little listening and cooperation go along way.  

More Questions

As with all things, when one does something so must the other.

Questions from The Promoter.

1) What do you think councils top three priorities should be for the term?

a)      Implementation of the Cluff Report particularly recommendations regarding duplication of services,     streamlining municipal operations and councils role.

b)     Implementation of the Crowsnest Pass Strategic Plan.

c)      Continue to develop and implement an infrastructure plan to meet the needs of our diverse community and showcase the Crowsnest Pass in the vibrant light it deserves.

  2) What specific action needs to be taken to expand our tax base?

    a)      Create an environment conducive to business.

   b)     Creating and implement a marketing plan to entice business to relocate to the Crowsnest Pass.

   3)Describe your ideal land use for both residential and commercial development?

My term on the sub-division and development board has helped to solidify my thoughts in this area.  For the most part I believe residential development should be concentrated in neighbourhoods rather than Country residential zones. Due to the nature of residential neighbourhoods, it is better use of infrastructure and produces a lower cost of maintenance and should be preferred for development. In the case of commercial development plans should favour main street placement and when appropriate in the industrial areas such as Frank industrial park.

  4) The municipality has a 18 million dollar budget, what experience do you have to      manage this?

My resume boosts 30 years experience in large project management and development. Most recently, I was operations manager for a property management company in Calgary for ten years. We owned and operated 1 million sq ft. of commercial space. The budget with which I set and controlled was in the range of 6-8 million dollars per year.  
5) How will you define success for the governance of The Crowsnest Pass?

I believe to have a successful term this Council must develop policies and procedures to carry the Crowsnest Pass forward as a thriving community for 20 years. It must rebuild the Credibility of the Crowsnest Pass, making it a desirable local for business, development, tourists and residents alike.

                 

Questions

Pass Herald 2010 Election Questionnaire

1. What specific issues or projects do you feel is most important for the Municipality to focus on in the next three years?

Increase economic base in the Crowsnest Pass by working with government agencies, private business and other interest groups produce an environment that is conducive to attracting and sustaining small and medium business.

2. How would you rate the current state of the Municipality, both economically and politically?

Politics are alive and well in the Crowsnest Pass. There have been some problematic situations in the past. The past is the past.  The large slate of candidates for this year’s election and the turn out to the candidate’s forum shows a keen interest by the community to get involved and move forward.

Economically we are at a standstill and work must be done to stimulate and maintain growth in all sectors well developing new areas. We are very good at studying and planning, but implementation has been a failure, that must change.

3. What specific strategies so you fell should be employed to increase the local tax base?

Entice industry and business to locate in the Crowsnest Pass via tax incentives, setting policies to streamline the approval processes and contracting a business development officer to package and market our community for the purpose of attracting new industries to our area.  Continue to develop the Crowsnest Pass as a tourism destination both for operators and tourists.  

4. Short of increasing the tax base, what would you do to promote the continuation of municipal services without dramatic tax increases? Are there any areas where you feel the Municipality should spend less or more than it currently does?

In business when budgets are tight we do more with less. Eliminate the duplication of services, developing policies to unsure taxpayers receive full value for dollars spent  practices and strict adherence to budgets are good starting places. 

My Views on: Council and the Community

Council and the Community:

·         Communications with the community should be open and accessible; to reflect our position as its servants.

·         Seek out opportunities to encourage Low Cost Housing.

·         Maintain high community standards to: keep our young people from looking for opportunities elsewhere. Having a good life within the Crowsnest Pass involves more than just good employment.

·         Enhance the living conditions for our seniors.

·         Hold taxation to, or below the inflation rate
       Petition the Provincial Government to move forward on twinning the #3 Highway.

·         Find a way to build a multi-purpose recreation centre – without increasing the tax burden.

·         Consider public transportation needs within the municipality.

·       More than the invisible infrastructure is needed to make a community into a home - it's time to look at creative ways to achieve those aminities   

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My Views on: Council,the municipality and Business

Council,the municipality and Business:

•  Council can create an atmosphere in which our municipality is more attractive to businesses and industry. 
•      The Municipality will achieve a higher level of success by seeking light industry to create an economic base – not only for taxation purposes, but also to provide a financial base so our young people are less likely to be compelled or enticed to relocate.
• ·         Support for local businesses should be encouraged in every way possible, and councilors could lead by example.
• ·         Hold taxation to, or below the inflation rate.
• ·         Provide meaningful help to the tourist industry, in every way (including expansion).

      

My Views on: Governance

Governance:

•        Decisions based on research (including feedback from citizens) help ensure the people are being served. It’s the responsibility of each and every councilor to operate in a manner consistent with this approach.
•    Once council has established its priorities it becomes the responsibility of every member to work together in achieving them. Success is also the product of unity.
•   Cuff Report recommendations should be examined and implemented with judicious haste.
•    Hold taxation to, or below the inflation rate.
•   Bona fide management practices lead to efficient use of time and facilitate success. (Micromanagement is counter-productive)
•    Communications with the community should be open and accessible; to reflect our position as its servants.
• Transparency in not just desired, it's required.

The Candidates

With nomination day come and gone the list of candidates proves to be lengthy and diverse. Should shape up to be an interesting run.



Mayor

Bruce Decoux

John Salus

John Prince

Councilors

Dave Cole

John Irwin

Siegbert Gail

George Hoff

Jamie Thomson

Merle Sandau

Dean Ward

Larry Mitchell

Brian Gallant

Doreen Glavin

Emile J Saindon

Andrew Saje

Donald J R Vaters

Sasha JaegerBaird

Ian Macleod

Jerry Lonsbury

Douglas Raines

Steve Bottrell

Gail Patricia Sygutek

Good Luck to all and may the Crowsnest Pass be the real winner in the end. 

Hi There

My parents and I  came to Canada from Norway in 1959. The family settled in Toronto and I moved to Calgary in 1969. In 2002 my wife Joan and I made our home in the Crowsnest Pass. Although semi-retired  I continue to enjoy great success as a carpenter, and my achievements provide a solid foundation upon which future success is assured. These achievements include, but are not exclusive to: earning certificates in Building Management, Project Estimation, Hazardous Goods Removal, Building Operations and a 4^th Class Engineering ticket. Forty-plus years of experience in construction and property management and fulfilling demands for detailed planning, strict adherence to budgets, and ensuring a great many people were happy with the results of his efforts are exactly what should be expected of a member of council.