An unspoken axiom in open space, recreation, and trail planning or management is that “nobody cares or talks about them until they are threatened or closed, then everyone has something to say, often too late.” As a community and as individuals, we can avoid that problem.
The Town of Canmore is updating the Open Spaces and Trail Plan. There are several opportunities for feedback during the process, but we strongly encourage everyone to participate in either or both of a survey (deadline April 17th) and a mapping tool (deadline April 24th). These tools are foundational for gathering general opinions and site-specific comments on the value of and problems with specific open spaces and trails. If we don’t provide the plan with good, accurate, and comprehensive data at the outset, it will be reflected in the later parts of the plan. It is really as simple as that, and we’ll have to live with the consequences for up to 10-20 years.
If you use the mapping tool, you’ll note that some people have already commented on the need to protect the Rundleview greenspace. We encourage you to add a comment about this greenspace yourself, or "like" the comments that are already there. This is a great opportunity to let the Town of Canmore know that the community really values this open space.
Some tips and coaching. Say what you want, no coaching about that. For both the survey and, especially the mapping tool, use a desktop, and not your phone. The survey is straightforward. It’s easier if you register and sign in to an account, but anonymous posting is OK. Identify both local places and places outside your neighbourhood. Be as comprehensive as you can with the mapping tool. Consider open spaces in general, including dog parks, places like Quarry Lake, neighbourhood parks, but also the informal open spaces along the municipal boundary. Similarly, think of all trails, be it informal trails in your neighbourhood or by your residence, multi-use trails, walking/hiking trails or a developed trail network downtown. Finally, keep in mind that it is a planning document, and it is useful to consider and frame your comments in a 10-20-year context.
The main site for the Open Space and Trail Planning Process has background documents and information that are helpful but not required reading. The YouTube information session is a great way to get an overview of the process. Let’s all help ourselves, each other, and the Town of Canmore as whole.