Editor,

I read with interest and enjoyed a recent article by Jim Cameron where he explored the history of Cranbrook’s past expansions. I had to ask

why this proposed East Hill Expansion is of such concern to me? Is this just another case of history repeating itself? What if anything, is different about this time?

Firstly, this is not a case of history repeating itself because there is certainly no urgent need for space as there was at the time of past expansions and to suggest that this land is not ever going to be available again I think is a gross overstatement. Not all of this land or other is going to mysteriously disappear. Neither will it be all developed overnight. If indeed this is such an altruistic opportunity for both developer and city, the opportunity will still be there next year and for many after that.

There is another huge difference. There has been a big shift in most people’s thinking. Never before has the world been so aware of the impact we have on our environment. Never before have so many people been aware of the need to minimize our footprint and do what we can to make what we have more efficient without consuming more. Never before have we seen as many cities making provisions within their old frameworks for new walkways, cycle paths, community gardens, urban forests and high-density residential areas close to all central amenities. Never before have we heard that MORE is not necessarily better or necessary.

There has been talk about this issue dividing the current population. We are certainly divided in our opinions and I see nothing wrong with that debate so long as we respect those differing opinions. However this proposed expansion would indeed physically divide Cranbrook, removing some residents from the core of the city and such amenities as the fabulous, multi million dollar and very underused Moir Park, which sits on the WEST Hill. This simply does not make sense to me. If the city is to have a strong heart, vibrant shopping and well used amenities the population should surround that core and not be separated from it by way of a narrow corridor that must carry buses, cars, garbage trucks, snowploughs, commercial traffic, pedestrians and bicycles. It would be like an over-extended pulsing umbilical cord. Soon enough the life line could become insufficient and a new heart of shopping malls and schools would need to be implanted on the new side of town. Would that scenario be healthy for current downtown businesses or for residents?

We are told by some councillors that the many serious and complex issues such as necessary upgrades to existing infrastructure have nothing to do with expansion. Even if they are not and even if we are not informed of estimated costs by way of the $500,000 Growth Management Study I hope that the much larger picture can be examined.

Today’s values, ethics, knowledge and detailed visionary plan should be reflected in this major decision for our city. We can either continue with the ‘same old’ way of expanding, neglecting the old and building new or take stock of what we have and fix it. I am quite sure at the time expansion is truly required, there will still be many options. If every last bit of land surrounding this city has been taken up with rural properties then so be it. Those rural neighbourhoods provide me with fresh eggs, good lamb, wonderful produce and a rich rural flora and fauna from which we all benefit. In return all my garbage and sewage is given to those rural neighbourhoods, I don’t pay extra at the Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds or Fort Steele and I hike in many rural areas for free.

I came to the conclusion this current proposal of expansion is not simply a case of history repeating itself. For this reason it is incumbent upon each Cranbrook voter to ensure they have all the facts they need in order to make an informed decision.

Jenny Humphrey

Cranbrook