Council not convinced to waive parking fee

Canmore council, while diminished in numbers, was not convinced to waive a $200 development permit fee by the organizer of the upcoming Canmore Trade Fair.

The vote was defeated on a tie split, with councillors Gordie Miskow and Joanna McCallum voting in favour of waiving the fee and Hans Helder and Jim Ridley against.

“I feel the fact it is a for-profit organization organizing this, although there will be community benefit, does not merit waiver of the fee,” Ridley said.

Because fees are set annually through council approval of the master fee schedule, any waivers or reductions cannot be considered by administration and must come in front of politicians for a vote.

Sondy Szymanis is organizing the event, which will feature 17 local non-profit and community groups.

She sought to re-establish the event, after the annual Canmore Trade Show stopped being held six years ago, as a way to connect the community with local businesses.

Concerned about parking issues, she arranged to use a lot on Industrial Place near the Rec Centre for extra parking, but required a temporary development permit to do so.

Miskow pointed out the property in question is already a parking lot.

“The Trade Fair brings back community and co-operation,” he said.