Editor:
I was "deeply disheartened and troubled" by the action of one individual, Blair Richardson, who took out a one page ad in the Nov. Rocky Mountain Outlook to school the people of Canmore on the rights and wrongs of various parties interested in the Three Sister development.
To start with the beginning of the letter, I very quickly scanned Dr. Google for the Taylor's contributions. I'll just land on the last one I could find regarding numerous charitable organizations –the Calgary Zoo. I pulled a quote from the online article from the Calgary Zoo's website.
“The polar bear is a species that is very close to my family’s heart,” said Don Taylor. “Helping to secure a future for polar bears, and other arctic species in Canada, is also securing a future for the people that call this beautiful country home. In the face of environmental uncertainty in the northern reaches of our nation, we feel compelled to contribute our support to this incredible project and this magnificent species that needs our help.”
Well, wouldn't it be nice if there was the same concern for the grizzly bear, who walks through the corridor, amongst other animals? There would be many who would be wondering why is there a zoo anyway? Why not help to secure a future of the people who call this particular area of Canada home? I do believe there are tax advantages to giving away money to charitable organizations as well.
As for the demonstration, there were no laws broken. You live in Canada, eh, and so people are allowed to voice and show their disagreement on a political nature all the time. It's called democracy. That is why you, Blair, can take out a full page ad, and people can respond in kind. The little demonstration has nothing on the Ottawa freedom convoy.
Lastly, to suggest that you, Blair and the Taylors, are willing to “severely impact” the financial stability of the town and the residents' tax obligations, why would you want to build in a town that will be bankrupted – by you – before you even start? You apparently have a home here and you are willing to impact that as well? Makes no sense.
I have just finished reading the first set of responses to your letter, Blair. There were a good many points made regarding thoughts on your perceived travesty that has occurred. I hope people continue to focus on this topic. I hope you read them.
Kate Belford,
Canmore
