Editor:
I have reviewed a number of messages mayor and council have sent with respect to the proposed hotel and spa in Rundleview. They have done a fine job of laying out the process and have focused on the steps necessary for the Town to not incur liability in the event bad things happen. They’ve indicated liability will fall to the province.
Liability is an important concept after loss occurs. We need council’s focus, the Town’s focus, to be on the prevention of the bad things.
Council and the Town have heard and will hear from a number of experts, including those who have experience with the mines, geologists, engineers and acclaimed academics. Each of these experts has expressed and will express concern about the risks of development in an undermined area and the adequacy of mitigation. Council and the Town have received and will receive advice from these experts as to what scientific and engineering tools and mitigation steps are available to help ensure no loss of life or property will occur. I leave it to council to discuss with the Town’s legal advisors whether or not following the advice is gross negligence.
Will council assure us, the residents of Rundleview, of the following:
The Town and its engineers, to the extent possible, will require the use of the most accurate and up-to-date tests and processes available to geologists and engineers and will require all mitigation plans to meet the highest standards for long-term safety.
The results of all tests, procedures and mitigation plans will be made available to the several experts well before any action on the land use designation comes before council.
Council will receive and publicly acknowledge the advice of the experts on the tests, procedures and mitigation plans prior to taking any steps with respect to land use designation.
For clarity: engineering reports and mitigation plans must deal with the long-term. Mayor and council and the Town well know subsidence risk is not a short-term issue. It doesn’t go away with construction and the opening of the facilities. We want to be safe now and in the future, for ourselves and our children and grandchildren.
Bruce Libin,
Canmore
