Letter | Opinion

Shauna Sky Romano — Pincher Creek

I am sharing with the citizens of Pincher Creek my reasons for writing and circulating the current petition in opposition of the proposed curling rink location.

There is a bylaw that allows for a discretionary decision to be made on behalf of the curling club by Pincher Creek town council to use recreational land for this project with the current proposed location west of the golf course parking lot.

Although directly affected by this proposal I personally received no information from the town regarding the change in location of this project. The letters that did go out were not received in time for any type of response or opposition to the changes in order to ascertain the affected parties’ position. This does not follow policy, procedure or process.

I attended the Pincher Creek town council meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, and witnessed the passion from the public regarding the absence of baseline “curling club project” information.

These include: geotechnical report, architectural concepts, engineering drawings, ownership and land lease agreements, operating business plan.

That information was requested by way of Motion 24-111 (March 11, 2024). The suggested date for receipt of information was originally Aug. 15, 2024. Council was later informed that the timeline was unrealistic and the timeline was pushed further down the calendar. At this point the town has only the engineering drawings. 

In a Motion of April 22, 2024 (Motion 24-213), administration was directed to meet with the curling club to develop a “financial plan overview” document and return it to council for consideration. As confirmed, council has not yet received this information.

The new “integrated concept” with the Pincher Creek Golf Club continues to raise more questions than answers. The golf club sent caveats regarding their involvement in this project and sideswiped the curling club’s intent to move the project ahead quickly. 

The MDSA meeting meant to be held on Jan. 15, where the project building permit was to be voted on, was cancelled due to public outcry and an open forum is to be scheduled.

The demonstration of community passion at the council meeting served only to strengthen my commitment to base any further decisions made on best science and evidence and fundamental ethics. Through comprehensive analysis we have to work out how as a community we can get what we want — and avoid what we don’t. Citizens of Pincher Creek wish for the council to make wise decisions while following legitimate procedure and process.

Does this location make environmental sense? Where are the hydrology reports considering the water issues on the south hill and ongoing at Crestview Lodge?

Does this location align with a long-term urban planning vision? Is there a long-term vision for sport and recreation development? Town restoration efforts?

What about the community infrastructure? Joe’s Gym? Parking? Residential impacts, both during construction and future operations? Noise pollution, increased traffic volume and decrease in property values?

After abolishing the town facilities committee, rushing to secure a location with a $5-million price tag without consideration for the citizenship of the town is problematic.

With avid curlers on town council, there is a perceived conflict of interest and citizens appear misinformed and therefore divided.

Curling is a great sport and one I believe can grow and develop with support from the community. However, in the current culture and economic reality that the town is facing with other facility issues and infrastructure, is this stand-alone curling rink project really what is best for the community?

Moving forward through communication, collaboration and conflict resolution, in my opinion, is the way forward.

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