Evolving Beyond Coal

Some worthwhile ideas to consider for broadening the economy of CNP, bypassing the need to continue beating the Dead Horse of coal mining.

By Jacqueline L. Chalmers, Claresholm, Alberta

Be proud and happy to embrace the history of coal mining in Crowsnest Pass without feeling compelled to repeat that history. In the many decades subsequent to the booming times of coal mining, much has been learned in the scientific community regarding adverse effects. Just as in modern medicine, society has found the benefits of extended research and new discoveries which have evolved our chances to overcome a multitude of problems which were incomprehensible in years prior.

Just as that evolution has provided us with better lives than what was available 50 years ago, such an evolution can be realised in CNP for an opportunity to diversify an economy by way of giving oneself permission to think outside the box.

Jacqueline L. Chalmers of Claresholm, AB. and a founding member of the Chinook Watershed Crew, weighs in on that very idea. Here are her thoughts:

Evolving Beyond Coal

Recently, a community gasping for air voted in a non-binding referendum to approve open pit coal mining. This is a losing proposition; water will be poisoned and air polluted. A professional lobbying group, influenced by offshore Aussie support, promised a path to prosperity. Coal is a sunset industry, one that will, in a decade or so, leave the community in tatters once again.

In the alternative Crowsnest Pass would benefit greatly from a leg up by our government helping them launch into initiatives that will ensure long term employment and sustainability.

Clearly CNP citizens love their community. A promise of employment opportunities, a living wage, lower taxes, benefit and retirement plans as well as career advancement would be welcome news. The provincial government has promised public sector workers, like doctors and nurses, all these perks. The government could provide a strategy implementing similar initiatives for businesses in the private sector in our struggling smaller communities. Financial investment, coupled with passion, energy and optimism in creating and building a strong community hub on a bustling transportation route, could prove fruitful.

For instance, a government-funded health hub, specializing say, in hip and knee replacements, would provide the opportunity for a real and significant economic boost. The Crowsnest Pass Health Centre is fully functioning with the initial necessary infrastructure and it’s closer than Kalispell, Montana. With no shortage of patients there will be multiple employment opportunities for surgeons to maintenance staff. There would be meaningful work; well rewarded, in both the public and the private sector. Some of the off-shoot businesses would be accommodation, restaurants, recreational activities for visitors and residents, development of boutique-style retail and more.

With a provincial government focused on the future, and ponying up with funding, the community would grow, evolve and increase their tax base. Tax dollars would be available for needed and wanted infrastructure. Training and programs could be developed specifically investing in the young, the old and others in between. Affordable housing would be key.

So many mountain resort areas are out of reach financially for the general populace. With a dynamic Town Council and Chamber of Commerce, focusing on inclusion and affordability, CNP will shine. There are so many natural assets out the back door. The Pass would be the southern gateway known for warm and welcoming hospitality for a visit or to settle down. Livingstone Macleod MLA, Chelsae Petrovic, parliamentary Secretary to Health Minister Adriana LaGrange may be very helpful in advancing the vision. Recruit them to help create a field of dreams; a comfortable and financially secure living is attainable.