Sustainable Development or Environmental & Social Disaster?
A Tale of Three Sisters
In 1992 when the NRCB conditionally approved the Three Sisters Mega Development, the Alberta government's Department of the Environment was responsible for parks, protected areas, fish and wildlife, forestry, air and water quality and environmental assessment and monitoring. The political climate engendered by this bureaucracy resulted in back room politics, little to no science or monitoring, and political pressure that led to restricting Canmore's municipal right to determine future development (legislation appropriately know as the "Canmore Clause").
Almost a decade after the hearing that saw the NRCB conditionally approve the Three Sisters Mega Project, no cumulative effects data has been collected from which to review the development as intended by the NRCB when it gave its approval. Further, there is no process to address this situation and do the comprehensive monitoring that is required for enlightened land-use management as envisioned by the NRCB at the time of their approval.
Had the NRCB been presented with the "Draft Conservation Easement Agreement", released this June, it is doubtful that the plan, which includes a golf course in the wildlife corridor, would gain approval. In fact, just recently the NRCB has begun inquiring as to whether or not the conditions, legal commitments and undertakings, set out in its 1992 report have, in fact, been met. Given that one of the critical commitments is that "wildlife corridors remain in as natural a state as possible" and proposed developments will block animal movement and escalate wildlife/human conflicts (see insert), it is likely that if the NRCB reviews the Draft it will reject it.
To realize the goals of sustainability there is a need to continually gather and evaluate information aimed at increasing everyone's understanding of ecological integrity and the implications of change on the social, cultural and economic fabric of the Bow Valley. The WCWC will assist with studies, monitoring, and documenting cumulative effects of developments to help achieve sustainable long-term resolutions to environmental and conservation issues affecting the Bow Valley.
