By Abbas Nazil
Canmore’s council hopefuls outlined their environmental priorities during a forum hosted by the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley on October 2, where 13 candidates shared ideas to strengthen local conservation and sustainability.
The forum, focused solely on environmental issues, allowed residents to direct questions to specific candidates on topics such as wildfire protection, waste management, land use, and affordable housing.
Incumbent Tanya Foubert discussed the town’s efforts to maintain high energy efficiency standards for buildings and the introduction of retrofitting programs for low-income households, emphasizing the need for incentives and partnerships to promote sustainability.
Wade Graham highlighted ongoing wildfire prevention work, including the creation of major fire breaks and FireSmart assessments, stressing proactive forest management to protect both residents and wildlife.
Jonathan Hazzard voiced concerns over clear-cutting for development projects and advocated for bylaws that limit tree removal, urging a slower, more sustainable approach to urban growth.
Jeff Hilstad focused on promoting the town’s incentive programs for solar energy, e-bikes, and retrofits, while encouraging public education about grants and clean energy technologies.
Jeff Mah called for integrating cumulative impact considerations and FireSmart practices into land use bylaws, alongside incentives for green building innovations.
Mayor Sean Krausert proposed creating a conservation fund to protect natural areas through community-supported levies, while Ed Russell emphasized strengthening regional collaboration to tackle waste management.
Karen Marra discussed balancing affordable housing development with conservation goals, citing the 100 Palliser Lane project as an example of sustainable planning.
Other candidates, including Jennifer Marran, Javan Mukhtarov, Rob Murray, Rob Seeley, and Jonathan Strikert, spoke on issues ranging from public engagement and education to wildlife protection and transparent communication between council and residents.
The forum provided voters an opportunity to hear how candidates plan to protect Canmore’s natural environment ahead of the municipal election on October 20.
