The Crowsnest Pass is seeing a spark of renewal

For the first time in many years, the Crowsnest Pass is seeing a spark of renewal. Our population, which stood at 5,695 in the 2021 Census, had grown to 6,007 by 2023. For a community like ours, this steady climb is more than just numbers on a page, it’s a sign of life and possibility after decades of stagnation. When we consider the seasonal residents and secondary homeowners who are part of our “shadow population,” the number of people who call this place home at least part of the time rises to about 8,400.

This growth is not just about statistics; it tells a story of movement. After nearly 30 years of decline, followed by a decade of little change, we are now witnessing a resurgence. People are rediscovering what those of us here have always known: the Pass is more than just a place, it’s our Garden of Eden. Our rugged landscapes, deep-rooted history, and the ties that bind us have always been our strength. And now, it seems, more and more people want to be a part of this story.

But with growth comes a delicate balancing act. New residents bring vitality to our economy, fresh energy to our community, and the potential for much-needed improvements. More people can mean better support for our schools, enhanced healthcare, and the infrastructure upgrades we’ve needed for years. It’s a chance to grow in ways that make life better for all of us.

Yet, growth also brings its challenges. We’re already seeing increased demand for housing, and with a limited number of houses available, house prices have increased dramatically. With this increase, house assessment values rise and by default increase property taxes. With zero industrial base, the burden falls heavily on our homeowners. 

Right now, 84% of our tax base is residential with only 16% coming from local small business. We have no industrial tax to offset the residential burden, unlike the town of Sparwood who has three levels of taxation: residential, small business and industrial with the Glencore mines in the valley. This imbalance is something we must address if we want to keep Crowsnest Pass affordable for everyone, both long-time residents and those who are just arriving. Attracting new industrial opportunities, such as the Northback mine, could ease that strain, making our community more sustainable and even more inviting.

As we grow, we must never forget what makes Crowsnest Pass special. Our history, our natural beauty, and our close-knit community are the heart of who we are. Growth doesn’t mean losing what we love, it means protecting it while allowing our community to flourish and I for one believe we can maintain both a mine and our incredible natural attractions.

We need to welcome those who come here seasonally, the people who call the Pass their home away from home. They bring value to our community too, economically and socially. But we must ensure that in all our planning, the year-round residents, the ones who keep this community alive day in and day out, remain at the forefront of our decisions.

We stand on the edge of a new chapter for the Pass. There’s an undeniable excitement in the air, a renewed sense of possibility that we haven’t felt in a long time. And while some groups may cling to negativity and stubborn opposition, the momentum of progress will speak for itself, leaving little room for those voices to dominate.

Growth does not mean we have to change who we are; it means we have the chance to become more of what we already are, a community that is proud of its mining roots, protective of its natural beauty, embracing of industry and committed to the people who live here, whether for a season or a lifetime.

Let’s walk this path together, with open hearts and clear minds, and with a positive attitude so that we can build a future that reflects the very best of who we are, rather than letting the negativity of a small group of people who would rather take this community backwards, destroy the hope we have. 

This is our time. Let’s embrace it, celebrating all the good that is the heart of our Garden of Eden.