Crowsnest Pass begins commercial development

A small mountain side community is divided after hearing news of a chain hotel moving into town.

“Something that’s coming up exciting for the Crowsnest Pass is a hotel conference centre development. This is through Best Western,” said Sherry Poole, Economic Development Officer for the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass.

Nestled on Highway 3 by the B.C. border, Crowsnest Pass has managed to stay relatively undeveloped, though its scenery is comparable to tourist hubs like Banff or Canmore.

“We are lucky in that we are a four season destination, so we do have that year round draw for tourism,” said Sacha Anderson, with Community Futures Crowsnest Pass.

But it’s those comparisons that have some residents taking the development news with trepidation, saying they have a few conditions before construction starts.

“People are very concerned about their heritage here,” said long time Coleman resident Dean Ward. “We need development, people recognize that, we just want to be a part of it. We don’t want to move too fast. We’d like to see it happen, just in a controlled, sensible approach.”

The municipality says its plans are being designed with those concerns in mind.

“The citizens of Crowsnest Pass, this region, they just want to make sure that we have their best interests in mind,” said Poole. “We preserve the heritage factor that is so beautiful to the area and make sure that we are dedicating ourselves to making sure we are bringing the best opportunity.”

The community says it feels this change is also an opportunity for good as long as the unique charm of the pass is maintained.

“Of course we want to bring attention to it,” said Ward. “It’s a great place. For some people it’s a secret, but we don’t want it to be a secret anymore, we want people to come here.”

Residents say they are open to the idea of commercial development, the tourist traffic not only helping small businesses, but making the Crowsnest Pass a destination for special events.

With thousands of potential tourists driving by everyday, the municipality says its time for the Crowsnest Pass to become a destination, rather than a pit stop along the way.

The municipality adds the project should break ground within the next year.