As the warmth of summer slowly embraces us, I find myself reflecting on the beauty and opportunities this season brings. It’s a time to soften into the warmth of the sun, get our hands dirty in the garden or on the bike and bask in the glow of longer days and the promise of new adventures. This time of year always reminds me how fortunate we are to live where we do – the Rockies, the sunshine, the slowly greening rolling Eastern Slopes… Ahhh.
Last month I was able to connect with some of you during my MLA on Tour stops in Bragg Creek and a hike on Lookout Trail in Brown-Lowery Provincial Park. I love this part of our province and it’s always such a pleasure to breathe in the crisp air of the foothills and marvel at the breathtaking vistas, especially when I get to do that with you!
At the beginning of April, I spent a couple days in the Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek to meet with local tourism, business, and environment stakeholders. It was great to spend some time with others discussing the current drought, the new renewable energy development policies, and diversifying economic growth. There is an interest in sustainable tourism development up and down the Eastern Slopes, but there is also a concern that it will cost municipalities too much money and that too much tourism too fast can change a character of a community. I’ll be working with Travel Alberta and stakeholders, in and out of my riding, to make sure that tourism development meets the objectives of a community and is done in a way that the people can support.
I introduced Private Member Motion 508, Tourism-Based Economies in legislature on April 10. This motion called on the assembly to recognize the importance of tourism on the Alberta economy and the need to balance visitor experiences and resident affordability. It also urged the government to work with municipalities in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains with tourism-based economies to establish funding and support programs to ensure that municipal taxpayers don’t bear the financial responsibility for the additional infrastructure requirements and operational demands related to tourism. These municipalities see millions of visitors every year and generation billions in revenue for our province. I believe it’s time to reinvest some of that money back at the source to take the burden off local residents and businesses.
The government voted down my motion, but that won’t put a stop to my work to support our tourism-based communities, the businesses, and the many residents that make our region thrive. Tourism is a great opportunity for mid-sized towns to boost their economies, and, as our riding is the birthplace of tourism is western Canada, this issue really hits close to home. We generate billions of dollars for the provincial economy, and I think it’s a fair expectation that some of that come back to our municipalities to support infrastructure upgrades.
In other legislature news, I have been seeking answers from the Minister of Environment on drought preparedness, cumulative effects management on the Eastern Slopes, the protection of the McLelland Lake Wetland Complex in Northern Alberta at risk from a mine expansion, how Bill 18 will impact wildlife research and monitoring, and, of course, coal. In our multi-year drought, preserving wetlands is a key natural solution to mitigating drought, and addressing cumulative effects through land use planning is the foundation of how we do that. I look forward to working with the Minister to support efforts along these lines.
As we head into the spring, I know many of you are concerned about wildfire risk. I have been speaking with the Minister of Forestry and Parks and his staff about this regularly. We all have a role to play in ensuring our communities stay safe and that we reduce the risk of a devastating wildfire. There will be more announcements about this in the coming weeks, but for now, have a look at Alberta Fire Smart and learn how you can make your home more fire smart as you start your spring yard clean up.
As May kicks off, I’m heading to Medicine Hat to meet with local stakeholders and discuss what can be done to bolster tourism-based economies. I’m also excited to meet with some younger constituents during my visit with Grade 6 students at Edge School. And, now that the weather is nicer, I’ll have more Trails Days with Sarah and a couple MLA on Tour stops coming up!
Whether I’m up at Legislature or at home in Canmore, our office is always open for visitors and to serve our community. Come by any time!
Sarah Elmeligi
