Peaks of Grassi development hearing in Canmore draws opposition

It was standing room only at a public hearing in Canmore, Alta. Tuesday night over a controversial development proposal in the Peaks of Grassi neighbourhood.

If approved, four acres of land would be rezoned to accommodate 20 residential units.The development would include a mix of single-family detached homes, duplexes and secondary suites.

Most people at the meeting opposed the project. Public concerns ranged from interfering with wildlife migration routes to potential for flooding.

"They're talking about building a rock outcrop that was essentially set aside because it is not suitable for development," said Canmore resident Steve Hrudey

Hrudey calls the proposal a big implosion on the community.

"We're understandably frustrated that we've had to put so much time and energy for the past four months into fighting something that never really should happen," he said.

The land is owned by three families who have hired QuantumPlace Developments to oversee the project.

Dan Madlung, one of the owners, says they have faced a lot of opposition.

"We live in a community where there is a lot of emotion and it's been difficult," he sad.

The Canmore council will likely make the final decision on the development in February.