Paskapoo Slopes debate heats up at City Hall

After submissions, protests and counter protests, a second day into a marathon City Council session on the fate of Paskapoo Slopes became somewhat dramatic Tuesday.

Public hearings at City Hall began with those who are for the redevelopment of land adjacent to Canada Olympic Park which would see Trinity Hills build houses.
Some portions of the land would also be left in its natural state.

A bizarre moment inside the morning Council session occurred when a woman threw a book from the gallery. Security escorted her out and she was given a ticket.

It turns out the book was checked out from a library and the Calgary Public Library responded on Twitter.

Those against the redevelopment have expressed worry for the uncertain future habitats of at least five species in the Paskapoo Slopes.

Ward 6 Coun. Richard Pootmans said there are a number of key issues under dispute.

“Drainage is coming up, transportation, connectivity, environmental issues, the way the environment works together, three central nodes communicate with each other, what will the main street function like, those are the sorts of things we’re asking about,” Pootmans said.

Ward 1 Coun. Ward Sutherland called the area precious land and said there would have to be compelling reasons to allow a development to go forward.

“All the facts are coming forward from both sides and it’s our job to listen to it but the main thing we need to remind people is this council, our responsibility is to vote on the planning merits,” Sutherland said.