Crowsnest Pass Municipal office upgrades deferred

Crowsnest Pass council voted Feb. 24 to defer a $2.5 million borrowing bylaw tied to municipal office upgrades after councillors raised concerns about costs, process and the level of detail available before committing to long term financing.

Administration introduced Bylaw 1259, 2026 as a borrowing bylaw for office upgrades, noting the project had been approved by a previous council and that the petition period had closed with no sufficient petition. CAO Patrick Thomas said administration recommended moving ahead “to not incur any throwaway costs” as base build work was progressing.

Several councillors pushed back, arguing council should see clearer information before approving borrowing authority.

“I would rather know exactly what we’re buying and where is this money going,” Councillor Doreen Johnson said. “Before we sign a blank cheque, I would rather know exactly what we’re buying.”

Johnson said she wanted to see detailed cost estimates and public consultation on what is being purchased, calling the financing decision premature without a full presentation.

Mayor Pat Rypien also questioned the scale of the commitment.

“It’s a lot of money,” Rypien said. “It’s a lot of money to just approve, you know, without knowledge of what it what it actually means.”

During discussion, Thomas said the project’s financing and related items were built into budget planning. Councillor Dean Ward asked about the tax rate impact and commercial assessment required to offset costs. Thomas referenced a figure of about “0.257” for the tax component and said the amount of assessment needed depends on whether the property is considered a small business.

Councillor Tony Vastenhout asked about the lease term and monthly cost. Thomas said the lease is “a 20-year lease with option for 20-year extension.”

Public concerns later echoed many of the same themes. During public input, Carmen Roman, speaking as president of the Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers Association, said the organization opposed the borrowing bylaw and requested detailed financial disclosure, project documentation and confirmation of statutory compliance.

“Decisions of this magnitude require full financial transparency, procedural accountability and clarity,” Roman said.

Johnson made the motion to defer the bylaw, requesting further information and clarification before council makes a long-term borrowing commitment. Council carried the deferral.

Council is expected to revisit the issue after administration provides additional information. Residents who want to weigh in can follow upcoming agendas and attend future meetings to provide input.