There is a lot of new development in Cranbrook’s future.
That’s according to Mayor Wayne Price, who was giving an annual mayor’s address to the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Cranbrook on Feb. 12.
He said a lot of large projects should be on the horizon.
That includes the large Wildstone apartment proposal that was just approved by council, other housing projects, the F.W. Green Home expansion that broke ground last year and a future expansion at the hospital.
“I think Cranbrook is in a really interesting place right now. Something’s happening here. We’re getting attention from developers. A lot of inquiries.”
He said it’s important that they bring in multiple housing options and not just rentals.
Price said he thinks only focusing on rentals is a risky trend that could backfire in the future.
“I get concerned that right across Canada right now, they’re building apartments. Rental, rental, rental, rental, rental. We could become a rental society in Canada, but what you do in 25 years, when the people in there can’t work anymore and no revenue’s coming in and they’re renting,” he added.
“They can’t afford the rent. I think we’re making a mistake and I think that town houses have to be part of the solution.”
He said the city has also started a number of projects that support other areas of the community.
One of those projects is the upcoming city-owned daycare space.
Price said routinely one of the top questions the city gets asked when trying to bring in professionals is if there is adequate childcare.
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