Editor’s Note:
For a small rural community being mentioned, let alone featured, in a major daily newspaper can be a double-edged sword. You might end up being laughed at, or clinically dissected if something has gone drastically wrong with your social fabric or you might be lauded or even admired. And that kind of attention can have an effect.
The recent article this writer discusses below could well generate more interest in our nascent resort community by uber-wealthy Albertans and others. Make of that what you will.
I would just like to draw your attention to an article that was published in the Calgary Herald on Oct 31. The story highlights the real-estate developments at RMR and mentions that the first family (from Calgary) is now moving into a home in Mackenzie Landing, part of the resort properties.
Pictured is a “single-family home” which is just massive — more than 5,500 square feet according to the article.
The article also mentions plans to include more than 5,000 new housing units in the next 15 years. That would be significantly more than half the number of homes currently in Revlestoke!
14% of the new homeowners so far are Albertans. I am also from Alberta originally and I am constantly disgusted by the bigger-is -better consumption mentality.
Although developments may be slowed by the state of the economy, there are still enough wealthy people in the world who are keen to buy a piece of paradise. Purchasers are apparently people who feel they “missed-out” on purchasing in Whistler, Aspen and Vail, etc.
Revelstoke residents need to be aware of what is happening up on the hill because we don’t see the progress on a regular basis.
I just hope that these new homeowners will realize what a great place Revelstoke is and that they are interested in contributing to the well-being of this community.
Please see the article at http://www.calgaryherald.com/alldownhill+from+here/2166493/story.html
Karen McColl
Revelstoke, BC
