The property is located just south of A&B Liquor Store. (Google Maps)

By David Opinko

Crowsnest Pass spending $74K to market sale of empty plot of land

Mar 4, 2020 | 12:09 PM

BLAIRMORE, AB – The Mayor of the Crowsnest Pass believes it is not only the ideal place to open a business in the community, but the sale would make the town a lot of money in the long run.

At this week’s council meeting, a motion was approved to spend a maximum of $74,000 on a Comprehensive Marketing Strategy (CMS) for the vacant lot on 10509 20 Ave behind the A&B Liquor Store and Tim Horton’s in Blairmore.

Mayor Blair Painter says they have put out a Request for Proposals to have a planning firm work on the CMS.

“We are definitely not experts in the field of marketing commercial properties and designing commercial areas, so we feel it’s best to leave this to people that are experts in the field. We want to make the best use and maximize the end result of that piece of property.”

Being located directly off of Highway 3, he feels it would be a great location for whatever ends of opening there.

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The CMS will see two concept designs made for the property, including one for a commercial business and one that would be a mix of commercial and residential.

Planners will conduct a market analysis of the community’s retail stores, office spaces, and vacant properties, as well as what gaps currently exist. There will also be a hotel feasibility study to see if another one is needed in the Crowsnest Pass.

From there, the town would look for a realtor to sell the property.

Painter says, even though they are spending money now to do the CMS, it would end up being highly profitable for the municipality.

Depending on the kind of development, the plot could have an estimated assessed value of $12-million.

“We feel we’re losing a minimum of $150,000 a year in taxes in that area since I’ve been mayor for the last six years – that’s pretty darn close to $900,000 we’re missing out on.”

The plot, which was formerly the site of Blairmore’s hospital, has been vacant for decades.

Painter hopes to have the study completed sometime later this year.

Note: This article originally stated that a planning company had already been hired. This has not yet happened and a Request for Proposals has been put out to find a planner.