With so many fun things to focus on as a community and as councillors — a new aquatic centre, community events and an early winter (okay, not winter!) — we often take our eye off the mundane (for a short time).
There are always important issues facing every community that require ongoing attention and feedback.
Having lived here over 20 years, I know that we seem to be in an ongoing battle to catch up with growth.
I for one have enjoyed our growth as a community. Growth allows us to financially support a local economy, which includes jobs and tax-supported initiatives.
Growth allows for broader community services and growth allows for a broader human perspective due to more ethnic, religious, age and economic diversity in our community.
Growth also comes with issues.
We no longer know all of our neighbours, so it takes more effort to meet people, engage in meaningful conversation and live day to day being considerate of others’ lifestyles.
Growth also brings issues with road congestion, impatience with the drivability of our road network and therefore speeding and a lack of consideration for other drivers.
Growth can bring intolerance because we have to accept change in order to be inclusive.
Growth can bring stress because it always takes longer than expected to finish a project.
What can we do as a community?
My suggestions:
1. Send an email to council with your concerns and any suggested remedies you can think of;
2. Be involved. Don’t just sleep in Cochrane, live here, shop here, and play here;
3. Ask questions. If you are moving into Cochrane or within Cochrane, review subdivision and neighbourhood plans to see what you can expect in the community you wish to move to;
4. Introduce yourself to neighbours. Be the first to say, “Hi!” when you pass someone on the street.
If you would like to have coffee to express your thoughts or concerns about our town please contact me at [email protected] or text me at 403-519-2575. The coffee is always on me.
I would be especially interested to know if speeding is an issue in your neighbourhood, how you feel about speed bumps, speed cameras and more traffic police to ticket offenders?
