Dear editor:
Lindsay Seewalt is right to be skeptical about Cochrane’s pretensions to be a sustainable community, as stated in her April 10 opinion column.
One specific example I’d like to raise is the ability of the town to allow the new Centre Ave. railway crossing to be built without a sidewalk and still call itself a pedestrian-oriented community. Cochrane is indeed not a pedestrian friendly town.
There are vague promises that more sidewalks will be built, but, as we approach spring and summer, it is laughable the town would tout its sustainability (that horrible word again), while the lack of pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly facilities on Railway Street, Griffin Road and other major thoroughfares brings danger and inconvenience to those who walk and cycle by choice or by necessity.
And, don’t get me started on the difficulties people with wheelchairs and electric scooters face around this community.
Of course, we have a council that voted against preparing infrastructure for public transportation.
The spirit, so ably reflected in comments by our mayor a couple of years ago, seems to be: If it doesn’t help me keep driving around in my big truck, we don’t need it.
Instead of committing our tax dollars to a lazy, simulated river (see aquatic centre plans), let council concentrate on basic infrastructure needs first. And, while we’re talking about the pool, why is the town pushing for consultation on signage around the community, while omitting to let people vote in a plebiscite on this mammoth aquatic centre project?
Next, the town will be consulting us on the colour of carpets in the RancheHouse to divert our attention from the important things.
First, let’s concentrate on the basic needs – like providing safer connectivity around town and completing a bridge for residents of River Heights.
Andy Marshall
