The development of a concept plan to guide the use of the Cochrane and District Agricultural Society’s lands continues to move forward, with input still being sought from user groups.
Ag Society president Brian Birchall said the idea of a concept plan started with the society’s desire to see utility services brought to the lands, but has now grown into a need to develop a long-range plan to establish what the future needs will be for the lands.
“Initially we were looking for access to water to expand our services,” said Birchall, “but the scope has increased to include other important considerations such as roads and pathways.”
Birchall said the creation of a concept plan is a three-party process involving the Ag Society, Rocky View County and the Town of Cochrane, which will ultimately have the final say of approval. All three parties make up a steering committee, which oversees the planning process.
Birchall indicated the town has voiced a need for the Ag Society’s 145 acres to integrate into its Open Spaces Master Plan, while the county “has been a big supporter of the Ag Society and understands the value the Ag Society brings to the community.”
Birchall said the development of the concept plan has incorporated a lot of what the Ag Society has been looking for, such as increasing access to and on the lands and bettering its facilities.
Over the past several weeks, user groups have had the opportunity to provide input into what each would like to see the Ag Society lands used for. Those groups included the Cochrane Pony Club, Big Hill West 4-H Club, Cochrane BMX Association, Cochrane Horse Trails Committee, Cochrane Roping Club and Ag Society riding pass-holders.
“This kind of cooperation is a key part of building great communities,” said Cochrane mayor Truper McBride. “By working together today, we can help guide the development of this location for the benefit of future generations and all the parties involved.”
Birchall echoed this sentiment, and said the cooperation between the society, town and county has been great.
A draft concept plan is expected to be complete in the next few weeks, with a final plan ready by the fall.
Though Birchall said the process has been quick, he does not want the county or town councils to be pressured into approving something that is not ready.
The Ag Society will be seeking further input from the public on the plan, and Birchall is hopeful stakeholders will be happy with the final result.
