Council gave its unanimous consent to the cemetery master plan at the Nov. 14 council session, giving the green light to Cochrane cemetery improvements estimated at approximately $1.5 million.
The implementation of the plan will be done in phases and the funds would be included in future town budgets as required.
A presentation made by administration indicated that 89 per cent of Cochranites who participated in the open house and public consultations expressed approval over the conceptual plan.
The plan includes a full build-out of the Cochrane Cemetery – which opened in 1996 and is only 20 per cent complete. There are also areas for green spaces and burials will be able to accommodate Muslims, veterans and protective services personnel, and infants and children.
An increase in capacity for additional cremations will also need to be included, as administration identified the 2015 cremation rate was 86 per cent, which is higher than the provincial average of 70 per cent.
Improvements include a nature trail pathway system to connect all three existing cemeteries: St. Mary’s, St. Andrew’s and the Cochrane cemetery.
Additional improvements include a designated parking zone and controlled vehicle gate; columbaria plaza; central gathering space with hitching post memorial; veterans field of honour with memorial plaza and walk of honour; veterans columbaria; green burial area; scattering garden and ossuary; infant and children’s garden; new entry gates and frontage fencing; cemetery driveway paving; welcome kiosk and maps; and trees, landscaping and fencing.
RV storage application
A public hearing will be held during the Nov. 28 council session on the proposed RV storage facility at the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, located north of Cochrane across from the upper Ag Lands along RR 43.
The hearing provides an opportunity for anyone in support or opposition to the application to show up and present, write letters or simply attend.
Applicants for the 400-stall parking facility and possible dump station (at the town’s discretion) would be located on the 160-acre parcel of land.
According to the applicant, the application does not include an RV repair shop or car wash bay.
The application has faced opposition from at least one neighbour, Barb Gibson, who said the operation does not belong on public service lands in a residential area.
She said the development is “completely out of hand” with respect to what she said began as the rental of a few spots and has turned into a full-scale commercial parking operation.
The applicants said the storage area is out of sight, the development would not have a negative impact on traffic and will provide a much-needed service.
