The Eagle sat down with Cochrane Mayor Ivan Brooker as he reflected on the past year and discussed what he is excited to see in 2016.
“In the past year, more than anything I learned how we have to continue to strive to balance off the needs for some of the growth, commercial and residential and balance that off with the desire of our current residents,” Brooker stated.
In 2015, the Southbow Landing Neighbourhood plan, intended to bring in approximately 9,000 new residents, was approved by mayor and council during an October council meeting.
“It is always a challenge, you have to have growth to pay for some of the infrastructure – sometimes it gets worse before it get better,” Brooker explained.
One of the new developments Brooker was excited to see start last year was the construction of the new aquatic/curling facility, located at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
The $45-million project was approved in 2014, with construction that started during the spring of last year.
“All of that is coming along fantastically – We got most of the (structure) covered before the snow came. So we will be able to continue working on the curling side, but the structure over the pool has a bit to go before it is fully enclosed,” Brooker said.
“I have heard so many positive comments now that people are starting to see that coming up.”
The opening of Riverfront Park was also considered a success for the town.
“I know people are enjoying the park more and more, and I am sure that will be a very popular destination,” Brooker said.
This year, Brooker said he will be working hard to “push” to get a resolution with the province on how the intersection Highway 1A and Highway 22 is going to look.
“I hope in 2016, based on what I’ve been told by the minister’s officer, that direction will be very clear early in the spring. So, hopefully, that one works out in Cochrane’s favour and we can get a plan that is approved and agreed upon by everybody,” Brooker said.
Other developments in the works include the new building for Cochrane’s RCMP detachment, to be located in Heartland, more discussion on the rest of The Quarry development, and choosing the new town hall site, which will lead to redevelopment and enhancements in the downtown core.
“I am excited,” Brooker said
To read more about the development in Cochrane for this year, go to page 7.
