Locals swarmed the Cochrane Lions Event Centre on Saturday Nov. 2 with open ears regarding the future of Mount St. Francis South Lands.
The Holy Spirit Province of Canada consists of western and eastern Franciscan friars. An Ad Hoc committee was formed which include Friars, B&A Planning Group and an advisor to the Franciscans.
The Franciscans own 450 acres of land which runs into Rocky View County where Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre is located. The afternoon event discussed what will be done with the 140 acres of bench lands (South Lands) within the Cochrane boundaries.
The Ad Hoc Committee's, B&A Planning Group hosted the presentation and provided insight about the potential of the land, revealed Area Structure Plans (ASP) and encouraged open discussion and feedback from the public.
Since the Franciscans purchased the land in 1949, the number of active friars have gone from 550 to 50 active Friars. As a result of the decrease in membership, the land is now being divided.
Three goals the Ad Hoc committee would like for the future use of the land is to create alternative purpose, establish a plan to provide future certainty and create a lasting legacy.
The three ASP's presented are as follows:
Scenario A: Natural environmental park - Pedestrian connections and public gathering.Scenario B: Minor neighbourhood expansion - A potential expansion of Sunterra Heights.
Scenario C: Comprehensive neighbourhood expansion - A potential "complete" neighbourhood design including a non-residential development component.
The Holy Spirt Province of Canada decided that scenario C would be the option they would like to pursue based on their values.
Going forward the Ad Hoc Committee will continue with public engagement and between now and when the presentation is made to Town Council in the first quarter of 2020, scenario C could see some changes. The ASP is yet to be finalized.
