Public to name bridge Coun. Tara McFadden earned support with her amendment to the public engagement policy, to ensure that Cochrane taxpayers would have the ultimate say in naming the Bow River bridge - to begin construction this summer and be operational in less than two years. "I really think this is a rare opportunity to empower our residents in naming the bridge," said McFadden. Nagel – whose original motion to name the architectural connection of the downtown and south sides of Cochrane Veteran's Bridge was struck down by all but Coun. Alex Reed in favour of public engagement – expressed concern that the online voting could be rigged by non-residents or pranksters. Council will now put the final three shortlisted names back to the public for voting, likely by September, for a final name selection to be announced by early 2019. Visit letstalkcochrane.ca/bridge to offer up your bridge naming suggestion. Telus Fibre Telus caught the attention of council with their presentation on the future fibre network in Cochrane – Telus' PureFibre Broadband and wireless deployment program for information. This follows Cochrane's application for a $5-million grant through the federal Smart Cities Challenge, of which Cochrane did not make the first round of cuts, to help the town create a municipally-owned fibre network that would connect townspeople and improved efficiencies under a "free internet for all" concept. Private industry ears have perked and Mayor Jeff Genung and fellow councillors' interests have piqued - particularly Coun. Morgan Nagel. "If we work with them, Cochrane could be bringing ultra high-speed internet to Cochrane within a couple of years, with no cost to the taxpayer," said Nagel, who vocally opposed the concept of a municipally-owned utility, highlighting competition with private industry and lack of in-house technical expertise as chief concerns. Genung said he is open to all ideas but is concerned that Telus would want the town to sign a non-disclosure agreement to talk further. Before learning about the Smart Cities application, Telus advised that Cochrane was not on their immediate list to expand their fibre network to - more like around seven years out. Should Cochrane move forward with Telus, the fibre network could be available by 2021. Other communities that have signed onto the Telus PureFibre Network include Blackfalds, Bonnyville, Didsbury and Drayton Valley. Business Bylaw Passed Council passed the new business bylaw, including Nagel's amendment to exempt youth under 18 from purchasing a business licence. Speed Concerns Coun. Marni Fedeyko's motion to address speed zones in various residential streets around town was supported, although met with some concern by fellow councillors – namely Coun. Pat Wilson and Genung. Fedeyko's motion will see administration bring back a comprehensive report at the Aug. 13 council meeting on the problem areas around town, namely streets where there are speeders interfacing with children, and possible remedies. Wilson and Genung both emphasized that reducing speeds to 30 km/hour may be largely ineffective and that other speed reduction efforts such as speed bumps, flashing lights and improved signage may prove more effective. Griffin Corridor McFadden's motion to direct administration to create a comprehensive Griffin Road Corridor Study received support from council, to be brought to the Sept. 10 council meeting and be marked for budget 2019 consideration. Tri-Site appointees The Tri-Site concept plan advisory group members were appointed at Monday night council. The group consists of seven public-at-large members, including one youth, one member of the Lions Club and one of the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area. The seven public-at-large members are Art Norris, Emily Nattress, Jackie Shier, Jared Kassel, Robyn Usher, Samantha Chrysanthou and Valerie McCracken. Code of Conduct As per the new Municipal Government Act rules, council approved a Code of Conduct bylaw Monday night, which outlines how town council is to govern themselves.
