Coun. Morgan Nagel put forward a motion to freeze new residential development throughout the Town of Cochrane until steps have been taken to address traffic concerns.
As a response to Cochrane’s “increasing traffic congestion” Nagel suggested at the Monday council meeting that council agree to not approve any applications for new residential land use designations. New commercial, industrial, public or heritage land use designations would still be allowed to continue Cochrane’s economic development.
If mayor and council agree to declare the freeze, Nagel said in his notice of motion that two criteria be met before lifting the freeze: that the Government of Alberta “clearly indicates” a full financial commitment to upgrading the intersection of Highways 1A and 22; and that the Town of Cochrane acquires the right of ways or land accesses necessary to facilitating the construction of the new bridge across the Bow River.
“Traffic congestion in Cochrane is clearly residents’ biggest concern in town. Studies show that key intersections in Cochrane’s road network are being utilized far beyond their recommended traffic capacity. Additionally, residents of Cochrane frequently express their displeasure with their increased difficulties driving through town,” the notice of motion read.
“The Town of Cochrane has been given empty promises of a provincial highway expansion for several years, and the mayor and council should not continue to add more residents to our town, until we are absolutely certain that the highways will be expanded.”
The notice of motion listed two benefits if the freeze is approved,
A development freeze will further communicate the severity of Cochrane’s traffic congestion to the Government of Alberta, and increase the likelihood of action from the provincial government; and a development freeze declaration will provide clarity to the development industry, and the Town of Cochrane administration, so that no further private or public resources will be wasted on preparing Land Use applications.
The notion of motion was accepted as information.
