Preserve the integrity of the Cochrane Hill.
That was the resounding message coming from behind the bench at Monday night council as representatives of the Franciscans of the Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre presented three scenarios of what the future of their lands located in Cochrane could look like.
The local friars, who are celebrating 70 years in Cochrane, own 444 acres within the town and bordering Rocky View County districts. Recognizing a need to preserve the future of their lands, the friars have teamed up with B & A Planning to embark on an extensive series of public consultations and land evaluations to determine what is the best course of action for their South Lands – 140 acres of lands surrounding Cochrane Hill, Sunterra and Cochrane Heights.
The three scenarios included: a preserved park space with a trail and pathway network; partical residential development on areas without slope stablity concerns; and full residential build-out with some commercial components. The intention is to submit a draft Area Structure Plan by September.
The presenters made it clear that public consultations have highlighted concern for traffic congestion; a desire to protect wildlife and the environment; slope stability concerns along Fourth Avenue; and a desire to preserve the Cochrane Hill.
They also clarified that these are "only scenarios meant to start conversations" and that the friars, whose numbers have decreased countrywide from 550 to 50, have never been motivated by financial gain.
"I like the Nose Hill Park comparison ... keep Cochrane Hill the Cochrane Hill," said Mayor Jeff Genung, giving a nod to Coun. Alex Reed for his comparison of the pristine gateway into Cochrane from the east to the iconic park in northwest Calgary. Genung, who is a Sunterra resident, made it clear that he does not see non-residential development suitable for that area but he applauds the Franciscans for their desire to achieve "universal accessibility" on their lands that are enjoyed by all for its pristine natural elements and view.
"Houses may not be the only solution here," said Coun. Pat Wilson, adding that he is "really interested" to watch the conversation unfold.
Coun. Marni Fedeyko stressed that flexibility in timelines would be favourable, given the uncertainty over when Alberta Transportation will undertake the interchange or possibly future highway twinning projects running through town.
Coun. Tara McFadden applauded the Franciscans for presenting the preliminary visions through the town's Community Enhancement Evaluation – a "matrix" in favour of creating more transparency between the town and development community, adopted by the last council as brought forth by former councillors Gaynor Levisky and Jeff Toews.
McFadden also asserted that she doesn't see where the town would have any more room for development in the near or distant future, given the plethora of ongoing residential development in Cochrane.
Coun. Susan Flowers said she hopes "we never have to develop the Cochrane Hill."
Coun. Morgan Nagel left council early that night due to illness.
Mark Love, advisor to the Franciscans, emphasized that the friars do not want to be usurped by the town's growth and that the responsible course of action is to not be complacent, silent neighbours into the future.
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