A study done on a section of River Heights Drive aimed at determining whether the Town of Cochrane should allow curbside parking has determined it is best to wait before solving a problem that apparently does not yet exist.
The area, which is currently under construction, will eventually boast 27 homes along the stretch of River Heights Drive, and each homeowner will be provided with two parking spots in the rear of the home.
Anyone visiting one of the residents of the future homes, as it stands now, would have to park on adjacent streets and walk approximately 400 metres to get to their ultimate destination.
Being a collector road, River Heights Drive will be a four-lane boulevard with a planned bicycle lane on the edge of the outside lane on each side, a centre median and landscaped on both sides.
Kathy Dietrich, senior manager of planning and engineering for the town, said the study looked at the possibility of permitting visitor parking in the rear lanes, but added that nowhere else in Cochrane is rear lane parking allowed.
Despite Dietrich’s recommendation to delay any action for the time being, councillor Jeff Toews questioned the move.
“Part of our job is to be proactive before we get these complaints,” said Toews.
Councillor Morgan Nagel voiced concern for potential buyers in the area, wondering what a family would do if they wanted to buy their 16-year-old child a car, and end up owning three vehicles and only have space for two.
Dietrich said removing the bike lanes would not rectify the street parking problem, as they are too narrow to allow for a vehicle.
She added that there are several challenges when municipalities permit curbside parking, including street sweeping and snow removal.
Toews and councillor Gaynor Levisky said interested buyers must be made aware of the fact that the 27 homes along this portion of River Heights Drive are intended for those with two or less vehicles.
Mayor Ivan Brooker said that Cochrane offers a variety of housing types and that people need to make a life choice when they are deciding where they want to live.
