Residents packed Weedon Pioneer Community Hall last week to voice concerns about the proposed Cochrane North development.
The open house was full on May 19 as residents were invited to talk to various specialists with the project including those involved with concept design, transportation, stormwater, and water and wastewater.
“Do we really need the new development?” asked Jeanne Schmitke, who lives on Weedon Trail.
Jeanne and her husband Don Schmitke attended the meeting to ask about traffic concerns and wastewater – the main concerns residents at the meeting had about the development.
“We are asking questions but we are not getting the right answers,” Don said.
Cochrane North proposes to bring approximately 425 units to the area north of Cochrane Lakes, south of Weedon Trail, off of Highway 22.
“This project brings confidence back into the area,” said Asad Niazi, real estate professional for Tulum Development and Management Corp.
To answer the traffic concerns, Niazi said the concept design has three routes to the new development including one on Range Road 43, another on Highway 22, and a road going into phase two of Monterra.
“We hope to improve the situation in the area,” Niazi said.
While the traffic question was easy to answer, the developer doesn’t have a solution to residents’ concerns about stormwater and wastewater – the area is known to flood.
“We have not nailed down a solution yet but we absolutely want to find a solution – we are open to working with the Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County to make it work,” Niazi said.
Not everyone is against the project. Other residents in the area said they were excited to see more housing.
“I think the development is a great idea,” said Daniel Grent.
The Cochrane North area structure plan also includes seniors housing in the concept plan, adding an independent living unit for seniors 55 years old and older.
The area structure plan was developed in 2007 and developers said they are working to get feedback from the residents and plan to present to Rocky View County council by spring next year. The goal is to break ground at the end of 2017, or early 2018.
The Town of Cochrane has a user service agreement with Rocky View County, for the developments located outside of town boundaries where residents will utilize the town’s services. Currently the user service agreement includes recreation, the Cochrane Eco Centre, fire services, and Family & Community Support Services (FCSS).
“As developments grow, we will reevaluate the agreements,” said Suzanne Gaida, the town's senior manager for community services.
For updates about the Cochrane North project go to cochranenorth.com or for more information call Asad Niazi at 587-834-2600 or email [email protected].
