Originally presented Aug. 4 to Cochrane’s mayor and council, the decision to accept the Southbow Landing Neighbourhood Plan has again been postponed, this time until the Oct. 26 council meeting.
Council had asked for seven amendments to the original plan, which was presented at the Sept. 28 meeting.
Councillor Morgan Nagel put forward a motion to refuse the plan citing the town’s traffic problems already being too significant, but the motion was rejected.
Councillors Gaynor Levisky and Jeff Toews voiced their concerns stating they wanted more clarification on certain aspects of the project before adopting the plan.
A motion to postpone the decision of the proposed neighbourhood plan, which is expected to bring approximately 9,000 people to Cochrane, was agreed upon by council.
Council agreed to purchase land at 26 Riverview Drive for $175,000.
Earlier in 2014, transfer documents were originally sent out with the intention of having the Cochrane Golf Club transfer ownership of the land to the Town of Cochrane as part of a land-use redesignation development.
The document, however, was not signed by the town upon return, resulting in the Cochrane Golf Club retaining legal ownership of the land until May 31, 2014 when they sold the parcel to another owner.
Coun. Toews commented that he is extremely disappointed there was no paper trail of the original agreement and called the situation an expensive mistake.
“I think we have no choice but to do this – we just need to [put the matter] to bed,” Toews said.
The Town of Cochrane also purchased Lot 10 located at 406 Railway St., because the parcel of land is considered an important piece of the town’s land strategy.
Cochrane RCMP Sgt. Darlene White presented the RCMP annual report to council and noted decreases from 2013 to 2014 in thefts, break and enters, mischief and disturbing the peace.
Increases, however, were seen in assault/persons crimes, fraud and drug enforcement. Increases in the crimes were attributed to the population increase and White noted drug enforcement was a positive for the community as it meant members of the force were better able to get out and investigate.
Distracted driving was also brought up as a priority for the Cochrane RCMP with over 500 tickets handed out in 2014.
A public hearing will be held Oct. 26 for the permanent road closure of 1st Avenue West.
The road closure is intended to increase developable space and value of the site, while also encouraging cohesive development of the Old Town Hall site and promote the Western Heritage Design of the town.
