The end of a year is a great time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, as well as everything you hope to achieve. Personally, I believe council and the Town of Cochrane have accomplished a lot in 2018 and I’m excited for what’s to come.
Council recently approved the 2019-2021 budget. I believe that this budget allows us to continue to invest in our community and save for the future. Moving into 2019, we will see new pathway connections, an upgrade to the George Fox Trail, a new pedestrian crossing and a new on-demand transit system.
Starting in September 2019, residents and visitors will be able to use our new on-demand transit to travel throughout the community, as well as to the access Calgary and Banff. Local transit plays a key role in increasing our community’s accessibility and is an important step in alleviating traffic congestion.
Another important step we have taken to improve traffic flow in the community is the development of the bridge over the Bow River. Work is well underway, with a scheduled completion date of late 2020.
At our last meeting, council received the Tri-Site Concept Plan. This plan will see three of our town-owned properties transformed into community hubs. These include the Fifth Avenue site (former location of Big Hill Leisure Pool and including the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park), the former Esso Bulk Station, and the one-acre site east of the library.
The proposed concept plan includes: a "Cochrane Central Park" at the Fifth Avenue site, which would provide a publicly accessible outdoor space; a makerspace, transit hub and indoor/outdoor spillover space for visual and performing arts at the former Esso Bulk Station; and an expanded library, performing arts theatre and innovation hub at the one-acre site east of the library. This tri-site project will transform Cochrane’s downtown into a pedestrian-friendly community gathering area that incorporates Cochrane’s heritage and history into its design. I would encourage you to find out more about this exciting project at letstalkcochrane.ca/tri-site.
It’s an exciting time in Cochrane, and I’m looking forward to what is to come.
Wishing you and your family all the best this festive season.
