How do you think Cochrane and area will look in the year 2050? What kind of community do you want your kids and grandkids to have in the future? It’s time for our community to start thinking seriously about these questions.
This weekend, our mayor, council and senior managers are getting together to begin setting a vision for the next 10, 25 and 50 years in Cochrane.
I am excited to be part of this discussion. One thing that bothers me about our democracy is that it feels like most governments barely think past the current media cycle, never mind beyond the end of their four-year mandate. In a world full of reactionary governance, it’s refreshing to have serious discussions about our long-term future.
Heading into this discussion, one thing that I view as critical, is protecting Cochrane’s independence and identity. I know the families of our town do not want to see Cochrane consumed by Calgary in the years to come. Many of us have travelled to places like Toronto and New York, and we do not want our valley to turn into that type of concrete jungle.
I am hoping our municipal government can come up with a serious plan to protect our boundaries for generations to come. We are already fortunate to be surrounded by provincial parks, reserve land, and as of recently, some large land donations from ranching families. Through additional park space and zoning for more acreages on our boundaries, I believe there is a path forward to ensure Cochrane is never swallowed up by the city.
However, this is not going to happen on its own. Our municipal government must make creating a green buffer a clear goal if we want to protect Cochrane. I look forward to discussing this further with my colleagues, and I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
In addition to these boundary issues, there is a plethora of other things to consider for future planning. What else do you want to see in Cochrane’s future? Please let me know at [email protected]
