by Coun. Alex Reed
Your town council is approaching the mid-point in our four-year term, and so you might wonder what we have accomplished.
In addition to the full slate of ongoing administrative matters, town council has been actively engaged in community involvement, established a Cochrane Community Vision of our future (check it out on LetsTalkCochrane.ca), and focused on four key areas:
• Community Connectivity
• Community Development and Planning
• Community Facilities and Services
• Community Engagement
In terms of connectivity, we have spent countless hours lobbying for the reconstruction of the Highways 1A/22 interchange with the detailed design near completion; building the bridge over the Bow River; established an on-demand public transit system and hub; enhanced our regional pathway network; made several road improvements; and exploring a rail transit line.
With regards to development and planning we have annexed two parcels of land. One is for a second access to Sunset Ridge and the other is to create a sports park off Horse Creek Road. We are also finalizing a complete overhaul of our Land Use Bylaws; created a Cochrane Community Vision; and approved the Greystone development.
In terms of facilities and services, we approved the Tri-Site Implementation Plan; paid off the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre debt; acquired land for the new RCMP and Municipal Enforcement Station; purchased a new fire truck and hired more firefighters; we are upgrading our wastewater pipeline; established a Parks and Recreation Committee; and identified asset management as a priority.
Finally, with regards to engagement, we are live streaming our council meetings, launched the Let’s Talk Cochrane website; adopted an updated public engagement policy; completed a customer satisfaction survey and approved a Housing Needs Assessment.
This is just to mention a few of the things we have been working hard to accomplish on your behalf. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about any of these things or anything else, please feel free to contact any member of your town council, as we sincerely view our roles as partners in making Cochrane a better community for all.
