As I read the news this week I thought, ‘hmmm, we have an opportunity right now.’ I’m specifically referring to the issue of the Jones Estates and Coun. Morgan Nagel’s unsuccessful UPC nomination for the upcoming provincial election. First off, a well done for Mr. Wilson’s motion allowing one house on these lands with an “R-1-1” rezoning. In my view, Mr. Wilson’s motion represented a good compromise between the Quantum Place Developments Ltd. rezoning application and a clear, consistent message from resident who did not want this land to be developed. Mr. Wilson demonstrated ‘out of the box thinking’ within existing rules. My only concern with this solution will be a successful appeal by the developer. Despite this concern, Mr. Wilson’s motion gives residents ‘peace of mind’ and closure. The second bit of news is Mr. Nagel's unsuccessful UPC nomination. I would like to thank Mr. Nagel for his commitment in following his beliefs and congratulate Mr. Guthrey in his victory. However, if Mr. Nage was successful in his nomination and had been elected as an MLA in the next provincial election, Cochrane residents would be facing an expensive by-election in 2019. So what do these examples have in common? They both represent opportunities to seek solutions now to avoid problems in the future. Once a subdivision is built and/or a rezoning application has been repeatedly denied, is it fair to residents to face further re-zoning applications? No I don’t believe it is. Is there a method of avoiding a costly bi-election in the future that is in compliance of the Alberta Elections Act? I believe the answer is yes. I would urge council to take advantage of this opportunity. Dan Cunin
