Dear editor:
Re: Short-sightedness leading to unattractiveness in Cochrane
I felt compelled to write your paper in regards to the letter sent to your editor on the above-mentioned topic. First let me start by saying to the writer, wow, that is quite a title for a letter. To say that Cochrane is unattractive because of the big box stores is really stretching it. Then to proceed by saying that, "it showed an astounding lack of creativity to put a bland box complex in the prime site of town..." is quite a statement. I truly feel that "lack of creativity" is not really the appropriate words to describe the building of The Quarry stores. Creativity is to create new meaningful ideas, which the councillors of this fine town have indeed done. There was no lack of creativity in building those stores. I feel that what you really think is lacking is their common sense in deciding to build the big box stores in the first place. However, when in fact, the councillors are creating new ways to contribute to the growth of our town, in a matter that will help make it thrive, now, and in the future. That is what creativity is, and that’s what they have done.
You then went on to say that it would be of benefit to put the big-box complex near Heritage Hills, but have no real reasons supporting why. Why would building there be better than where it is? Why didn't you suggest that the arts centre, parks, ball diamond and farmer’s market that you make reference to be built in Heritage instead of the big box stores? All the communities surrounding the core of Cochrane are still part of the Cochrane community. To say that the big box stores should have been built further west near Heritage leads me to believe that you feel that area is not part of Cochrane, however, it is. How will building there have less impact on our heritage, as opposed to where the big box stores have now been built? You seem to be more concerned about how it looks, as opposed to actually preserving our heritage. Evidently, you do not live there, that is why you suggested that area instead.
You then go on to say that Cochrane, "likes to think of itself as a tourist attraction." I feel that the big attraction is in fact MacKay's Ice Cream. Having lived in British Columbia for nine years, anytime I mentioned living in Cochrane, the first thing people said was, "Oh, the place that has the great ice cream." People come here for their Sunday drive, or when passing through to various other vacation destinations nearby. This then brings them into the neighbouring main street stores for a browse. To think that we are a tourist attraction for our heritage is really beyond comprehension. Yes, we are a small town that is known for its Western heritage, popular main street and its small town hospitality, but these are not the sole reasons. Yes, it may somewhat affect the small business owners, but that is only proof that people who live here have made a conscious decision to buy where prices are somewhat lower – something that every parent considers when raising their family and providing for their many needs. Also, to think that our heritage alone is not what brings people here is unrealistic. You also made reference to Toronto and how the decision to not put in an expressway has contributed to its charm, attractiveness and how it is flourishing. However, you then stated at the same time that the houses are old and dilapidated because of this. Is that what we really want for our town? To retain its uniqueness, character and history at the expense of having a town where people will not move to because of its lack of any economical status? Is this worth doing in order to keep our heritage alive? How will this contribute to its economy and making it thrive? The one thing that we can have complete control over is our Western hospitality, and that can happen regardless of our town's size.
I think that we have to stop and look around; communities are being built everywhere in and around Cochrane. With this building comes a need to add big box stores, as this is truly what entices people to move here, and stay. I can say without a doubt that I know people who chose Airdrie over Cochrane when picking a town to move their families to for this reason. It enables them to fulfill their everyday family needs without going into Calgary. This will allow them to do all their shopping close to home, so that they can spend more time enjoying the many things that our town has to offer.
Do I agree with you stating that we need to address the infrastructure...yes! It should by no means take an excessive amount of time to get down the Cochrane hill. I feel, though, that this increase of traffic is in great part related to the fact that we now do have big box stores, where people can stop at on their way to their family holiday. I was in Shoppers Drug Mart the other day for about 10 minutes, and in that span of time I heard four separate people ask the cashier where the Wal-Mart was. Each person stated that they were so happy that we had a Wal-Mart here now, as, "It makes it so much easier to pick up things on our way out of town." With growth, comes an increase in traffic, which in return will mean that the building and/or widening of our roads are in dire need. I agree wholeheartedly that this is a must. We need to be looking ahead by making plans to accommodate this growth, which would entail widening highways and having more ways to enter/leave the various communities, especially in an emergency.
I have lived here a total of 16 years, and have family members who have lived here over 30 years, and will continue to do so. Even with its changes and growth, it is a choice we have made. We love this town and all it has to offer.
For you to say that you find Cochrane unattractive and would not recommend anyone moving here is your choice. However, I know that if I truly felt that way about a place that I am living and raising a family, I might give serious consideration as to why I am actually living here in the first place.
Mary Martin
