I was disappointed upon reading "Cochrane Lake development worries residents" in last week’s Eagle. I felt the article failed to properly account for viewpoints other than two disgruntled residents. As it stands, the Cochrane Lake area and Monterra look like a depressing ghost town that never fulfilled its potential. I for one support any future development in the Cochrane vicinity, and certainly look forward to the potential development of the Cochrane Lake area as I live near there myself. A vision to beautify and properly finish what's already there can be nothing but positive for Cochrane and surrounding communities. I've grown up in the Cochrane area and lived here since 1995. I left Cochrane in 2005 after finishing University, pursuing a career in Calgary until 2013 when I returned to my hometown to raise our young family. I'm a proud Cochrane resident and feel happy and fortunate to raise my children in such a wonderful and family-friendly community. However, I wouldn't have been so happy to return if it had been the same Cochrane as 1995. Since then, the town has flourished and grown not only in physical proximity, but also its outlook. Development and growth are responsible for this. Let's keep an open mind for the future of the area instead of clinging to the past. Progress is important for our community, as I can attest to with my own family. Tasteful development of the Cochrane Lakes land will not only enhance the natural beauty of the area, but also add value to the land that current residents already hold. Seems like a win-win to me.
Adeline Lapierre
