Due to Cochrane's river valley location, there are a significant number of homes in Cochrane backing onto areas designated as Environmental Reserve (ER) (not developable due to slopes, rough terrain and/or other natural features). Many of these properties have been provided by the developer with four-foot chain link fencing separating their typically small backyards from this land. As such, these homes are heavily exposed and quite vulnerable as to how these lands are used. This is especially true since most usage of this land will occur immediately behind these homes due to the terrain. One usage that is currently being advocated is to allow off leash dog walking in many of these areas. This will require a zoning change as the current bylaws call for on leash dogs only. It should be noted that four-foot fencing is generally not considered of sufficient height to prevent large breed dogs from jumping the fence. Fencing of five to six feet is recommended as minimum. With these proposals there should be both safety and liability factors to consider for residents of homes backing onto these areas. Children playing in back yards and day home operators with toddlers playing in the yard could especially be at risk. The Town of Cochrane is opening a new off leash area this spring, north of the Skate Park and south of Quigley Drive, bordered by commercial properties, roads and Highway 22. This area is a flat grass field allowing walkers to spread out and situated over a pipeline corridor with a parking lot nearby. Lines of sight are ideal for prompt dog poop pick up. This would seem to be a successful model for future proposals. The former location considered just north of this site, again over the pipeline backed onto housing and was not approved due in part to homeowner objections, although this site was separated from homes by what appears to be six-foot solid fencing. From reading the local newspapers there also appeared to be concerns with increased traffic and parking in the adjacent neighbourhood. From calls to Town Planning, I understand that developers are now being asked to make provisions for off leash areas in their plans for new subdivisions which is a great idea (buyers can also choose in advance how close to a Dog Park to locate). So, there are also more off leash areas on the way through this process. Based on the difficult issues with the north of Quigley Dog Park attempt, It would seem that any proposed new off-leash areas, especially on Environmental Reserve backing onto homes should be a non-starter for town council because: 1. They would have even more impact on many more times the number of home owners 2. They would have inadequate back yard protective fencing 3. There are vastly more wildlife and environmental concerns 4. There is even less parking If you are a Cochranite living near an ER area, please let council know your concerns. An advocacy group is currently working towards suggesting ER areas for off leash use. This will greatly impact the safety and quality of life of adjoining residents who cannot move from the issues. It will impact the quality of the area, and greatly impact some of the last remaining havens for wildlife in our town. Perhaps following Canmore’s exemplary and peaceful example of not putting off leash dog parks backing onto homes should be the model. That really would be a pleasant walk in the park. Ron Weedmark
