As an educator, former ecologist and a resident of Riverview, I do not agree with Riverview Community Association's stance on density targets and object to its statement of declaring full support for the initiative to reduce density targets.
The idea of keeping density at its current level or even decreasing it is an antiquated idea. Research shows us that increasing density will not only be economically and socially, but also environmentally beneficial to our town. Higher density maintains ecosystems services and keeps infrastructure costs down. There is a positive relationship between higher density development and human health. Lower density development results in a loss of wetlands and thus flood protection, loss of agricultural land and locally-produced food, habitat fragmentation resulting in less wildlife, poorer water quality resulting in higher water treatment costs, reduced walkability and higher greenhouse gas emissions.
Does Cochrane want to move backwards and remain in the past or be a vibrant community that attracts young people to live where they can walk more places and live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle? The world is changing and young people's expectations in terms of lifestyle and housing are changing. We have the ability to create highly desirable, visually appealing higher density communities that people want to live in. Other communities in Calgary and around the world have done it. Lower density developments will not solve the traffic issues either. More walkable/higher density communities and transit options will.
If you had asked Cochranites 30 years ago if they wanted Cochrane to grow they would probably have said no. However, it's not realistic to have a community that doesn't grow. Higher density growth will allow us to keep infrastructure costs down, and maintain our environmental quality. Let's not forget that we depend on clean air, clean water and natural spaces so let's develop our town in such a way as to attract young people and maintain environmental quality for generations to come.
Jennifer Janzen
