In mid July, many West Terrace homes backing on the Bow River received Notices of Encroachment from the town. The most common violation was mowing grass behind their fences.
Hi This mowing has gone on for nearly two decades. Initially, the town mowed the grass however, after breaking several windows by propelling rocks with their mower, the town quit mowing. The town never explained why it quit and residents were never advised to cease mowing. Given that other Cochrane communities backing on to the river (Riverview and West Valley) have always had their grass mowed by the town, we did not feel we were out of line. Those residential areas where the town has always mowed look like well-maintained parks. West Terrace residents along the river want our area to look just as good.
To try and resolve the encroachment issue, a meeting was held with Parks and Open Spaces (Parks). The Parks representative stated the town wanted to bring “consistency” to how the area was being mowed. We asked about being treated in a manner “consistent” with other river communities and used the picturesque area of Riverview as an example.
The representative left without addressing our concerns. After a follow up letter to Parks, a written response was finally received. Parks advised us that the land in question is Environmental Reserve (ER) and as such would no longer be mowed by anyone, including the town. The response states: … In regards to the area of Riverview, which falls into the same land classification as your neighbourhood, we do intend to hold all ERs to a consistent standard. As you are aware, change brings resistance and we have been addressing this issue on a neighbourhood basis. It is our intent to address encroachment and maintenance in the Riverview area as well to ensure consistency for all Cochrane residents.
Based on that response, if you live adjacent to any ER (not just river properties) and you have tried to keep things neat by mowing, you can expect the same heavy-handed approach from Parks. If this issue concerns you, please raise it with our candidates for mayor and council. The fact the land is designated ER should not mean it has to become an overgrown eyesore (with other associated problems) per Parks interpretation. Cochrane Town Council can take steps to allow mowing and to ensure the continued beauty of all our river areas.
G.Watson, West Terrace Point
