Enhancing Historic Downtown has been a heated topic of discussion for Cochrane over last few years.
Vocal residents and business owners have been distressed about a number of issues and have been calling for action from the town to resolve them.
Barbara Lagore, who works at The Shoe Closet, expressed desire for there to be a change in traffic flow out of concern for pedestrians. When asked if she’d be in favour of enhancements through the use of a tax increase, she said yes.
“We really need to keep downtown going because, right now, it brings in so many people,” said Barbara Lagore, who works at The Shoe Closet.
Chris Tonkin, a Cochrane resident, wants to see enhancements but not if it means a tax hike in this economy.
“I don’t think we as Cochranites would benefit enough to warrant a tax increase,” Tonkin explained.
He would like to see more esthetically pleasing design and planning in the area that will “stand the test of time.” He also finds the traffic too busy in the area on the weekends and thinks there needs to be more options in terms of railway crossings.
The town currently has the maximum number of at-grade railway crossings permitted – which can cause traffic congestion. Any future crossings within the town will need to be built above or below-grade.
Pixie Charter, who works at Traditions A Country Store, is unsure of if she’d be in favour of the enhancements if there was a tax increase involved. She would like to see a playground in the area and more cafes to allow people to sit and visit.
Charter also said it was “frustrating” to not have public washrooms available. Currently, shoppers visiting the Historic Downtown must use the businesses’ private washrooms.
Resident Misty Kabanuk also believes adding public washrooms is imperative to improving shopping experience. She would be OK with any additional tax increase if needed for the enhancements.
“I think that part of taxes should be given to the community to enhance Cochrane and its residents. We have a lot of visitors to Cochrane, and the Historic Downtown is part of that.”
She thinks the district adds value to the whole town but would like to see more family-friendly restaurants in the area.
“I love the downtown part, it’s part of what makes Cochrane unique and homey to be honest – it’s part of Cochrane’s culture,” Kabanuk explained.
Cochrane town council accepted the Historic Downtown Revitalization Project report at the council meeting on March 29. As a result administration will prepare a 2016 capital budget request to begin Phase I work for the project.
“The Historic Downtown Revitalization Project presents an opportunity for the town to continue to strengthen this economically and historically important part of the town,” states a report written by Mike Korman, the economic development manager for the town.
The first phase of the project, called Enhancements Beginning in 2016, includes: creating a gathering space, adding tree plantings and “bump outs,” the creation of a banner program for the street lights, moving the Visitors Centre and public washrooms to Main Street, and more.
Administration held an open house on March 15 for Historic Downtown businesses to view and give feedback on potential enhancements. According to the report, approximately 30 people attended and provided positive feedback on the concepts.
Regarding financial implications for the project, the report states a budget for the enhancements beginning this year will be brought forward to town council as a spring budget adjustment.
Councillor Morgan Nagel had concerns regarding the proposed “bump outs” that would be used as patio spaces in front of businesses and whether the town would give them to the businesses or if the businesses would rent them from the town. Korman explained the details hadn’t been developed yet for the “bump outs”.
“I applaud you, this is awesome, thank you. I read through the plan and I was so excited,” said Councillor Mary Lou Davis-Eckmeier, who then made a motion to accept the report and direct administration regarding the budget. The motion was carried unanimously.
