TransCanada Pipeline update
David Ermita and Catie O’Neal of TC Energy provided an update on the reclamation work taking place at the West Path Delivery Project. The project began in 2017 starting with public engagement, environmental studies, field surveys and technical analysis. The project is now in its final stages and is expected to be completed by Oct. 15. The project has contributed $90,000 to local community groups and initiatives, $95,000 in contracts to local businesses during construction and $143,000 in property taxes to Cochrane and Rocky View County. Upcoming activities include installing new gates at the dog parks, the blowing out and removal of irrigation lines and the removal of temporary fencing. “Our province is looking to have pipelines built not just here but all over the country,” Genung said. “It was nice to see one being built here in our own backyard.” Genung added he appreciates the contributions the project has made to the local economy and its associated boost to local businesses.
2019 audit financial statement and audit findings
Auditor Shaun Pilling representing MMP LLP was on hand at the council meeting to share the findings of the 2019 financial audit of the town. When completing an audit, Pilling said, he explores various components of overall operations accounting for about four per cent of operating revenues. The report found Cochrane is in good financial standing based on a combination of findings and financial statements have been presented fairly. Corporate services general manager Katherine van Keimpema also presented information to Council to provide additional details. Van Keimpema compiled financial data comparing Cochrane to similar communities. The information presented indicates Cochrane is leading the pack in terms of financial standing. “Overall Cochrane is not financially wealthy but it is financially healthy,” van Keimpema said. “With relatively young assets there is room to add new ones.” She added the town has room to borrow funds if needed, but noted care should be taken to ensure more money is being contributed to reserves then is being spent. Genung noted the financial statement would typically come before council in April or May. But, due to COVID-19, the statements were deferred to Thursday (Oct. 1). Genung commended van Keimpema and her team for creating the document given the important place it has in helping guide the Town of Cochrane’s finances. The information shared will help guide the council in creating the 2021 town budget.
Council adding money back into the piggy bank
Based on a recommendation from Van Keimpema council voted in favour of adding a $171,610 operating budget surplus from 2019 to the Administration Operating Reserve. She said revenues in the Town were $28,000 higher than anticipated and expenses for the Town’s tax-supported departments were $143,000 lower than expected based on the 2019 Quarter Four Financial report. Councillor Alex Reid said it was important to be conservative in budgeting for the Town, as adjustments need to make in the wake of COVID-19 and its associated economic reality.
Roads update
Roads, Storm Water and Fleet Services Manager Wally Hume spoke to council offering a peek behind the scenes of operations. The team is home to 13 highly skilled full-time staff, paired with three-part seasonal staff in the winter and four seasonal staff in the summer. The main roles of the department are traffic management, development services for new subdivisions, public parking lots, snow/ice control and public concerns. Hume, noted 2020 to date has seen more than 500 reports or inquiries from the public that have been investigated and managed. The depart maintains 185-kilometres of paved roads, 98-kilometres of sidewalks, nine traffic signals and 12 LED crosswalks along with 200.64 lane kilometres maintained for snow and ice control. Street sweeping each year removes about 1,400 tonnes of material or 100 tandem truck loads, Hume said, adding it takes four weeks to complete the spring sweeping program. On the storm systems side, they maintain 110-kilometres of storm lines, 57 outfalls, seven storm ponds and 12 oil and grit separators. He added they are expecting eight more storm ponds to be turned over to Town in the next few years. The ponds will be located in Greystone, Heartland, Fireside, James Walker Trail, Griffin Road and the Willows. Hume added infrastructure is inspected yearly to plan for any needed operation capital upgrades. He noted the roads network in Cochrane is in relatively good condition, but some upgrades will be needed in specific areas. Coun. Patrick Wilson commented that upgrades are coming to Centre Avenue including the widening of lanes in the northbound lane. Hume said this work is being done to help alleviate traffic flow by providing longer turning lanes.
Parks and open spaces update
Parks and open spaces manager Brad Luft shared insights with council on the effects of COVID-19 on the department. The parks team typically has eight full-time operators, one full-time section manager and 27 seasonal staff during peak times. This year due to COVID-19 the number of seasonal staff was reduced to 12. The Town is divided into five maintenance zones that are continuing to expand and take on new park and boulevard areas. Luft noted they are forecasting the need for a sixth maintenance zone soon. There are 4.98-square-kilometres of Parks and Open Spaces in the Town of Cochrane. When winter arrives outside ice surfaces will be maintained, he said, along with signage speaking to the need for physical distancing during COVID-19. Luft added they are continuing to explore alternative options for weed removal. Over the past few years, they have used a steam treatment that has worked well on the majority of weeds. However, Luft noted, certain weeds need to be controlled in certain spaces with chemicals.
Mayor's report and proclamations
Genung attended the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association virtual conference in Calgary on Friday (Sept. 25). The conference included provincial ministers and engagement sessions. Genung spoke with Minister of Municipal Affairs Tracy Allard about the need for regional planning, Minister of Seniors and Housing Josephine Pon about the future of Big Hill Lodge, and Minister of Transportation Ric McIver about the need to push for infrastructure upgrades— Including at the intersection of Highway 1A and Highway 22. He added Minister Allard said a new fund for municipalities is being established to help with operation costs during COVID-19. The Municipal Operation Support Transfer is designed to provide a Safe Restart Agreement between the provincial and federal governments. Cochrane is due be eligible for $2.9 million in operating support. The full criteria of eligibilty and how it will be distributed has not yet been released by Allard, more details are expected to available soon. Genung declared Thursday (Oct. 1) the International Day of Older Persons in Cochrane. The request came from the Alberta Council on Aging to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The day marks the importance of seniors and the inequality and barriers they face. Genung proclaimed Tuesday (Oct. 6) World Cerebral Palsy Day in Cochrane. Since 2012 the day has been recognized and designed to raise awareness about challenges those with Cerebral Palsy face and create a bright, more just and sustainable future for all Albertans.
