In an effort to better manage local issues of social disorder, the Town of Cochrane has passed the Cochrane Community Standards and Public Safety Bylaw (Bylaw 06/2025).
The bylaw is aimed at curbing behaviours such as public disturbances, vandalism, graffiti, fighting, aggressive panhandling, and other forms of public disorder. It replaces and modernizes three older bylaws to provide a more cohesive regulatory framework.
“The impetus to create a community standards and public safety bylaw was to utilize provincial funding to expand enforcement authority,” said Jay Judin, Cochrane’s director of community safety. “This empowers the RCMP and community peace officers to address specific social disorder offences.”
The bylaw received its first reading on Feb. 10, 2025, after which Council directed administration to engage the public through a two-week consultation period via Let’s Talk Cochrane from March 3 to 17.
“Overall, the feedback indicates that many residents agree with the intent of the new regulations while also desiring increased bylaw enforcement,” Judin reported during the second reading at Council’s regular meeting on May 12.
Key areas of concern raised by the public included:
- Vehicle noise
- Construction noise
- Snow removal
- Composting practices
Coun. Susan Flowers voiced strong support for tighter noise enforcement.
“I think we should give more tickets for the noise,” she said. “That's one of the biggest complaints I’ve heard in the years I’ve been on council, especially living downtown.”
She emphasized that education alone won’t stop repeat offenders.
“They go so fast you can’t possibly get their license plate or take a picture. They're out for attention, and they’re not going to stop with just education—they need tickets to hurt the pocketbook.”
Cochrane has historically issued very few noise-related tickets, with Judin noting that only four had been recorded as of Jan. 1, 2024.
Coun. Morgan Nagel cautioned against excessive enforcement, stressing the importance of balance and discretion.
“There’s a difference between someone rudely abusing a vehicle in a residential area and someone enjoying a nice motorbike or muscle car responsibly,” he said. “I don’t want our crusty Town Council to be like, ‘No fun vehicles allowed.’ These things mean a lot to people, and they should still be allowed to exist.”
As part of this initiative, three outdated bylaws were repealed:
- Bylaw 04/2007 – Nuisance and Unsightly Premises
- Bylaw 16/2011 – Noise Control
- Bylaw 01/2009 – Snow Removal
This consolidation allows for more modern, adaptable, and enforceable regulations.
While public engagement focused on the Community Standards Bylaw, residents also raised broader concerns around off-leash dogs, construction site conduct, and road safety—topics that may warrant future policy updates and public education efforts.
Council unanimously passed Bylaw 06/2025. The Town will notify developers and contractors about new restrictions on construction hours and begin a public awareness campaign to educate peace officers and the community about the bylaw changes.
This summer, Cochrane’s municipal officers will pilot an afternoon and evening shift schedule to better monitor compliance with noise and public conduct regulations. Officers will be equipped with sound measurement tools to assist in enforcement.
The Town is also exploring joint operations with RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs to target excessively loud vehicles and motorcycles.
