After an initial rejection, Qualico Communities has received approval for a land-use bylaw amendment that will allow the developer to build medium-density housing on two parcels north of Southbow Landing.
The application returned to Cochrane town council on June 9 for a second and third reading. It had previously been denied in May 2024.
“I think we’ve landed on a good compromise here,” said Mayor Jeff Genung. “I think that we need this. I’m hearing from a lot of younger Cochranites who would like a place to live, and this provides at least some opportunity.”
Council voted 5–1 in favour of the amendment, with Coun. Marni Fedeyko opposed.
“I think that Cochrane has a huge pile of development that is still occurring,” Fedeyko said. “While I understand that we have somebody who’s interested in building on these particular sites right now, I just think it’s not doing us any favours. It’s just going to add more townhouses upon more townhouses.”
Following the initial denial, Qualico submitted a revised application in November 2024. The updated proposal included enhanced public engagement and several modifications aimed at addressing previous concerns.
The revised application was first presented to council’s committee of the whole on April 22 and included the following changes:
- Greenway buffer: A six-metre-wide greenway was added to improve the residential interface and create a physical buffer. Zoning was reduced to medium density on both parcels, better aligning with housing types already present in the Willows.
- Trail connectivity: A new pathway has been added to connect with the existing trail system.
- Height adjustment: Building heights were lowered through medium-density zoning, which now better aligns with the south end of the Willows.
- Grading and privacy: Site grading has been lowered where possible to minimize elevation differences and address privacy concerns. Additional buffering will come from the greenway and will be further addressed at the development permit stage. A minimum 18-metre setback will be required between homes in the Willows and Southbow Landing.
- Infrastructure: The portion of James Walker Trail within Southbow Landing is scheduled for completion by the end of the 2026 construction season. No development on the newly approved parcels will proceed before that work is finished.
See related article: Council reviews application for development in Southbow Landing
A public hearing on May 12 allowed for further input. During that meeting, Coun. Morgan Nagel suggested a maximum building height of 13 metres near the Willows. The compromise administration presented was a 13.6-metre height restriction for any development within 20 metres of the northern property line adjacent to the Willows.
“We believe this administration has really demonstrated the amenability of the developer to, again, take steps to try and address public concerns while finding a reasonable middle ground,” said Mark Krysinski, the town’s director of community growth.
A subdivision application is expected by late 2025 or early 2026. Construction will not begin until the James Walker Trail extension is complete.
