Coun. Tara McFadden's motion for a corridor planning and design project was well received by council on Monday night, whereby administration has been directed to include $100,000 in the 2019 draft budget for the completion of four high-level corridor designs. "One of the expressions we hear from our residents is 'why didn't you plan this better'" explained McFadden, who was prompted to bring her motion forward as she looks to the future growth pressures along Griffin Road with the bridge being built and future through traffic along that road. Following McFadden's May 14 notice of motion, administration has returned and identified three other areas needing forward-thinking corridor designs: Railway Street, Fifth Avenue and River Avenue, to be shared with Alberta Transportation as they relate to Highway 1A. "It's an important first step ... a corridor plan is about more than how you move around in the area," she said, adding that it's also about keeping Cochrane's historic downtown and surrounding area "feel" intact. McFadden is also looking forward to a report later this fall on her vie for a downtown parking strategy and would like to take an in-depth look at revitalization of the existing industrial area on the south side of the railway – where she views parking and an absence of sidewalks as problematic with the town's continued growth. Cannabis Development Permits A public hearing has been established for Sept. 24 in council chambers on cannabis development permit requirements. Ahead of the Oct. 17 federal legalization of the sale of cannabis, the town has amended its Land Use Bylaw to provide guidelines for cannabis retailers - including 150-metre setbacks from areas where children frequent or health services, security and lighting, signage and advertising. A further amendment is required, in order to extend guidelines for certain development that do not require a development permit, namely new subdivisions and bays in existing multi-use commercial buildings. This clause would require all cannabis retail stores to apply for and obtain a development permit with the town.
