Side yard setbacks A public hearing to address reverting side yard setbacks in single-family residential areas back to 1.2 metres from 1.5 metres drew a handful of developers and builders from the Cochrane area to speak in support of the change. Representatives from BILD Calgary Region, Trico Homes, Melcor and Tamani all presented to council, appealing to reverse the 2016 council decision. At that time, council expanded the side yard setbacks in an effort to achieve more uniqueness in communities and to accommodate growth without sacrificing privacy in the name of affordability. All presenters made similar cases that the change has resulted in added costs to the home buyer of around in the ballpark range of $10,000 – money arguably better spent on architectural controls such as upgrades. It was also argued that the setbacks don't translate to larger homes or usable space for families. This is also coinciding with an erosion in the home affordability with the new mortgage qualification rules that came into effect nearly one year ago. It was also argued by presenters that the increased setbacks don't address on-street parking concerns that are mounting in Cochrane's newer communities. The matter will be brought back to council in the coming months. Public Hearing A public hearing has been set for Dec. 10 in council chambers regarding street-oriented townhomes. The Land Use Bylaw amendment seeks to allow street-oriented townhomes in multi-family districts, as they are currently only permitted in single and and two dwelling (duplex) areas. This is with respect to an undeveloped parcel of land in Heartland, where the developer would like to build six semi-detached and three street-oriented townhomes. Off Leash Parks in the future Council has deferred adopting a criteria for off-leash parks until recommendations can be made by the Parks and Recreation committee. Active consultations with members of the Off Leash Advocacy Group (OLAG) have pointed to a want for more off-leash dog parks in town and a process to create more parks. The lack of consensus surrounding last year's conundrum over where to put the new off leash area in West Valley (along Highway 22, in front of the fast food restaurants) wound up pitting those neighbours who did not want an off-leash park in their established community versus dog owners concerned over the congestion and ensuing problems at the existing off-leash multi-user park in Riverview. This resulted in the park being moved away from its initial location further north in the community, to a smaller area on the south side of Quigley Drive. It also resulted in the formation of OLAG and the approval by the Parks and Recreation committee of a set of criteria to help formulate the process: that off-leash areas should have clear boundaries; buffers and fencing; wildlife interface considerations; waste receptacles to be provided; minimum area of half an acre in size; clear signage and boundaries; and integration of parking where possible. Concerns over retroactively fitting off-leash parks in established communities was brought back up by Coun. Morgan Nagel, who is largely supportive of off-leash parks but hesitant to go back into communities to build them and more in favour of building them in new communities or fitting them into existing park spaces. Data collection included survey results from 323 people, with 84 per cent favourable of an off-leash area in their neighbourhoods. Initial cost estimates are $100,000 to $300,000 to construct dog parks, dependent on size.
