Bighill Creek Preservation Society
Bighill Creek Preservation Society was on deck to present an overview about what its organization does and how to plan for the future as the region grows.
The society's mission is to "to ensure the natural and historical values of Bighill Creek Watershed are preserved for this and future generations."
Gerry Bietz, society president, delivered a comprehensive presentation to council on the drainage/importance of Bighill Creek, including recent and coming studies and initiatives with various non-profits, ecological institutes and organizations.
The society's vision is to incorporate open spaces into Cochrane and County plans; ensure the riparian health of Glenbow Park and Bighill and Jumping Pound creeks; promote conservation and work with adjacent Mount Saint Francis, as well as University of Calgary researchers; and promote responsible use – including trail/bike paths.
Mayor Jeff Genung thanked Bietz for his presentation, adding that the work of the society aligns very well council's vision and coming initiatives – which he was not able to elaborate on at this time.
TransCanada Pipeline
David Ermita delivered a presentation on TransCanada Pipeline's planned $2-billion expansion program on its NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) system. This expansion includes the infrastructure located within the pipeline corridor, running through Cochrane adjacent to Highway 22.
While the pipeline giant is awaiting regulatory approvals, they do not foresee any major roadblocks and construction is to begin later this year. Public and stakeholder engagement is ongoing.
Public Hearings
A public hearing for Heartland Stage Two Area Structure Plan was set for April 8 in council chambers.
The public hearing is regarding proposed amendments to the northern portions of the community, to reduce the commercial zoning of the site resulting from site changes for the expanded future RCMP location.
Back lit signs
There were a number of speakers at the public hearing regarding back-lit signs, as administration is looking to allow them in five of the 11 districts in town as a discretionary use based on significant demand from the business community.
If this change is made to the land use bylaw, it would render the Cochrane Planning Commission as the development authority.
Alex Baum from Cochrane Toyota spoke to the positives this would have for the car dealership community.
Gary Kooistra, a GlenEagles resident did not speak neither for or against back-lit signs, only implored council to look to further research as to whether or not this type of signage adds to the issue of light pollution.
Kevin Burns, a Trading Post at Sunset Ridge resident, spoke to not only the "detrimental impact" this type of signage has on the landscape or how contrary it is to the overall look and feel of Cochrane – but also that this type of signage is being poorly advocated as the saviour for failing businesses, which are in reality failing at community engagement or perhaps not operating with best practices.
"Is this going to solve the problem of a failing business?" said Burns. "I believe we must subscribe to a higher standard than signs as a saviour to business."
Volunteer Week: April 7-13
Volunteer Week will be celebrated in Cochrane April 7-13.
Child care per diem
Coun. Tara McFadden will bring forward a notion on motion at the April 8 council meeting to "prepare a policy for the provision of per diems that will remove the barrier faced by those who incur costs associated with dependent care coverage to attend committee meetings, this would be intended to cover costs such as child care and home care for dependent elders.”
