Transit and trains were top of mind at the monthly Cochrane Business Network (CBN) breakfast meeting, with feature speakers Mayor Jeff Genung and manager of economic development Mike Korman.
Transit and trains were top of mind at the monthly Cochrane Business Network (CBN) breakfast meeting, with feature speakers Mayor Jeff Genung and manager of economic development Mike Korman.
Themed on business, the hour-long talk held upstairs at Cochrane Toyota on Oct. 9 centered on how to get residents, tourists and staff to and from local businesses and events.
The conversation quickly turned to talks about potential on-demand local transit solutions on the horizon, as well as the commuter train network that is in the works to link Banff, Canmore and Cochrane to Calgary.
“We need to change how we think ... a heavy rail transit system would revolutionize the whole Bow Valley corridor and change how we move around,” said Genung, adding that the possible commuter train project is in the very preliminary stages but is being proposed by private industry as a siding line running next to existing CP Rail tracks – one the rail giant could use in the event of an emergency.
“We’re in the perfect storm of things that are happening that are all connected.”
Early indications reveal support from Stoney Nakoda Nation and Parks Canada, as it would serve as a key employment and tourist connection. He added that a full announcement is anticipated in the coming weeks.
The pair took the opportunity to highlight the benefits of implementing a local transit system, as it relates to bringing staff and traffic to businesses as well as social benefits, with Korman citing that every dollar spent translates to $1.50 in economic prosperity.
Genung said that regional commuter Southland is eyeing more stops in Calgary to accommodate their growing demand.
Old Town Hall Site
The recent fallen deal of the Old Town Hall Site (along Highway 1A, where the former KFC restaurant was located) was brought up by audience members, asking whether it would be added to the Tri-Site conversation – the Esso Bulk Station, library and Fifth Avenue sites where the town is conducting public engagement to determine how these public service lands should develop.
Genung advised that the deposit had been returned to Madlee Developments, who were unable to fulfill sale conditions, and that the town will look to the public to determine next steps for that parcel of land – which the previous council had carefully selected La Vita Land (transferred to Madlee) in 2016 after vetting several applicants looking to develop the site. Tenant attraction was flagged as a problem for the site.
“Isn’t that short-sighted?” asked one woman in attendance, with reference to the town not adding the site to the Tri-Site conversation.
Genung said council has yet to look at the site, but that it would be recognized for its importance to the community as a gateway to town.
The duo also discussed the $293 million in infrastructure projects on Cochrane’s books over the next 10 years – including the interchange project at 1A/22, the push for roundabouts at the 1A intersections at Fifth and Centre Ave. and the Bow River Bridge project, where residents can go to letstalkcochrane.ca to vote on the list of potential names for the bridge.
The CBN was founded by Jim Messner in 2005 to promote networking opportunities for local business owners and entrepreneurs. To learn more about the November breakfast meeting or how to get involved with the group, visit cochranebusinessnetwork.com.
