Cochrane mayor Truper McBride confirmed on Jan. 24 that the reason behind the apparent delay in confirming Wal-Mart to the Quarry site was due to an appeal filed by the commercial real estate development and management company Grand Central Properties.
“That has been the source of the delay,” McBride corroborated, addressing a rumor brought forward by a member of Seniors on the Bow (SOTB) about why newspaper reports had not been able to confirm Wal-Mart was indeed coming to Cochrane.
“For any development, time is money,” McBride said about the possible tactic of delay and going on to add that he believed the appeal would not be successful in stopping the big-box retailer from eventually building in Cochrane.
As the matter is currently before the Court of Appeal, general manager for Grand Central Randy Mabbott is unable to speak to the matter.
Grand Central manages several properties in Cochrane, including Cochrane Towne Square, Grand Central Place, the Urgent Care Centre and the Fire and EMS facility.
The mayor also encouraged SOTB members to provide their input into what they would like to see Cochrane’s downtown look like following development and revitalization.
McBride said he would like to see the Quarry site and Lions Rodeo Grounds be integrated into the historic downtown to create one central core.
The construction of a pedestrian overpass has been discussed to connect the Quarry site with the present downtown.
With the Lions Club holding a licence for the grounds until 2019, McBride hopes the park will be utilized more, calling the area an ‘excellent central park’ for Cochrane.
• Lack of ‘No Idling’ signs in front of Glenbow Elementary School; looking at shortening 20-minute maximum idling bylaw.
• Cochrane Ranche maintenance concerns; stairway to Men of Vision statue being refurbished; cost to maintain site has always been an issue.
• The Shell gas station formerly on Highway 1A will be moving into the Fireside community.
• McBride reconfirmed his commitment to Cochrane’s wetlands, saying he and council will work to protect Class 4 and up, and some Class 3 when appropriate.
• Mayor also reconfirmed that transit is an important step for the community to help attract more business to the area.
