New communities get attention in 2016

Life goes on in Cochrane, despite any apparent economic woes.  Many new communities and Cochrane facilities are on the docket this year, whether in the planning stage, already in full construction mode or scheduled to be completed this year.  Here’s what’s on the menu for the Town of Cochrane’s planning and engineering department:

Southbow Landing

The neighbourhood plan for this new community was approved by Town Council last October.  However, council would like to see the developer do some additional work around transportation in the south end of town before they grant a land use permit.  That additional work includes upgrades to Highway 22 at James Walker and providing funding for a bridge which needs to be constructed in the Cochrane community of Riversong connecting with Griffin Road.

Summit of River Heights and River Crest

The developer has submitted a neighbourhood plan for the Summit of River Heights is hoping for council approval this month. An open house for the public is also scheduled.  Council has also received a plan for another development to be called River Crest, to be built north of River Heights Drive.

Precedence

The existing community of Riversong may be subject to an extension on the eastern edge of neighbourhood to be known as Precedence.  The developer has submitted a plan for council approval.

The Quarry District

This work in progress includes an unused section of this community which the Town of Cochrane can lease, if it chooses, for an arts centre at some point down the road. A land use proposal was submitted and rejected by council at the end of 2015 and revisions are being made to make the new proposal more in council’s favour.  The amendments from the developer are expected in the spring.

Heritage Hills

The developer would like to build within this existing community and has submitted its neighbourhood plan; however, council would like to see more information regarding the policy on slope management from Municipal Development, and about the intersection of Highway 22 and Highway 1A from the developer.  The topic will likely be addressed at the council meeting in February.

Tim Bannister Memorial Outdoor Rink

This project, begun last fall, will be completed this year.  It involves a new building to store parks equipment at the rink location, the exterior of which will be painted with a mural to be unveiled on Canada Day.

Aquatic and Multi-Sport Centre

Construction of the pools, waterslides, curling rink, fitness centre and expanded retail space at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre will continue through 2016 with an expected completion date of Spring 2017.  As part of this capital project, Griffin Road is expected to be realigned for traffic flow to the rec centre and extended to meet the proposed bridge in Riversong.

Old Town Hall

Council is entertaining proposals for those interested in the redevelopment of the Old Town Hall site. This project is on council’s Wish List as part of the new zoning for Cochrane’s Downtown Heritage District enhancement.

Ranche View School

Fall 2016, a new school should be ready for approximately 800 K –Grade 8 students in the north Cochrane community of Sunset Ridge.  Registration is open for students who live within the boundary.

Fireside School

Council has approved the plan for a new school in the community of Fireside and construction is underway.  This is also a K-Grade 8 School with a capacity for 800 students, set to open next year.