Rocky View County staff are working with Town of Cochrane and the Cochrane Agricultural Society members to determine what to do with 145 acres of County-owned land located at the northwest corner of Highways 1A and 22.
During a County council meeting Feb. 4, councillors approved staff recommendations to begin a conceptual scheme, which will outline future development opportunities for that area.
Currently, the land is leased by the Cochrane Agricultural Society. Members there have expressed a keen interested in expanding and developing their facilities, Drew Hyndman, municipal planner for the County, explained to council.
He said because the land is located in a strategic location, between two major highways, it provides a “unique situation” for future development and the three groups want to participate in a joint planning project to include a comprehensive analysis of the property and potential future development opportunities.
Councillor Margaret Bahcheli asked if there was any indications at this point what Rocky View County would like to see developed on the land.
Hyndman, said currently plans are wide open and range from talk of looking into collaborative partnerships, such as with Olds College or the University of Calgary veterinary department, to housing a hotel or creating cultural and western heritage.
The cost of the conceptual scheme is estimated at $75,000, a cost to be shared equally by all three parties. Hyndman said it is already included in the 2013 budget.
“Right now, it is used primarily by the agricultural society,” said Deputy Reeve Paul McLean, who said he has toured the area.
“I think looking at the best use of the property, we should keep in mind the agricultural use of the property,” he said explaining that for example, a mall wouldn’t be suitable for the area and would require to much fill.
“It’s a great opportunity to have these conversations to determine how to use the land with the highest and best use for all parties involved.”
The conceptual scheme is expected to be developed this spring and then presented to council for formal consideration this summer.
