Rocky View County (RVC) council voted on two items at their Feb. 23 meeting that will see Cochrane Lake eventually host a large residential development.
Council unanimously approved the items following a public hearing.
“This has been a long-term plan for this area,” said Coun. Crystal Kissel, who brought the motions forward. “I do believe this will improve the area and address the lake.”
The current land, located approximately three kilometres north of Cochrane, is owned by MacDonald Communities Limited. According to the applicant, the plan is to build and sell 800 homes in the area, at a range of around 40 to 50 residences a year over the next 20 years. A number of commercial amenities would also be developed.
According to the applicant’s presentation, the planned development will focus on using Cochrane Lake as a “central community amenity,” while preserving and enhancing natural areas for environmental integration and residential enjoyment.
Currently, according to the council meeting’s agenda package, the lands are developed with a dwelling and accessory buildings on one section of the land. The remaining lands are undeveloped and currently used for grazing.
“Surrounding lands are generally agricultural or large residential parcels with the community of Monterra to the east,” the agenda package stated.
While council voted unanimously in favour of the application, there were a number of residents who voiced concern at the public hearing. Traffic, population increase, construction, potential wildlife impacts, water quality and lake preservation were a few of the issues cited in the public submissions sent to council during the public hearing.
One Mount View Estates resident, Augustine Brannigan, said after listening to the applicant’s presentation that there were still a number of unresolved issues.
“All that ‘recreational advantage’ of the project presupposes that the water quality problem has been abated,” Brannigan said. “It has not. The lake is the responsibility of the Province of Alberta. The proposal does not clarify who will pay for the water upgrades.”
Current Cochrane Lake residents Barbara and E. Allen Richardson said they initially moved to the area for its natural beauty and peaceful setting. Having moved there in 1962, they worry their enjoyment of the area will be devalued with so many more homes coming into the area.
“The value of the MacDonald development proposal has been enhanced by our adjacent property with its park-like view,” Barbara said. “However, our enjoyment will be devalued for all the reasons above. We love children. We have children and great-grandchildren. However, our home and property for 60 years does not belong to the public. We understand our property is immensely attractive.”
Despite some of the residents’ concerns, Coun. Samanntha Wright said she believes the plan is well thought out and the County and the developer will address many of the concerns brought up.
“I will be supporting this,” she said. “I understand there is some hesitancy from area residents. I think that comes with large change. I do believe the benefit for this community coming forward will far outweigh any potential negative."
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
