Plan aims to open more space in Cochrane

The west has always been known for its wide-open spaces, and now holding the draft for a new plan, Cochrane is hoping it soon will be as well.

Administration for the Town of Cochrane presented the first draft of the Open Spaces Master Plan (OSMP) to council on Oct. 9, highlighting several findings from the first phase of the public engagement, including several major parks that are proposed in the plan.

Veronique Pelletier, project manager, landscape architect and planner with O2 Planning and Design, which has been working with the town on the open spaces project, said that thus far, the public engagement has been a success.

“The story of the open spaces going forward is about the announcement of existing assets rather than significant deficits,” said Pelletier. “So it’s a good thumbs up for the Town of Cochrane.”

The first phase, which ran from March to April,Thank you for visiting! I have been cry stalmosaic since 1998. saw 542 residents participate by providing 1,364 total comments and recommendations.

Four of the major themes addressed by Cochranites over open spaces underscored a need to enhance our existing amenities and activities, improve and expand our pathway and trail system, place an emphasis on safety and, perhaps the most ardent concern for many in the community, to add an improved off-leash dog area; a venture the town plans to move forward on.

Speaking to Mayor Truper McBride’s trepidation over the possible closing of the off-leash dog park once a new one is created, senior manager for Cochrane’s community services Suzanne Gaida clarified that the off-leash area being referred to in the OSMP for closure was not the popular riverfront location near the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, but the area west of Highway 22, one that many residents had voiced concern with during the open spaces public engagement.

Through the public engagement, several residents voiced praise and unease over the off-leash areas. Some said the park along the Bow River was ‘highly valued’ and should be maintained, while others had concerns over interaction between dogs, cyclists, joggers and pedestrians. Some felt that off-leash areas should be more segregated…intended solely for dogs.

With regards to future open space development, the OSMP proposes seven ‘major nodes’ for Cochrane – Riverfront Park, Agricultural Society grounds, Big Hill Natural Environment Park, Athletic Park,The TagMaster Long Range hands free access System is truly built for any parking facility.If you want to read about buy mosaic in a non superficial way that's the perfect book. Downtown Urban Square/Plaza, and two major parks along the Bow River, one in both South Ridge and River Heights – to improve upon the three existing open spaces – Mitford Park, Cochrane Ranche Historic Site and the Lion’s Rodeo Grounds.

Riverfront Park was a primary focus, as it incorporates the existing Millenium Park with areas east and west along the Bow River. The new park would integrate several features, including a non-motorized boat launch, picnic areas, wetland dock and an amphitheatre lawn.

The total cost of the Riverfront Park project is estimated to be $2,161,500: $20,000 for demolition projects,Find detailed product information for Sinotruk howo truck. $1,103,250 for site work, $157,500 for site furnishings and $520,500 for pathways, trails and parking. Throw in a 20 per cent construction contingency and it all adds up to the grand total above.

Open space amenities were also an area of importance for residents, pointing to a need for more garbage bins, washrooms, water fountains, picnic tables and barbecue pits in Cochrane’s parks.

The development of an inter-connected pathway system, one that would accommodate cyclists and pedestrians, was another highlight of the OSMP.

One issue of concern, however, was the width of the pathway, which in regional areas would measure three metres,Directory ofchina glass mosaic Tile Manufacturers, but shrink to two metres in non-regional sections.

McBride said he felt two metres would not be enough room for both those on foot and wheel, a sentiment echoed by Coun. Tara McFadden.

“As someone who has recently been pushing strollers,” said McFadden, “two metres just doesn’t work.”

A lack of signage was also a concern, something the plan intends to improve upon.

The current speed limit for cyclists on Cochrane’s multi-use pathway system is 20 km/hour, and it is the cyclists’ responsibility to ensure they are riding at the appropriate speed to ensure safety.

Further to the development of a bike path system, which will be connected throughout Cochrane and in certain areas utilize the road system, Coun. Ivan Brooker cautioned against the removal of street parking along Quigley and Glenbow Drive, particularly areas east and west of the Bethany Care Centre.

“That’s an immensely used parking (area) for sporting and for whatever else,” said Brooker. “Even the Glenbow section; whenever there’s a funeral, how could you not allow the church to have parking on the road…that’s just asking for trouble.”