The request to provide options to reduce the population density of stage 2 of the Heartland Area Structure Plan (ASP) was completely ignored by administration's presentation at Monday night's council meeting and it wasn't addressed until questioned by Councillor Morgan Nagel.

In the end, the originally approved ASP and land-use bylaws were passed that will increase the population of the subdivision by about 100 at full build-out than the original Stage 2 ASP. It will also allow for the larger police station property sought.

Nagel, who was the sole objector to the revised ASP, was stunned by the lack of reference to the original reason the decision was deferred on Apr. 23. Both Nagel and Councillor Patrick Wilson had pursued keeping the same population density as the previous ASP. Instead, it will now increase to 8.6 units per acre (UPA) from 8.16 and reduce the amount of commercial land in the subdivision.

"I was fairly frustrated that the options I had requested when we deferred it never did come back," says Nagel. "I understand administration has their recommendations but I felt we were owed additional options for discussion."

Upon the question being raised, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Dave Devana said the town had met with the developer to discuss changing the density but they declined to make a change because their refinancing and performance was based upon the plan prepared.

Instead, the presentation by planning manager Riley Welden centred upon the question of whether more commercial land was required in the neighbourhood. The town emphasis is on commercial development in the town core and outside areas, like Sunset Ridge, continue to have vacancies in their mixed-use district.

An overriding factor referenced time and time again during the entire discussion was the urgency given to the timely construction of a new police station and the land shuffle forced on the developer by the town. The town opted to purchase a 4.7-acre lot further west in the development than the original two acres set aside, forcing a change in the ASP.

Nagel says it was not his intention to shut down the project, rather he wanted a chance to look at ways of reducing the density. He also doesn't buy the argument that there is too much commercial zoning, pointing out we also have a surplus of residential plans and developments.

"I think we do need to design more commercial spaces and I also believe in zoning for lower density and that's what I wanted to see in that area. Had it gotten defeated last night and been delayed, I don't think it would have been my fault because we had asked for the options."

"Our residents have come here and spoken to us in the public hearing and said they don't want increased density here. Myself as well as I believe is a large voice in Cochrane think we have too much residential. It wouldn't hurt to have more commercial approved."

Councillor Alex Reed felt council was being forced into making the decision and that, he said, bothered him more than the density increase.

Patrick Wilson said it wasn't a hill he was prepared to die on and backed off.

In contrast, Councillor Susan Flowers wholehearted supported the change, pointing to the time and money invested in adjusting the ASP to accommodate the police station. Now, she believes, the focus should be on making it the best neighbourhood possible.