Local News
Your dreams are welcomed in Envision 2050 survey
Don't be afraid to dream when providing input on the recently released draft of Envision Cochrane 2050. Mark Krysinski, Cochrane's director of community growth, says it may sound a little dangerous for him to say this, but the whole idea of a municipal development plan to reflect the aspirations of its residents. Want to see a train connection in downtown Cochrane or better connections to the airport? Perhaps a gondola to avoid that bike ride up the long and steep climb east on Hwy. 1A? Sure, jot it down. "This is really the opportunity to be aspirational," says Krysinski. "I mean, if you've always wanted some level of minor professional sports team in town or if you think it's difficult to find somewhere to host a concert or something like a folk fest and you'd love to have more of those opportunities, this is the chance to ask for it because we've got 25 to 50 years to plan it, With that heavy runway, we've got an opportunity to really make this an even more special place for the community." Of course, there will be financial mechanisms to examine, but it doesn't hurt to ask. And if you don't respond to the final public engagement on the draft currently being circulated, the town will never know. "From the beginning, what we've stuck true to is starting really with public engagement and having that public engagement going parallel with some internal engagement." Even the sessions with town council to discuss policy scenarios were purposely held at the committee-of-the-whole meetings. "In order to ensure that we have a lot of rich discussion, we intentionally didn't ask for council to vote on those policy scenarios, instead asking them to talk about them, because the hope is that we can find in a community like Cochrane, there's opportunity to deliver a vision that every Cochranite has in different components of the community. depending on what part of the community you're in." When Phase 3 engagement closes Aug. 18, the plan will be refined based on community feedback, then presented to town council later this year. Until then, there are many ways to provide input: Review the plan at letstalkcochrane.ca/envision; Complete the survey online or fill out a paper copy at engagement displays at The Station, FCSS, SLS Centre and the Cochrane RancheHouse; and Participate in community conversations. Krysinski says you can also ask questions or provide input by emailing envision2050@cochrane.ca. They'll be a booth at the Cochrane Farmers' Market this Saturday (July 27), the Cochrane Food Fest at Mitford Park on Aug. 11 and indoors at the SLS Centre on Aug. 15. Over the past year, Cochrane residents have shared more than 1,000 responses on their priorities for the future. Envision 2050 aims to set goals, priorities and strategic direction for land use, transportation, parks, servicing and more. The first phase of engagement focused on generating a vision, and included questions on Cochrane’s identity, livability, open spaces and natural areas, vibrant economy and connectivity. In the second phase, residents were able to provide feedback in specific areas including arts and culture, parks and recreation, natural areas and economic vitality. In this final phase, resident can review the draft plan in its entirety, or choose specific draft policy sections to read and provide feedback.