December Council Update

December is here!

It's hard to believe this is the last council update for the year.  So enjoy and have a Merry Christmas!

Best,
Tara

Council Meeting: Dec 9th

View Agenda and Public Hearing Agenda HERE

4a - Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative

• This was a presentation from the group ( a very cool conservation group - site -http://y2y.net/) that shared their concerns about the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan.  They highlighted their concerns that the regional plan being developed doesn't protect the eastern slopes.

5a - Road Closure

• This is in regards to a road allowance on our SW boundary near Jumping Pound.  The developer would like to close the road allowance so they could purchase it and bring it into their residential development.  As administration doesn't see a need for a road to ever be here, on the surface this makes sense.  The challenge is that this road allowance is used by some of our rural neighbors to access their lands.  So what we've done is postpone the first reading so that the developer and the rural neighbors and the town could sit down and have a discussion.  I think it can be worked out in a way that respects our neighbors.

5b - Change of Land Use

• Quick decision on this.  The developer along River Heights drive asked to change the land use of the first lot.  This lot has some utility connections and an emergency access through it as well as the big entrance sign.  The town will then own the site for a $1.  

7a - Public at Large Appointments

• Council appointment 3 members to the Cochrane Environmental Committee and 1 each to the Library Board and Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.  All of these committees are served by volunteers.

7b - CPC Motion re: The Willows Phase

• This led to a fun discussion.  The CPC (Cochrane Planning Commission) flagged a concern for council in regards to parking.  The Willows is a new development coming on board in Riversong.  Some 20+ townhomes will be facing onto Riverheights Drive and as the intention is that there will be no parking along the drive, their parking access with be through the back lane and they will have the 2 parking spots on their own property.  The difference is no immediate parking for extra vehicles or visitors along the street although there is street parking within easy walking distance.  This type of layout is new to Cochrane so there is some concern that this will lead to extra parking problems.  Staff has reviewed this and while new to Cochrane it works in other communities.  But this will be monitored and we may have to adapt if parking issues to appear.  I think as this is a new build and new owners will be buying into this situation by choice that the owners will be prepared to deal with a different type of parking situation if they need more than 2 spaces.

8a - Budget 2014 - Approval of the Budget

• This was the formal approval of the budget.  The budget was debated in November and the papers have reported on it but the highlights was that council cut @$200K and kept the 2014 tax increase to .34% which for the average homeowner will be 60 cents a month.  
• Some big changes to the budget was cutting money to save for transit, cutting support for some FCSS projects (FCSS van, community kitchen) and a cut to the SPUR funding.  This could be looked as a move away from supporting social projects and I hope it's not and more reflecting of a case by case decision.  
• The biggest issue I have with the budget is that council didn't approval a 1/2 bylaw position.  With the current 4 officers + staff sgt we're not able to get the evening and weekend coverage that we need and with traffic being a bigger issue and 2 new schools being built, I think this is a needed position.  I pushed for a full time officer to be added but lost out and not even the 1/2 bylaw position was added. Since the impact to add a needed full time bylaw officer works out to only 33 cents a month on the average tax bill, I think more people would prefer the extra officer than the 33 cents a month in their pocket.  Hopefully in spring budget adjustments this can be looked at again. 

9a - Motion on Notice - 

• This was a debate on returning council meetings to evenings that I brought forward.  My argument has always been that evening meetings best serve the needs of the public to attend and also best serve members of council - most of us have full time jobs.  The points on the other side is that it can be hard on staff and that having 1 council meeting during the day was better for some public members.  This passed 5-2 and council is returning to evening meetings in January.  Hopefully this is settled for 4 years!

10 - New Website Update

• Ta da! cochrane.ca has been updated.  The website looks to be much more functional and I really like the different engagement tools that allow residents to sign up for updates and the Let's Talk Cochrane.

And that's a wrap!
 

Traffic & Schools - Driving us crazy!

Recently, I've heard from more than one frustrated parent about traffic while picking up their kids at school.  In particular, concerns about how much worse having the new francophone school along Quigley is going to make things even more busy and potentially dangerous - for kids and drivers.

As part of the approval process for that school to be build (and the land is owned by the school board so it's their call) the province had to go through a development process that included a traffic impact study.  The study looked at the expected student size, student drop off / pick up, current use, crosswalks, usage, etc and determined that the traffic and "pedestrian networks" will continue to function.  The only change is to add another cross walk.  So in short, the traffic engineers say it'll work.  I don't think any of them live on Quigley. 

It's frustrating and as we grow, so will traffic, in all town areas.  Another reason why it's so important that people follow the rules.  Like not speeding.  Which is a consistent concern along that roadway in particular.  It's one of the reasons I pushed for another bylaw officer in this budget, but I wasn't able to get enough support.

What the community really needs to offset the pressure is other road access to West Valley/West Terrace.  The plan for that is to have access to the north across the tracks and connect with Horse Creek Road.  A good plan.  But an expensive one. 

The plan to put this crossing in play is another 4-5 years out.  This crossing is not only needed for vehicle use but I was disturbed to learn how many kids from Heritage Hills cross the highway and the tracks to get to school!

We need to speed this up.  But it's challenging.  Not only are railway crossings expensive but will involve working with CP Railway.  And not to say bad things about them, but we're not they're highest priority.  This is one of my priorities in this term.  To find a way to make this crossing happen sooner, rather than later.

As Cochrane grows, so will our traffic challenges.  That's one of the reasons that we're researching traffic in Cochrane and trying to come up with useful changes that we can make to improve traffic flow.  Traffic will never be perfect - but we can make getting around easier - and safer.

1st Week In!

Wow!



This is my first update since the election.  So thank you Cochrane for your confidence and I look forward to working for you again.

It's hard to explain what it means to me to be elected again.  When you're first elected, I always feel it's because people think you have good promise, but to be re-elected shows that your community feels that you've delivered. So as humbling as it was first being elected 6 years ago, it's even more so now.  Thank you Cochrane.

It's been a busy time since the election.  (And that's a nerve wracking day in itself!)  The new council participated in an orientation that helped our rookies get the basics and allowed us to start from the same page.  Having had some time to get the flavor of the new council, I must say I'm excited to see the next four years.

Monday night, Council was sworn in with a brief ceremony that includes an oath of office.  My family attended and my two year old made a lot of folks smile with his demands that his dad, "sit down!" and "shush".  It was nice to have them there.

After the ceremony there was a quick break and then council had our first meeting.  In this meeting council decided who was going to serve on which committees.  I'll be moving to work on the planning commission again, (I think this is like my 5th term since we moved here) and also on the Cochrane FCSS board, which I'm looking forward to as I've never worked with that board before.

Following that, we received the budget and the highlights are below.  There will be an open house on Nov 18th and Council will debate the budget on the 22nd and 23rd.

Questions or priorities for next years budget, please let me know - this is when your feedback is most valuable!

2014 Budget Summary


Cochrane Town Council’s inaugural meeting included a presentation on the draft 2014 budget.

The Town’s draft budget for 2014 is $39.9 million. Service levels are maintained from 2013, with a proposed property tax increase of 1.49%.

Proposed tax increase of 1.49% works out to $2.63 per on an average single family dwelling ($428,200 assessment).

User fee increases proposed:
• Wastewater consumption rate proposed increase 5.3% ($2.40 per month)
• Waste & Recycling Collection rate proposed increase 3.9% ($0.70 per month)
• Storm sewer rate increase of 3% ($0.11 per month)

The draft budget includes no increases to:
• Fire tax (even though Fire net cost of service increased by 4%)
• Sewer base rate
• Water consumption or base rate
• Eco Centre fees

Council will deliberate the budget at two special meetings in November: Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23, 8:30am - 4:30pm. As with all Council meetings, budget deliberations are held in Council Chambers, Cochrane RancheHouse and are open to the public.

Full budget documents are available on www.cochrane.ca/budget.

An open house is scheduled for Monday November 18, 6-8pm at the Cochrane RancheHouse where residents can get more information and give their feedback.

CEAC - Candidate Forum

Tonight the Cochrane Environmental Action Committee hosted a candidate forum and shared their video "When two worlds collide." 

Due to a work commitment at Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation I wasn't able to attend but I wanted to share the comments I'd prepared and shared with the organizers.  As is standard this year, candidates were given questions in advance to prepare for.  Here are my responses to two of the questions and I understand candidates had 5 minutes to respond.

Thanks CEAC for hosting this and sorry I couldn't attend.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Question 2:

How do you plan on addressing the necessary infrastructure changes (for example, increased water license, re-negotiated sewage pipeline to Calgary, provision for transit, improved wetland and riparian land conservation and management to protect against flooding, etc.) that will be required to support Cochrane’s growing population in an environmentally responsible manners?

With a growth rate of 4% Cochrane is growing swiftly and not only are we facing pressing demands due to growth but there are also key infrastructure needs to be met for our existing residents and communities. 

Our water supply is a key issue that needs to be addressed.  This is not an environmental issue alone, as some may identify it, but a basic human need.  Cochrane’s existing water license and water plant have the capacity to provide for a population of between 30,000 – 35,000 people, depending on water conservation.   

But while that population in Cochrane is probably at least a decade out, we need to start planning for the future now.  One of the pathways of the Cochrane Sustainability Plan, is that “we treat water as a precious resource.”  This is very true in southern Alberta.  Not enough people in Cochrane or in Alberta, realize how little water we actually have available in southern Alberta to provide to our fast growing populations. 

Part of the solution for Cochrane’s water supply is to look at purchasing additional water licenses or to look at partnering with the region, through the Calgary Regional Partnership, to access a regional water system that would give us access to water though Calgary’s large water license. 

Finding more water is part of the solution, but we also need to find ways to reduce our water use.  Cochrane has taken steps in this direction through initiatives like water meters, low flow toilets and the turf buy-back program; a program that encourages replacing high water use lawns with naturescaping solutions.  This program may be the first in Canada and I was pleased to champion it.  We need to continue with initiatives like this to encourage water conservation, but I would also like to see us looking at other options like grey water use.  Like in so many things, Cochrane can be a leader in finding solutions.

Protecting wetlands and riparian areas, where we can in our urban situation, is also key to protecting our water supply and Cochrane’s new Wetland policy takes strong steps forward in finding ways to do this.  

Of course our infrastructure needs are more demanding as our population grows, but that is one of the reasons why I’m against urban sprawl.  Not only is urban sprawl bad for the environment, permanently removing green spaces, valuable agriculture and riparian lands, but it’s financially expensive to service and maintain.

As water needs, sewer and transportation issues become more pressing, I will continue to look for solutions that will protect our natural resources and limit our impact while ensuring  that we not only have the resources we need today, but in the future.

 

Question 3:

How will you promote and encourage youth involvement in the sustainable development of the Cochrane community?

I am a passionate advocate for greater community engagement for all of our citizens, including our youth.   Just because you’re not 18 or don’t pay taxes, doesn’t mean that there isn’t a role for you in Cochrane’s decision making.  Better decisions are made when the community is involved.  I see involvement in the sustainable development of Cochrane as the same as engagement in all our town policy making.

My own political involvement began as an 8 year old gathering signatures to save our local pool and I was fortunate in my mentors when I became involved in politics at the age of 17.   It’s this life-long belief in youth engagement and my desire to support youth as I was supported, that drove my involvement with the Youth Task Force.  There were strong recommendations that came from the youth – and this was a youth driven and youth led task force – but the one that will have the greatest impact led to the Mayor’s Youth Council.  This youth council, which has representatives from the schools and other youth, meets on a regular basis with the Mayor to share information.  I fully expect the next mayor to see the value in this!

As an organization, we need to continue to expand on our outreach initiatives and communicate with people where they’re at.  Whether that is on social media, at the dog park or at our recreation facilities.  To connect with the youth, we need to listen to them on how they want to be engaged with and follow their direction.

On a personal level, I’ll continue the work that I do, in making myself available to the schools for meetings with students and in taking seriously the interactions that I have with youth.  It’s a great reflection on Cochrane that we have 2 youth candidates involved in this election.

CAMPAIGN QUESTIONS

Through the forums and newspapers, council candidates get asked a lot of questions.  These are my answers:

Campaign Question 2:

Why should I vote for you? (Seniors on the Bow forum.  90 sec response)

WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE FOR ME?  I always find this an awkward question to answer.  I could say experience. I could say my platform.  I could point out the achievements of the last 6 years.  I could say it’s my commitment to public engagement.

On Monday, I met with 4 of the grade 6 classes at Manachaban.  They asked a lot of good questions but I left them with one.  What makes a good politician?  Their teacher e-mailed me back their answers and they really inspired me.  I'll share the poem.

POLITICIAN

Politician
Open
Learn
Interested
Try
Intrigued
Care about the town
I help the town
Amazed
Never give up!

Why vote for me?    Vote for me because I commit to being the grade 6’s idea of a politician

CAMPAIGN QUESTIONS

Through the forums and newspapers, council candidates get asked a lot of questions.  These are my answers:

Campaign Question 1:

Who are you and why are you running?  (Question from the Seniors on the Bow Forum - 2 Min Response)

My name is Tara McFadden and I’ve been privileged to have worked for you on Town Council for 2 terms.  I also work full time for the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation.  I often say that I have the two best jobs in Cochrane because I get to work for causes that I believe in.  In my personal life, I’m a mother, wife and daughter.  And as much as I can, my spare time is spent on horse back

My reasons for running are the same as when I first ran.  It’s because of my family.  I want to be a part of ensuring that Cochrane remains a family orientated community with small town values and a high quality of life.  When I’m making my decisions, it’s from what I think is best for our families.

I’m running because I have goals I want to achieve.

I want Cochrane to be a leader in good governance and so I will continue to be a champion for POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY.  To govern well you have to communicate well.  As an organization, we’ve improved our public engagement but we can take it to the next step.  And we can do this through stronger communications that will demonstrate our commitment to transparency. We need to expand public involvement in our decision making, to find new ways like Citizen Juries to engage the silent majority and to communicate to people where they are.  Public engagement is one of my passions and it’s why I’ve created my own council updates that I e-mail out after ever council meeting to provide updates.  We need to make communications a priority and we need to reflect that in our organization.

I will continue to be a voice for Environmental Stewardship.  As a community, we value our environment and we need to ensure that as we grow, we conserve our green spaces and wetlands.  We need to promote Smart Growth because we all want to live in a community that is beautiful, safe, affordable and easy to get around.  And we need to manage our WATER RESPONSIBLY.  I was pleased to have been a leader in creating the Turf Buy Back program which is a Canada first in encouraging residents to replace their high water use lawns.

I will also be an advocate for strong FINANCIAL Management.  We need to keep our taxes affordable while providing the services that we need.  I am proud to have been part of creating the 10 Year Financial Plan which lays out our need list and our want lists, and creates a plan for how we can afford them.  And we need to attract businesses that benefit Cochrane, that not only balance the tax rate but provide meaningful employment.

And I will champion for our Recreation and Culture needs.  The new aquatic centre has been much discussed, and we can in a financially responsible way start construction on that in 2015.  We need to continue to support our Arts & Culture communities.  And we need to expand our pathways, to connect not only our communities but to connect to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park and the TransCanada Trail.

I’m running because I have dreams for Cochrane that I want to see filled.

From the Trail.... Oct 5th.

It's been a busy - but amazing week.

The week kicked off with a visit to the classroom on Monday.  I was invited to speak with the four of the grade

I spoke with four of the grade six classes at Manachaban on Monday.  It was a really good experience and the kids had good questions.  Like their parents, their was a lot of interest in the plans for the new pool but they also wanted some new stores and a new one - to expand the skate board park.

At the end of talk, I left them with a question, "What makes a good politician?"  On Tuesday, their teacher e-mailed them back the responses.  There were pages.  And one of the answers was a poem.  I've shared it:

POLITICIAN
Politician
Open
Learn
Interested
Try
Intrigued
Care about the town
I help the town
Amazed
Never give up!

Tuesday was door knocking after work.  (still have to do that)  And then preparing for Wednesday's forum at the Seniors on the Bow.  The forum was a good night, with 11 of the 13 candidates for council attending, all 3 mayor candidates and the school board trustee candidates.  I think they announced over 140 folks in attendance.

The rest of the week, when not working, has been door knocking.  And fixing the occasional sign that some miscreants feel the need to mess with.  It's been a great time meeting folks in Riverview and Sunset Heights. 

Tomorrow we have another forum. 

Sunday Forum:

Frank Wills:  7-9 PM

 

Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

 

 

From The Trail

It's been a busy time on the campaign trail! 


This weekend was the iconic Cochrane Outhouse races hosted by the Heavenly Outhouse in support of the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank.  A great time for a worthy cause.  For more information on the Food Bank and how to donate, visit http://cochraneactivettes.ca/794-2

A few of the Cochrane Rangers helped with my Vote Tara outhouse entry.  And of course a soccer game broke out!  Thanks ladies and thanks to the Rangers who donated to the Food Bank! 

Thanks Chaos!

And then there was door knocking.  I spend some time meeting folks in West Valley and West Terrace and also in Sunset Heights.  I've had some amazing help from some good friends and from my daughter Kaleigh who is my best door knocker!

Kaleigh & Mikki Helping Door Knock in Sunset Heights

See you on the trail!

Tara

Of Traffic...... 

Traffic.  

A sure sign of a vibrant community.  

But frustrating to experience as we try to run downtown for groceries, cross the 22 and 1A intersection to get home or get stacked up at lights as we try to pick our kids up at school. 

And as more people move to town and more business open up in Cochrane, we're only going to get more vehicles on our streets.  We're never going to see the traffic of a small town again, but what is Cochrane going to do about it?

The big problem of course is the 22 & 1A intersection.  

The highways and this intersection are provincial and under Alberta Transportation authority.  We all know this intersection is "failing".  It's not only a Cochrane road but a regional intersection and we've all seen how far the traffic gets backed up at peak times.  This has been something that councils have been lobbying on for close to 20 years.  Cochrane had managed to get this added to the provinces 3 year plan and things were moving ahead for the twinning on the highway through town and the major upgrade of the intersection.  And then the recession hit.  And the province relocated the monies and we're off the 3 year plan and back to lobbying.  Every time I see our MLA, Ron Casey, I bring this up and he assures me that every time he sees the Transportation Minister, he mentions it.  What this means for us, is that the needed major upgrades are off the table and the best we can try for are tweaks.  I can't use the Nenshi adjectives to describe my thoughts on this.  

The other challenge of course is how traffic moves through our downtown and we can do something about that.  So what are we doing?  Of course there is no quick fix, or it would have been done.  But here's a partial list.

• Developing a multi-model plan.  Planner language for how we can move pedestrians, bikes and vehicles around.  This plan is in the works and will provide options to improve movement.

• An intersection study is in the budget for 2014.  (New council, don't cancel this!)  This will evaluate key intersections in town and make recommendations for changes to improve them.  We all have thoughts on which lights should have advance greens!  

• Working with the province on access issues to 1A & 22 as interim solutions before the major upgrade.  If it ever happens.  Staff are trying to convince AB Transportation to install traffic signals at 1A & Centre Ave.  If approval happens, this could possibly be implemented in 2014.  

• Our Downtown Plan - recently approved - a big portion of this plan looks at how to connect the 2 down towns across the tracks and improve connectivity and access, not only for vehicles, but for bikers and walkers.  (As someone who has tried to push a stroller downtown for groceries, it's way past due!)

• And staff are continuously looking at the traffic flows and trying to find improvements, but the truth is, that as we grow, so does our traffic.

I wish I could provide the easy answer with a quick solution, but I can't.  Traffic is going to be an ongoing issue that Cochrane is going to struggle with.  But know that I share your frustration as I get stuck at the railway crossing or get lined up on the hill trying to get home.

Best,

Tara

Tara's Council Update - Sept 23, 2013

Tara's Council Update - Sept 23, 2013

We're off!

We have 13 candidates for council and 3 for Mayor.  Hats off to everyone who is putting themselves forward, it really is about public service.

Your candidates:

Three individuals declared their intention to run for Mayor: 
1. Ivan Brooker
2. Joann Churchill
3. David Smith

Thirteen community members are seeking one of six seats on Town Council:
1. Shana Bruder
2. Dan Cunin
3. Kaitee Dal Pra
4. Mary Lou Davis
5. Steve Grossick
6. Jamie Kleinsteuber
7. Marty Lee
8. Gaynor Levisky
9. Tara McFadden*
10. Morgan Justice Nagel
11. Jeff Toews*
12. Jim Uffelmann
13. Ross Watson*
(* incumbent)

Tara's Council Update

View Agenda and Public Hearing Agendas here

Overview:  3 Proclamations to recognize worthy causes, amendment to the Business License Bylaw to make it work better for businesses, adopted of the Integrated Downtown Action Plan, adoption the Wetland Conservation Policy, review of our committees and FCSS Terms of Reference, naming of a pathway and skating rink to recognize some amazing citizens and an update on the new website.

1.  Proclamations:  By request, Council declared; Oct 2, 2013 "World Cerebral Palsy Day", Oct, 2013 to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Oct to also be Canadian Library Month.  All great causes.

Passed 7-0

2.  Business Bylaw Amendments:  Council made 4 amendments to the bylaw to make it easier to administer and better businesses.  Business fee deadline was changed to Dec 31st, better ties in with calender year ends.  The deadline and late fees were changed and also the license can be purchased at a pro-rated fee to reflect when the license was purchased.

Passed 7-0

3.  Integrated Downtown Action Plan:  A mouthful of a title, but this is a very exciting plan.  I can't stress enough how important this is.  This lays out how we plan on developing our downtown and ensuring that what's important to Cochrane is reflected in our downtown core.  This was 18 months or work and included a lot of public engagement, including the downtown storefront location.  The plan is a 79 page document that defines what our downtown is and what actions to take as we move forward.  A very visionary plan that identifies next steps for issues list traffic management, pathways and bike use, creation of a cultural hub and redevelopment of some town lands.  Council made some minor changes.

I did have some concerns in regards to the future of the site that hosts the rodeo grounds, pool, curling club and Boys and Girls club.  With the relocation of the pool and curling rink there are opportunities with this site that could include selling part or all of the site, raising funds to pay for infrastructure like the future pool, etc.  It's a big decision and these lands are valued not only by the user groups on them but by Cochrane as a whole.  More discussion needs to be had on the future of these lands, so I proposed an amendment that was passed, that removed the identified tasks of preparing the site for disposal.  Much conversation needs to be had before we get to that point!

Council passed this 7-0

4. Wetland Conservation Policy:  This has been a long time coming but I'm glad to finally have it adopted.  Again a great deal of public engagement work went into this with the plan being taken physically out to the public for dialog, including showing up at the Farmers market.  This policy lays out how Cochrane will manage the conservation of wetlands in the context of building a community and has raised the bar on wetland conservation.  This also provides clarity to developers so they know what to expect when dealing with wetlands in Cochrane.

Passed 7-0

5.  Committee Review: Council reviews the committees annually.  The FCSS Terms of Reference was amended to ensure that Rocky View County (who partners with us on FCSS here) is represented.

Passed 7-0

6.  Requests for Naming of Public Areas:  We received requests to recognize some amazing citizens and I'm proud to announce that Glen Boles is going to have a section of pathway names after him and that in recognition of Tim Bannister, the outdoor rink will now be called the Tim Bannister Memorial Outdoor Rink.

Passed 7-0

7.  Website Update:  Staff presented an update on the Town website project.  I'm sure I'm not the only one frustrated with our existing website so this is all good news.  The new website will be much more functional and a great feature, is that it will allow residents to sign up for e-mail updates.  Not the same as mine!  But a good communication tool.

____________________________________________________

And that's a wrap!

As always, if you have any questions, please contact me.

Best,

Tara

My Other Job

I really do have the 2 best jobs in Cochrane.  As a Councillor, I get to have an impact in our community and in working with the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, I promote and fundraise for the Park.  It's great to be able to make a living doing something you believe in.

This weekend, Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation hosted the first Ride for the Ranch at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.  It's a fundraising trail ride for the Foundation.  This picture was taken by Heather Simonds one of GRPF's volunteers and a professional photographer the morning of the ride.  I love it.  

To check out more of Heather's work and other photos from the Ride, visit http://heathersimondsphotography.com/galleries-4/

Door knocking In Heritage Hills

I was door knocking in Heritage Hills this weekend and had some great dialogue with residents.  It's amazing how fast our community is growing and it's been a while since I've seen some of those areas.

Heritage Hills is a community full of young families and experiencing the frustrations of a community being built but the greatest concerns I heard were in regards to transportation and connectivity.

1.  Frustration with Highway 22 and 1A

The concerns about the intersection is one of the dominant frustrations I've heard throughout Cochrane.  As anyone knows who uses that intersection, it gets badly clogged and traffic backs up, especially during rush hour or long weekends.

The challenge is that the intersection is under the mandate of Alberta Transportation.  The need to have it upgraded was identified nearly 20 years ago.  In my first term, Cochrane had managed to get the intersection and the highway twinning down the hill to the intersection added to the provincial 3 year plan for upgrades, but then the recession hit and the provincial government had to make other decisions.  So we're back to lobbying to get it back on the 3 year plan.  Frustrating.  I bring this up every time I see Ron Casey, our MLA and he assures me he brings it up with Ric McIver, the Minister of Transportation every time he sees him.

I'm thinking it's time we intensify our lobbying.

2.  Community Pathway Access to the rest of Cochrane and safe access across Highway 1A

It was disturbing to find out how many kids and families are crossing Highway 1A on a regular basis without a safe crossing. This is a huge concern with this development and the challenge is that it's so isolated by both the highways and geography.

The solution for access lies in development of the community to the south of the highway, Heartland.  When that development builds out further it will lead to a new intersection, with lights, at the Horse Creek Road intersection.  Depending on that, it could be a year or 2 before we see the intersection in place.

There is a new Area Structure Plan being developed for Heritage Hills that will include connectivity plans.  That will be Sept 25th at the RancheHouse to gather input and I encourage residents to attend.

Tara's Council Update - Sept 9, 2013

Happy Thursday,

My record for getting council updates our before the papers has been broke by the flu.  It went through our house with everyone getting sick and it's only today that we're all healthy. Regular start to the school year, but disrupted my flow!

In September, Council work gets back into the routine with two council meetings a month and council committees meeting again.  One of the committees I work on is the Inter-Municipal Committee between Rockyview County and Cochrane.  In this committee members of both councils and senior staff discuss joint issues and stay connected.  This meeting was similar to most with updates from both municipalities and discussion on projects like the pool, curling center and issues like fencing between our urban border and their rural ranching communities.  Our council lobbied hard for a solid financial contribution from Rockyview for the new pool and curling center but it's up to their council to decide how to distribute their resources.

A win:  Town staff are not including what their communication/public engagement is for each project in the council reports.  We continue to improve in our communications!

Tara's Council Update

View Agenda and Public Hearing Agendas here

Overview:  3 Public hearings and decision on the related bylaws, decision to continue with municipal bench marking partnership, decision on new council meeting times, update on Wetlands policy work.

1.  Bylaw 16/2013 - Residential Districts -  No public at this public hearing.  The developer spoke to the benefit in that this amendment allows them to introduce another variety of housing.  Councillor Toews and I both had suggestion for further public engagement but our planning managers point that interest on new developments is different than interest on existing communities is well taken.  

This change allows for town homes to be street focused instead of inside facing which is the traditional model.  With the changes it allows for these to be better blended into the communities.  Reassuring to hear that if anything parking should be better.  

It's expected that this form of housing is expected to be used in new developments and not in existing neighborhoods until they reach the 50 age mark and start to re-develop.  As the East End is nearing this point, I'm concerned for the possible impacts to the older neighborhoods.  But as the planning commission (made up of public members and council) would make the decision on this and communities would have the chance to provide feedback, I think this in a good position.

Passed 7 All.

2.  Bylaw 17/2013 - Omnibus to Land Use Bylaw - Unlike federal omnibus legislature that makes sweeping changes, these changes are really about minor details to the Land Use Bylaw like grammar changes and word consistency.  Have no fear, you can still have 2 adult ostriches in the rural areas of Cochrane.  (whew.. I was worried there might be debate on that! :))  No public feedback, but not expected as this is just cleanup.  

Passed 7 All


3.  Bylaw 18/2013  - River Heights Commercial Use Re-designation -   This is to allow for religious institutions (ie Church) to be in the area of Cochrane Toyata etc.  It wouldn't be my first pick to have a church next to highway commercial but as the applicants were for it and spoke to how this is a growing trend, I had no concerns.  No public feedback but a representative of the applicant spoke for it.

Passed 7 All

4.  Municipal Bench Marking - Year Two

Last year council gave approval for Cochrane to join a partnership of like communities to share information.  Their work was delayed due to the impact of the flood on so many neighboring communities but this was an ask to join for year 2.  Some discussion from council that this program instead of providing best in class solutions lead to leveling of services.  ie. - If Airdrie only spent X, we should only spend X, instead of considering the unique needs and deliveries of each community.  I see this as an chance to share knowledge and find improvements, so I was in favor of continuing.

Passed 7 All

5. Notice of Motion - Procedural Bylaw - (Council meeting times)   Notice of motions are how individual councilors can introduce changes.  Councillor Brooker brought the Council Meeting times back to the table.  He'd changed his mind on his decision of the last meeting.  This is an old argument for me, championing that council meetings should be available to the public and not barred by council meeting times that make it difficult for them to attend.  Councillor Brooker supported moving the meetings to 1 AM.  After much debate, and my loosing a number of decisions 6-1, council settled on what I think is an acceptable middle ground.  One meeting a month will be at 1 PM and 1 meeting a month will be at 6 PM

6.  Strategic Planning - Wetlands Policy - Strategic Planning sessions are how council gets updates on key items with the freedom of not being in a formal council meeting.  Makes it easier to ask questions and get clarity.  These are open to the public.

This session was on the Wetlands Policy that we've been working on.  As we get closer to developing the lands in south Cochrane it's key that we have this in place as these lands are "knob and kettle" (full of small hills and wetlands).  The question is, what does preserving wetlands in the Cochrane context mean? 

Staff have done a good job at trying to engage the public in this complex issue. With a few tweaks. The Province doesn't have this clear yet, either.  To get information and to share your thoughts visit the website here 

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As always, if you have questions or comments, contact me at tara.mcfadden@gmail.com  

And please share these updates with your neighbors!

Best,

Tara

Cochrane Eagle Coverage of my campaign announcement.  In the words of Rhino, "Let it begin!"  (10 points to whoever get's the reference! lol)

Cochrane Eagle Article - - http://www.cochraneeagle.com/article/20130912/COE0801/309129994/-1/coe1/mcfadden-seeks-third-term-on-cochrane-town-council

PRESS RELEASE:  Sept 7, 2013

Councillor Tara McFadden seeking re-election

Councillor Tara McFadden announced she is seeking re-election as Town Councillor for the Town of Cochrane.

“Like others, my husband and I moved to Cochrane seeking a high quality of life for our family.  My time on council has been focused on maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Cochrane, not only for my family but for everyone’s.  That is work that I want to continue.”

McFadden has a track record as a champion for growth management, economic development and community engagement.  McFadden says, “The successes I’m most proud of include the clean-up and development of the Domtar site, greater engagement with the community, the Sustainabilty Plan and of course the pathway expansions in the East End and Gleneagles.”

One of the projects, McFadden commits to delivering if elected, is the new Aquatic Centre.  “Like other families, I want to have my kids in swim lessons, a bigger lap pool and the warm water therapy open for those who need it.  Cochrane has clearly indicated that this is a priority.”

McFadden includes Political Accountability, Environmental Stewardship, Financial Management and Recreation and Culture on her 2013 Platform.  “Not only do we need to focus on what projects we’re delivering, such as the new pool, curling rink and RCMP station, but we need to focus on how we make decisions.  I’m a firm believer that engaging with the public and creating meaningful ways for our citizens to have input, results in better decisions being made.  Decisions that reflect what Cochrane truly values as a community.  We can go beyond the status quo in finding meaningful ways for citizens to be part of decision making.”

This is McFadden’s second term serving on Town Council and she was first elected in 2007.  McFadden in married with two children and is the Community Engagement Officer with Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation. 

McFadden cites her council updates e-mailed out after council meetings and her use of social media as important tools in connecting with residents and sharing information with the community.

Residents can read McFadden’s platform and council meeting updates on her blog at http://taraincochrane.blogspot.ca.  McFadden also has a Twitter and Facebook account that she uses to connect with Cochrane.

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Contact: Tara McFadden

403-519-9619

tara.mcfadden@gmail.com

Twitter: taramcfadden

Facebook: votetaramcfadden

Blog: taraincochrane.blogspot.ca

TARA

McFadden

for Family, Community and Business

2013 PLATFORM

POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY

• Expand Public Involvement in Decision Making

• Enhance Town Communications

• Increase Council Transparency

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

• Conserve our Green Spaces&Wetlands

• Promote Smart Growth

• Manage ourWater Responsibily

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Implement the 10 Year Financial Plan

• Attract Heath&Knowledge Based Businesses

• Maintain Affordable Taxes

RECREATION AND CULTURE

• Build the NewAquatic Centre

• Expand our Pathways

• Support Arts&Culture

 

McFadden-Maguire Clan Photo