Cochrane public meetings in 2021
37 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
Council will consider final approval of the 2022-2024 budget, which was debated in November and includes an additional $2 million for frontline staff and a $600,000 reduction to the infrastructure gap reserve. Council will also give second and third reading to Bylaw 10/2021, which would change regular meeting times to 5:30pm and remove the Information Request section. A delegation from the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board will provide an update.
- 2022-2024 Budget Approval
- Bylaw 10/2021 Procedural Bylaw Amendment (meeting time change to 5:30pm)
- Bylaw 11/2021 Land Use Amendment ~ The Willows of Riversong Redesignation
- Delegation ~ Calgary Metropolitan Region Board Update
- 2021 Committee Review
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review the Third Quarter 2021 Financial Report, which shows 63% of the operational budget spent and a projected $1.25 million surplus, and discuss the 2022-2024 budget. The meeting also includes adopting minutes from the July 19, 2021 meeting. No decisions are final; items are for discussion and recommendation to Council.
- Q3 2021 financial report: 63% of net budget spent, projected $1.25M surplus from tax-supported operations
- 2021 capital budget: $28.919M approved, $10.855M spent by Q3, 90 projects underway
- Three capital projects cancelled in Q3: Finance Procurement Module, Expand FibreWest, and RH/PSC/FCSS/Front Shop & Eco Centre reception reno
- 2022-2024 budget discussion
- Adoption of July 19, 2021 Committee of the Whole minutes
Special Council
This special council meeting continues deliberations on the 2022-2024 draft budget, with administration providing additional information requested during earlier discussions. Council will finalize its budget debate and make a recommendation before adoption in December. The draft budget was posted online and public comments were shared with Council.
- 2022-2024 draft budget debate
- Operating and capital budget review
- Ten-year strategy discussion
- Service fees review
- Possible in-camera sessions under FOIP exemptions
Special Council
This special council meeting is part of a series of budget debates for the 2022-2024 draft budget. Council will review the capital budget, the ten-year strategy, and service fees. The recommended action is to temporarily suspend parts of the procedural bylaw to allow the mayor's full participation. Public input was gathered earlier and comments will be shared with Council.
- Debate of 2022-2024 Draft Budget
- Capital Budget introduction and review
- Ten Year Strategy discussion
- Service Fees review and discussion
- Suspension of Procedural Bylaw 19/2019 sections 4.2(c) and 10
Special Council
Council is holding a special meeting to debate the 2022-2024 draft budget, with a proposed schedule of discussions on operating and capital budgets, service fees, and a ten-year strategy. The recommended action is to temporarily suspend parts of the procedural bylaw to allow the Mayor's full participation. Public input gathered in the spring and comments on the posted draft will be shared with Council.
- Debate of 2022-2024 draft budget
- Operating budget review and discussion
- Capital budget and ten-year strategy review
- Service fees review and discussion
- Temporary suspension of Procedural Bylaw 19/2019 sections 4.2(c) and 10
Regular Council
Council will decide on an additional $100,000 for the 2021 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus capital project due to a $93,000 funding shortfall, funded from the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve. They will also receive the Q2 2021 financial report and the 2022-2024 draft budget for information. The agenda includes adoption of previous minutes and routine reports.
- Approve up to $100,000 additional funding for SCBA replacement, from Fire Equipment Capital Reserve
- Receive Q2 2021 Financial Report: net cost of operations $11.8M, 40% of budgeted costs incurred
- Receive 2022-2024 Draft Budget
- Adopt minutes of October 25, 2021 Inaugural and Regular Council meetings
- In-camera items under FOIP exceptions for advice from officials and legal privilege
Inaugural Council Meeting
This is the inaugural meeting of Cochrane's 2021-2025 council. Members will take the oath of office, appoint deputy mayors on a rotating schedule, approve appointments to committees and partnerships, and set the Committee of the Whole meeting schedule for 2022.
- Oath of office for Mayor Jeff Genung and Councillors Marni Fedeyko, Susan Flowers, Tara McFadden, Morgan Nagel, Alex Reed, Patrick Wilson
- Deputy mayor appointments: Fedeyko (Oct 25, 2021-Feb 28, 2022), Flowers (Mar 1-Jun 27, 2022), McFadden (Jun 28-Oct 24, 2022)
- Appointments to committees and partnerships including Cochrane Library Board, Planning Commission, and Calgary Metropolitan Region Board
- Committee of the Whole meetings scheduled for first and third Monday of each month in 2022
Regular Council
Council will consider a recommendation to keep Fortis Alberta and ATCO Gas franchise fees at current rates for 2022, with no changes proposed. They will also appoint up to three public members to the Family & Community Support Services Advisory Board. The agenda includes adoption of previous minutes and routine reports.
- Recommendation to keep Fortis franchise fee at 17% and ATCO at 20% for 2022
- Appointment of up to 3 public members to Family & Community Support Services Advisory Board
- Adoption of minutes from September 13, 2021 public hearing and regular meeting
Non Statutory Public Hearing
Council is holding a non-statutory public hearing to receive comments on proposed amendments to the Heritage Hills Stage 2 Neighbourhood Plan. The amendments would change one block of townhomes to semi-detached homes (reducing dwelling units from 1128 to 1117) and remove a sidewalk requirement for garden lots, replacing it with rear access. The plan amendment is scheduled for adoption at the regular meeting later that evening.
- Change one townhome block to semi-detached product, reducing dwelling units from 1128 to 1117
- Remove sidewalk provision for garden lots; add rear public access details
- No concerns received from adjacent landowners or referral agencies during circulation
- Cochrane Planning Commission supported changes on July 21, 2021
- Questions raised about traffic impact assessment, water servicing, and slopes
Regular Council
Council will hear a delegation from the Cochrane Track & Field Association requesting a letter of commitment and $600,000 in the 2022 capital budget for a multi-purpose turf field at the tri-school site. Council will also consider amendments to the Procedural Bylaw, an update on major capital projects, and a report on ambulance service delivery. The agenda includes several routine items such as adoption of minutes and a proclamation.
- Delegation from Cochrane Track & Field Association requesting $600,000 for multi-purpose turf field
- Bylaw 10/2021: Procedural Bylaw amendment (meeting dates, remove information requests, clarify delegations)
- Heritage Hills Stage 2 Neighbourhood Plan Amendment
- AUMA Emergent Resolution: Ambulance Service Delivery
- 2021 Major Capital Projects update and Horse Creek Sports Park update
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several items, including the results of a residential recycling cart spot check program, a development strategy for Fifth Avenue, a park use review for Jim Uffelmann Park, and a neighbourhood plan amendment for Heritage Hills Stage 2. The agenda also includes adopting previous minutes and a proclamation for Pride Week. No final decisions are expected; these are discussion items.
- Residential Recycling Cart Spot Checks: report on 11,928 households checked, 17% revisited, total cost $35,023.50
- Fifth Avenue Site Development Strategy
- Park Use Review - Jim Uffelmann Park
- Heritage Hills Stage 2 Neighbourhood Plan Amendment
- Proclamation - Pride Week - August 15-21, 2021
Regular Council
Council will consider second and third reading of Bylaw 09/2021, which updates off-site levies charged to developers. The proposed rates range from $270,772 to $323,485 per hectare, an increase from current rates. A non-statutory public hearing was held earlier in the meeting. Council will also discuss a related front-ending policy and other business items.
- Bylaw 09/2021 Off-site Levies: second and third reading, new rates $270,772-$323,485/Ha
- Policy 1708-01 Front-ending Infrastructure Within the Off-Site Levies Bylaw
- 2020 RCMP Annual Mayor's Report
- Downtown Boulevard Project
- Centennial Park Playground Equipment - Funding Request
Non Statutory Public Hearing
Council is holding a non-statutory public hearing to receive comments on Bylaw 09/2021, which would replace the 2018 Off-Site Levy Bylaw. The proposed bylaw updates growth assumptions, project costs, and funding for about $184 million in capital projects over 20 years, and would raise levy rates to between $270,772 and $323,485 per hectare depending on the development area. The hearing also covers the Cochrane Corridor Plan. No decisions are made at this hearing; Council will consider the information afterward.
- Bylaw 09/2021 includes about $184 million in capital projects over 20 years
- Proposed off-site levies range from $270,772/Ha to $323,485/Ha, up from $241,449/Ha to $278,073/Ha
- Adds three new highway intersections and River Heights reservoir to levy program
- Removes Community Enhancement Fee from voluntary levy
- Removes Centre Ave grade-separated project; adds Jack Tenant Memorial Bridge widening
Regular Council
Council will consider first reading of Bylaw 09/2021 Off-Site Levies, which updates development charges with rates ranging from $270,772 to $323,485 per hectare depending on area, up from current levels. A non-statutory public hearing is proposed for July 12, 2021, with second and third reading also planned that evening. Council will also hear a delegation from Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network about impacts of the Cochrane Primary Care Centre closure, and receive reports on economic and social recovery task forces, a flagpole policy, a bridge lighting policy, a non-residential sub-class, a corridor plan hearing request, and a remediation funding request for Cochrane Crossing.
- First reading of Bylaw 09/2021 Off-Site Levies; rates $270,772–$323,485/Ha vs current $241,449–$278,073/Ha
- Public hearing set for July 12, 2021 on off-site levy bylaw
- Delegation from Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network on Cochrane Primary Care Centre closure
- Economic Recovery Task Force final report and Social Recovery Task Force update
- Cochrane Crossing remediation funding request
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is discussing several items, including a proposed update to the Off-Site Levy Bylaw that would increase rates and add new infrastructure projects. They will also hear about affordable housing priorities, a proposed municipal reserve disposal, a corridor plan, and updates on the Land Use Bylaw and major capital projects. The meeting includes routine adoption of minutes and an in-camera session for advice from officials.
- Bylaw 09/2021 Off-Site Levies: proposed rates increase to $270,772-$323,485 per hectare, up from $241,449-$278,073
- Bylaw includes ~$184 million in capital projects over 20 years, adding three highway intersections and River Heights reservoir
- Removal of Community Enhancement Fee from voluntary levy program
- Strategic Priority - Affordable Housing: discussion with Cochrane Society for Housing Options on a Community Housing Plan
- Proposed Municipal Reserve Disposal and Corridor Plan items on agenda
Regular Council
Cochrane Council will hear a delegation from Mr. Voss about lockdown measures, receive updates on the Fifth Avenue site and the 2022-2024 budget process, and vote on funding for a salt and sand shed replacement and an LED lighting project. The agenda includes several routine items like adopting minutes and a notice of motion on Truth and Reconciliation.
- Approve $85,000 from Capital Reserves to replace salt and sand shed at 124 Griffin Road (total cost $215,000)
- Accept $76,124 REC program grant and fund $42,703 LED lighting project at Spray Lakes Sawmill Family Sports Centre
- Delegation from Mr. Voss requesting opposition to lockdown measures
- Status update on Fifth Avenue site development strategy
- Notice of Motion on Truth and Reconciliation
Regular Council
At this regular meeting, Council will consider two property tax adjustments, a request to waive development and building permit fees for two town projects, and the 2022-2024 budget process. They will also hear a delegation from the Cochrane Track & Field Association about a vision for the tri-school grass field. The agenda includes adoption of previous minutes and routine reports.
- Property tax reduction for John Robinson: $24,210.80
- Property tax reduction for Vantage Land Corporation: $71,066.99
- Waive Development and Building Permit fees for Protective Services Building and Transit & Innovation Hub
- Approve 2022-2024 Budget Process
- Delegation from Cochrane Track & Field Association
Special Council
Cochrane's Special Council meeting on May 17, 2021, is focused on a single substantive item: whether to endorse the draft Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth Plan. Administration recommends endorsement, which would commit Cochrane to vote in favor of the plan at the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board meeting on May 21, 2021. The plan would require Cochrane to align its planning documents with regional policies and submit future statutory plans to the CMRB for approval.
- Endorsement of draft Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth Plan
- Cochrane forecast to receive 2.8% of regional population growth and 1.8% of employment growth
- Requirement to allocate 75% of new residential units to preferred placetypes
- New Regional Evaluation Framework (REF) process adding 50-60 days to statutory plan approvals
- Cochrane must update its Municipal Development Plan within three years of Ministerial approval
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss and potentially adopt two new policies: one governing the use of the courtesy flagpole at the RancheHouse and another for lighting the Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge. Both policies aim to manage requests from not-for-profits and residents consistently, with a proposed $25 application fee for each. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and an in-camera session for advice from officials.
- Draft Policy 1208-01 Courtesy Flagpole: sets criteria for flying flags, including a $25 application fee
- Draft Policy 1207-01 Light The Bridge: governs lighting of Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge, also with a $25 fee
- Adoption of minutes from April 19, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting
- In-camera session under FOIP Section 24(1)(g) for advice from officials
Council Workshop
This is a council workshop meeting, the sixth in a series focused on the Land Use Bylaw. The agenda includes routine items (call to order, adoption of minutes, agenda amendments) and the main item is the Land Use Bylaw workshop. No specific decisions or details are listed in the agenda text.
- Land Use Bylaw Workshop #6
Regular Council
Council will give second and third reading to the 2021 Annual Tax Rate Bylaw, setting municipal tax rates that raise $29,238,778 from property owners. They will also hear an informational update on the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board's Growth and Servicing Plans, and consider several other bylaws and business items.
- Bylaw 04/2021 Annual Tax Rate Bylaw: second and third reading; average residential property taxes decrease $11 (0.44%) to $2,263
- Bylaw 05/2021 Annual Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) Tax Rate Bylaw: second and third reading
- Bylaw 06/2021 Supplementary Community Revitalization Levy (CRL): second and third reading
- Bylaw 08/2021 Sanitary Sewer Service Amendment: second and third reading
- Delegation: Calgary Metropolitan Region Board Growth and Servicing Plans update (informational)
Council Workshop - 06 May 2021 Western Heritage Design guidelines
This is a council workshop meeting, primarily focused on the fifth in a series of workshops on the Land Use Bylaw, specifically discussing Western Heritage Design Guidelines. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with call to order, adoption of minutes, and adjournment.
- Land use Bylaw Workshop #5 - Western Heritage Design Guidelines
Council Workshop
This is a council workshop meeting, primarily a working session rather than a decision-making meeting. The main item is the fourth workshop on the Land Use Bylaw, where council will discuss or review aspects of the bylaw. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with call to order, adoption of minutes, and adjournment.
- Land Use Bylaw Workshop #4
Regular Council
Council is deciding on the 2021 tax rate bylaws, which set property tax rates to raise $29.2 million for municipal purposes. The average residential property will see an $11 decrease in municipal taxes. Council will also review the 2020 audited financial statements and strategic priorities.
- Bylaw 04/2021 sets 2021 tax rates; average home assessment $455,900, municipal tax $2,263 (down $11 from 2020)
- Bylaw 05/2021 sets Community Revitalization Levy tax rates for downtown area
- Bylaw 06/2021 supplementary CRL tax rate
- Bylaw 08/2021 amends sanitary sewer service
- 2020 audited financial statements and Q4 financial report
Council Workshop April 21/21 - Land Use Bylaw – Non-residential Districts
This is a council workshop, the third in a series, focused on the Land Use Bylaw, specifically non-residential districts. The agenda is minimal, with no specific items listed beyond the workshop topic, so the discussion will center on that subject.
- Land Use Bylaw Workshop #3
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive the 2020 Development Summary Report, which shows a decline in development activity, and to discuss the 2021 property tax rates. The report indicates an estimated population increase of 788 residents (2.7%) and 303 new homes built, down from 368 in 2019. The committee will also consider the proposed tax rates for the upcoming year.
- 2020 Development Summary Report: 303 new homes built, down from 368 in 2019
- 153 development permits issued in 2020, down from 191 in 2019
- Estimated 15.6-18.4 years of land supply with approved land use
- Estimated 6.8-8.1 years of growth within current water licence limits
- 2021 Property Tax Rates discussion
Council Workshop
This is a council workshop meeting, primarily a working session rather than a decision-making meeting. The main item is a continued discussion (Workshop #2) on the Land Use Bylaw, which likely involves proposed changes to zoning and land use regulations. No specific decisions or details are provided in the agenda.
- Land Use Bylaw Workshop #2
Regular Council
Council will give first reading to Bylaw 07/2021, which extends the town's face-coverings bylaw until December 31, 2021, and will consider adopting a new Community Investment Grant Policy that expands funding to large-scale events. The agenda also includes routine adoption of minutes and reports, plus two in-camera items.
- First reading of Bylaw 07/2021 to extend Face Coverings Bylaw 20/2020 until Dec. 31, 2021
- Adoption of Policy 1206-01 Community Investment Grant Program; rescinds Policy 1201-03
- Community Investment Grant funding: $5,000 for Community Association Support Grants, $60,000 for Small Scale Festival and Event Matching Grants, $30,000 for Large Scale Festival and Event Matching Grants
- Adoption of minutes from March 22, 2021 Regular Council meeting
- In-camera items: intergovernmental update and human resources advice
Council Workshop
This is a council workshop, not a regular decision-making meeting. The main item is the first in a series of workshops on the Land Use Bylaw, where council will discuss potential changes. No decisions are expected at this session.
- Land Use Bylaw Workshop #1
Regular Council
Council will consider giving second and third reading to Bylaw 02/2021, authorizing $23 million in debt to build a new Protective Services Building. They will also review grant funding recommendations from the FCSS Advisory Board and United Way, and hear an update on the Social Recovery Task Force. A request to reduce water consumption charges is also on the agenda.
- Bylaw 02/2021: $23,000,000 borrowing for new Protective Services Building, with estimated annual debt payments of $1,463,867.60 at up to 4% interest over 25 years
- FCSS and United Way 2021 funding recommendations: $120,000 total in grants ($50,000 FCSS, $70,000 United Way) to 13 local organizations
- Policy 1206-01 Community Investment Grant Program review
- Social Recovery Task Force update to Council
- Request for reduction to water consumption charges by Mr. Brucker
Regular Council
Cochrane Council will consider approving a $20,000 COVID-19 Professional Services Grant Program funded from the Economic Development Reserve Fund, aimed at helping local businesses access provincial and federal support. Council will also hear a delegation requesting a reduction in water consumption charges, review a report on COLT bus stop signage (including a recommendation to take no further action on a resident's complaints), and consider a notice of motion to report on the downtown Fifth Avenue site. The agenda includes routine adoption of minutes and reports.
- COVID-19 Professional Services Grant Program: $20,000 from Economic Development Reserve Fund, managed by Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce, up to $500 per business for professional services.
- Delegation: Resident Ernest Brucker requests reduction in water consumption charges for Dec 2019 and Jan 2020.
- COLT Bus Stop Signage Review: Administration recommends no further action on complaints about bus stop signage and parking tickets.
- Notice of Motion: Direct Administration to report on status of downtown Fifth Avenue Town-owned land by June 14, 2021.
- Adoption of minutes from February 22, 2021 Regular Council Meeting.
Regular Council
Cochrane Council will receive updates on the Transit & Innovation Hub project and the Equity & Inclusion Committee, and hear a delegation about bus stop signage and parking tickets. A notice of motion proposes refunding business licenses for small businesses affected by COVID restrictions. The meeting also includes routine adoption of minutes.
- Delegation requesting review of Colt Bus Stop signage bylaws, restitution of $1,000, and reimbursement of $150 parking tickets
- Transit & Innovation Hub project update: $4.85M cost, construction starting June 2021, opening summer 2022
- Equity & Inclusion Committee update and revised Terms of Reference
- Notice of Motion for business license refunds for small businesses impacted by COVID
- Adoption of minutes from February 8, 2021 meeting
Regular Council
Cochrane Council will consider first reading of Bylaw 02/2021 to borrow up to $23 million for a new Protective Services Building, funded by debt with repayment from taxes, tenant lease revenue, and off-site levies. Council will also discuss creating a COVID Recovery Grant Program for small businesses and receive an update on the Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth Plan and Servicing Plan. The agenda includes routine adoption of minutes and a proclamation for Wear Red Canada Day.
- First reading of Bylaw 02/2021 authorizing $23,000,000 borrowing for New Protective Services Building
- Direct Administration to create a COVID Recovery Grant Program for small businesses
- Receive Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth Plan and Servicing Plan update as information
- Proclamation of 'Wear Red Canada Day' February 13, 2021
- Adoption of minutes from January 25 and February 1, 2021 meetings
Special Council
The Town of Cochrane's Special Council meeting on February 1, 2021, is considering Bylaw 03/2021 to amend the existing Face Coverings Bylaw 20/2020. The amendment would extend the bylaw beyond its current expiry date of February 1, 2021, keeping it in force until rescinded. Council is being asked to give all three readings to the bylaw at this meeting.
- Bylaw 03/2021: extends Face Coverings Bylaw 20/2020 until rescinded
- Bylaw 20/2020 originally set to expire February 1, 2021
- Provincial mask mandate effective December 8, 2020 takes precedence
- Bylaw would auto-deactivate if active cases below 10 for 14 consecutive days
- If not extended, Bylaw 20/2020 expires and is no longer enforceable
Council Workshop
This is a council workshop meeting, the first in a series focused on the Land Use Bylaw. The agenda contains only the call to order, the workshop item, and adjournment, with no specific decisions or detailed discussion points listed.
- Land Use Bylaw Workshop #1
Regular Council
Cochrane Council will receive updates and consider several items, including allocating $660,000 from the MOST grant for IT equipment to support remote work, endorsing a regional mass transit memorandum of understanding, and hearing a presentation from Bike Cochrane. The meeting also includes routine adoption of minutes and reports.
- Approve $660,000 from MOST grant for remote work IT systems
- Endorse Regional Mass Transit Memorandum of Understanding
- Bike Cochrane delegation on Bow River Multi-Use Pathway
- Adopt minutes of January 11, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
- In-camera session on advice from officials
Regular Council
Council will hear a delegation from resident Marc Bilodeau requesting a reduction in water consumption charges for February to May 2020, after a radio failure led to estimated billing and a later high actual reading. Administration recommends declining the request, citing the Water Utility Bylaw. Council will also consider a procedural bylaw amendment and receive reports on assessments, FCSS, and human resources.
- Delegation: Request for reduction to water consumption charges (recommended decline)
- Bylaw 01/2021: Procedural Bylaw Amendment
- Assessment Report
- FCSS Presentation
- Human Resources Presentation