Cochrane public meetings in 2024
38 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Cochrane Planning Commission
This agenda is for the December 18, 2024 Cochrane Planning Commission meeting, but the text provided is actually the minutes from the September 18, 2024 meeting. It contains only routine items: call to order, adoption of the agenda, adoption of previous minutes, and adjournment. No substantive business, proposals, or decisions are listed for the December meeting.
- Adoption of the September 18, 2024 agenda (RES #33/09/24)
- Adoption of the August 21, 2024 minutes (RES #34/09/24)
- Next meeting scheduled for October 23, 2024
Regular Council
Cochrane Council will consider approving the 2025-2027 budget, several utility bylaw amendments, a borrowing bylaw for water storage expansion, and a grant application for the Horse Creek school site. The meeting also includes a public hearing on the Envision Cochrane 2050 plan and a closed session on land negotiations.
- 2025-2027 Budget Approval
- Bylaw 24/2024 Envision Cochrane 2050
- Bylaw 05/2024 Water Utility Bylaw Amendment
- Bylaw 06/2024 Sanitary Sewer Bylaw Amendment
- Bylaw 27/2024 River Heights Water Storage Expansion Borrowing
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive the third-quarter financial update, review the draft 2025-2027 budget, and consider proposed amendments to the Code of Conduct bylaw. The financial update projects a $1.2M operating surplus for 2024, with revenues at 81% and expenditures at 61% of budget as of September 30. The committee will also adopt previous minutes and may enter a closed session.
- Quarterly financial update: projected $1.2M operating surplus for 2024; revenues forecast at $87.1M, expenses at $85.9M
- Draft 2025-2027 budget presented for review
- Proposed amendments to the Code of Conduct bylaw
- Adoption of minutes from November 18, 2024 meeting
- Closed session scheduled
Public Hearing
Council is holding a public hearing to receive comments on Bylaw 25/2024, which proposes land use amendments for the Southbow Landing community, including changes to road and pathway standards, increased commercial areas, park relocations, and removal of a Class III wetland. The hearing also covers a concurrent amendment to the Southbow Landing Stage 1 Neighbourhood Plan. The recommended action is for council to receive and consider all comments presented.
- Bylaw 25/2024 proposes land use changes for portions of SE ¼ Sec. 27-25-4-W5M and SW ¼ Sec. 25-25-4-W5M & SW ¼ Sec. 26-25-4-W5M (2 River Heights Drive and 2B River Heights Drive).
- Proposed changes include a 3.2-acre reduction in employment lands, with a 1.98-acre increase in General Commercial and a 5.18-acre decrease in General Industrial.
- Parks and Recreation areas would increase by 4.12 acres, including a portion of the utility corridor with ATCO Gas and Altalink infrastructure.
- Removal of a Class III wetland (seasonal marsh W14, 1.92 ha) is proposed, with Alberta Environment approval received May 24, 2024.
- The applicant, Qualico Communities Ltd., held an open house with one attendee; two letters of concern were received from residents in Fireside and Riversong.
Cochrane Library Board
The Cochrane Library Board is meeting to approve the agenda and previous minutes, review correspondence and council highlights, and discuss recruitment for the board and Friends of the Library. Key business includes reviewing the 2025 operational budget, October 2024 financial report, and revised policies on personnel and freedom of information. The meeting also includes a public question period and an in-camera session on personnel.
- Review of 2025 Operational Budget
- October 2024 Financial Report
- Revised Policy 3: Personnel and Policy 6: Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy
- Library Board & Friends of the Library Recruitment
- Correspondence from Minister Ric McIver
Statutory Public Hearing
Council is holding a statutory public hearing to receive comments on Bylaw 24/2024, which would adopt Envision Cochrane 2050, a new Municipal Development Plan replacing the 2008 plan. The plan sets a 25-year vision for growth, land use, housing, mobility, and other policy areas, and was developed with extensive public engagement. Council will consider all comments before deciding on the bylaw.
- Bylaw 24/2024 to adopt Envision Cochrane 2050, replacing the 2008 Municipal Development Plan
- Plan covers a 25-year horizon (to 2050) for growth, land use, housing, mobility, and community design
- Public engagement included 2,105 responses over three phases from September 2023 to August 2024
- Plan must be adopted following review by the Calgary Metropolitan Regional Board (CMRB)
- Contract for lead consultant O2 Planning + Design was awarded for plan development
Regular Council
Council will give first reading to four bylaws: water, sanitary sewer, and waste management utility rate amendments for 2025, plus an election bylaw. It will also consider endorsing a $200,000 Alberta Community Partnership grant application for regional emergency management with Diamond Valley and MD of Bighorn. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and closed sessions for land negotiations and personnel matters.
- Bylaw 05/2024: Water utility rate increase, average residential monthly increase $2.76 (based on 13.5 cubic metres use)
- Bylaw 06/2024: Sanitary sewer bylaw amendment
- Bylaw 07/2024: Waste management bylaw amendment
- Bylaw 26/2024: Election bylaw
- Alberta Community Partnership Grant application: $200,000 for emergency management with Diamond Valley and MD of Bighorn
Calgary Metropolitan Region Board
The Calgary Metropolitan Region Board will consider approving REF Application 2024-12 for Rocky View County's Prairie Gateway Area Structure Plan, designating it as an employment area outside a Preferred Growth Area. The board will also vote on a Collaborative Regional Economic Development Partner Charter and hear a community update from Cochrane. The meeting includes a closed session under FOIP Section 21.
- REF Application 2024-12: Prairie Gateway ASP (Rocky View County) - approval as employment area
- Collaborative Regional Economic Development Partner Charter - approval
- Community update from Cochrane (Mayor Genung)
- Consent agenda: minutes from Oct 21 and Oct 25, 2024, board strategic initiatives, chair concurrent roles
- Presentation by Minister McIver
Special Council Meeting
This special council meeting is a continuation of the debate on the 2025-2027 draft budget. Council will discuss and debate the operating and capital budgets, with a recommendation to Council expected at a later meeting. The only action item is a motion to temporarily suspend certain procedural bylaw sections to allow for full participation in budget deliberations.
- Motion to suspend Sections 4, 9, 10, and 11 of Procedural Bylaw 17/2024 for the duration of the special meetings on November 13, 14, 19, and 21, 2024
- Operating and Capital Budget discussion and debate
- Service Fees review and discussion (scheduled for November 14)
- Public comments on the draft budget shared with Council during deliberations
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hear updates on The Station at Cochrane Crossing, including lessons learned and options for long-term sustainment, as well as a 9-month organizational review and a library facility needs assessment. They will also adopt previous minutes. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.
- The Station at Cochrane Crossing update: safety incidents reduced after security changes, options for leasing underutilized space, cost-recovery model for boardroom bookings
- Organizational Update ~ 2024 9 Month Review
- Library Facility Needs Assessment Update
- Adoption of minutes from November 4, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
Special Council Meeting
This special council meeting is part of a series of budget deliberations. Council will review and discuss the capital budget, the five-year strategy, and service fees for the 2025-2027 draft budget. The meeting also includes a recommendation to temporarily suspend certain procedural bylaw rules to allow for full participation in the budget debate.
- Debate agenda for 2025-2027 draft budget
- Capital Budget introduction and review
- Five (5) Year Strategy discussion
- Service Fees review and discussion
- Temporary suspension of Procedural Bylaw 17/2024 sections 4, 9, 10, 11
Special Council Meeting
Council is holding a special meeting to begin debate on the 2025-2027 draft budget, with a recommended action to temporarily suspend parts of the Procedural Bylaw to allow full participation. The budget debate will continue on November 14, 19, and 21, covering operating and capital budgets, a five-year strategy, and service fees. Public comments from letstalkcochrane.ca will be shared with Council during deliberations.
- Temporary suspension of Procedural Bylaw 17/2024 sections 4, 9, 10, and 11 for budget meetings
- 2025-2027 draft budget debate agenda
- Operating budget review and discussion
- Capital budget review and discussion
- Service fees review and discussion
Regular Council
Council will give first reading to Bylaw 25/2024 for Southbow Landing Stage 1 land use amendments, which include wetland removal and changes to commercial, industrial, and park lands, and set a public hearing. They will also consider adopting the Cochrane Growth Study, amendments to the Southbow Landing Neighbourhood Plan, and Bylaw 26/2024 regarding elections. The agenda includes routine adoption of minutes and appointments.
- Bylaw 25/2024: Southbow Landing land use amendments (wetland removal, 3.2 ac employment land reduction, 4.12 ac park increase)
- Southbow Landing Stage 1 Neighbourhood Plan amendments
- Adoption of the Cochrane Growth Study
- Bylaw 26/2024: Election Bylaw
- Deputy Mayor & Committee appointment updates
Family and Community Support Services Advisory Board
The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Advisory Board is meeting to discuss a United Way grant application, receive program highlights, and review correspondence including the FCSS Terms of Reference and a provincial summary of challenges. The previous two meetings were cancelled due to lack of quorum.
- FCSS/UW Grant Application Discussion
- Program Highlight - Gord & Diana
- FCSS Terms of Reference - Oct 28, 2024
- Challenges Facing FCSS September 2024 - Summary
- Minutes from June 12, 2024; Sept 11 and Oct 9, 2024 cancelled due to lack of quorum
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing proposed land use amendments for Southbow Landing Stage 1, which include changes to commercial and industrial areas, park space, and removal of a Class III wetland. They will also consider an election bylaw and hear a delegation from Helping Hands Society. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and a closed session for personnel advice.
- Bylaw 25/2024: Southbow Landing Stage 1 land use amendment (rezoning, wetland removal, park increases)
- Southbow Landing Stage 1 Neighbourhood Plan amendments
- Bylaw 26/2024: Election Bylaw
- Delegation from Helping Hands Society (community programs, food security, volunteer services)
- Closed session: personnel advice under FOIP Section 24(1)(d)
Organizational Meeting
At its October 28, 2024 organizational meeting, Cochrane Town Council will consider adopting updated terms of reference for three standing committees, approve council appointments to standing and external committees, and adopt the 2025 council meeting schedule. It will also approve a rotating deputy mayor appointment schedule. The meeting is largely procedural, setting the framework for the coming year.
- Adopt terms of reference for Cochrane Planning Commission, FCSS Advisory Board, Parks & Recreation Committee
- Approve 2024-2025 council appointments to standing and external committees
- Adopt 2025 Council Meeting Schedule
- Approve deputy mayor appointments: Reed (Oct 24-Feb 24), Wilson (Feb 25-Jun 25), Fedeyko (Jun 26-Oct 20)
Regular Council
Council will consider giving first reading to Bylaw 24/2024, the Envision Cochrane 2050 municipal development plan, and set a public hearing for November 25, 2024. They will also decide on adopting the Natural Environment Protection Task Force Terms of Reference and forming the task force by January 2025. A notice of motion for a Designated Officer Bylaw is also on the agenda.
- First reading of Bylaw 24/2024 (Envision Cochrane 2050) with public hearing set for November 25, 2024
- Adoption of Natural Environment Protection Task Force Terms of Reference
- Notice of Motion for Designated Officer Bylaw
- Adoption of minutes from October 15, 2024 Regular Council meeting
Cochrane Planning Commission
The Cochrane Planning Commission will review two development permit applications: one for a back-lit fascia sign at 239 Griffin Road East and one for a home occupation with a parking variance. They will also accept the September council highlights and the development officer's report, and adopt the previous meeting's minutes.
- DP2024-160: One back-lit fascia sign at Unit 4000, 239 Griffin Road East (Business Industrial District)
- DP2024-169: Home Occupation Class 2 with parking variance
- Adoption of September 18, 2024 minutes
- September Council Highlights (including The Willows land use amendments, COLT service hours, tax relief request for 118 First Avenue West)
- September Development Officer's Report (18 permit decisions, 9 applications received)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several key items, including the final draft of the Envision Cochrane 2050 municipal development plan, a social trends update, the draft 2025 budget, and a growth study. The meeting also includes closed session items for advice from officials and personnel matters. This is a discussion and information-gathering meeting, with decisions to come at future council meetings.
- Envision Cochrane 2050 Phase 3 engagement summary and final draft plan
- Draft 2025 Budget
- Cochrane Growth Study
- Social Trends Update
- Closed session: advice from officials and personnel matters
Regular Council
Council will consider giving second and third reading to Bylaw 22/2024, which would rezone land in the Summit of River Heights from Urban Holdings to residential and park uses, including a new greenway buffer between Riversong and the Summit. They will also review amendments to the neighbourhood plan, appoint a designated municipal assessor, and discuss 2025 COLT service level options. The agenda includes adoption of previous minutes and a notice of motion on a designated officer bylaw.
- Bylaw 22/2024: Rezone 10.51 ha to Residential Mix, 3.41 ha to Residential Medium Density, 2.25 ha to Parks and Recreation
- Summit of River Heights Neighbourhood Plan amendments to align with land use changes
- Appointment of Designated Municipal Assessor
- 2025 COLT service level options
- Notice of Motion: Designated Officer Bylaw
Family and Community Support Services Advisory Board
The Family and Community Support Services Advisory Board will meet to discuss a grant application with United Way, decide whether to move the November meeting to November 6, and receive the manager's report. The agenda also includes a program highlight and correspondence about the Jacket Racket event and a provincial summary of challenges facing FCSS programs.
- FCSS/UW Grant Application Discussion
- Shift November meeting date to November 6 - decision making
- Manager Report
- Jacket Racket Event Poster (free winter clothing event, Oct 19, donations accepted Oct 2-16)
- Challenges facing FCSS September 2024 - Summary (provincial feedback on funding, staffing, demand)
Cochrane Library Board
The Cochrane Library Board is meeting to approve the agenda and previous minutes, receive correspondence about 2025 Marigold Levy population and provincial funding, and discuss new business including board recruitment and the library's 75th anniversary. Reports from the Library Director, Finance Committee, Advocacy Committee, and Friends of the Library Liaison will be presented. A public question period is scheduled.
- Correspondence: 2025 Marigold Levy Population Letter
- Correspondence: Provincial Funding Letter from Public Libraries in the CMA
- Library Board & Friends of the Library Recruitment
- Cochrane Public Library's 75th Anniversary Events & Activities
- August 2024 Financial Report
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is receiving reports on the transit study's public engagement findings, a waste management bylaw amendment, and the Glenpatrick Drive infrastructure replacement project. A notice of motion for a Natural Environment Sustainability Task Force is also on the agenda. The meeting includes closed sessions for advice from officials.
- Transit study: 71% of respondents support modest tax/fare increases for more buses, longer hours, Sunday service
- Waste Management Bylaw Amendment
- Glenpatrick Drive Infrastructure Replacement Project Update
- Notice of Motion: Natural Environment Sustainability Task Force
- Closed sessions under FOIP Section 24(1)(g)
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board - Hearing 24-006
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board is holding a hearing on October 3, 2024, to consider an appeal regarding a development permit for a basement secondary suite dwelling at 233 Clydesdale Way. The agenda lists only this single hearing item.
- Hearing 24-006 for DP2024-130
- Secondary suite (basement) at 233 Clydesdale Way
- Lot 24, Block 28, Plan 1911800
Special Council Meeting
This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a closed session under Section 27(1)(a) of Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for information subject to legal privilege. The agenda is otherwise procedural (call to order, adoption of agenda, adjournment) and provides no public details on the subject.
- Closed session under FOIP Section 27(1)(a) for legal-privileged information
Regular Council
Council will decide whether to maintain, temporarily fund, or cut 21.5 additional weekday COLT transit service hours funded by Southland until September 30, 2024. Administration recommends maintaining the hours long-term at a cost of $86,700 from reserves, citing potential ridership drops of 35-50% if cut. Council will also consider a tax relief request for 118 First Avenue West and receive a quarterly financial update.
- COLT Operational Hours: decision on 21.5 weekday service hours, $86,700 cost to maintain long-term
- Request for Tax Relief at 118 First Avenue West
- Quarterly Financial Update
- Adoption of minutes from September 9, 2024 Public Hearing and Regular Council meetings
Cochrane Planning Commission
The Cochrane Planning Commission will consider a development permit application for five back-lit fascia signs (DP2024-129), along with routine items such as adopting the agenda, approving previous minutes, and receiving reports from Council and the Development Officer. The meeting is scheduled for September 18, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
- DP2024-129: Five back-lit fascia signs
- Adoption of August 21, 2024 minutes
- September Council Highlights report
- August Development Officer's Report
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is discussing a proposed land use amendment for The Willows of River Heights. The applicant offers two concepts: one that would infill Wetland 80 for medium-density housing and park space, and another that retains the wetland as environmental reserve. Council feedback will determine which concept proceeds to second and third reading. The meeting also includes a delegation from Rocky View Foundation on affordable housing projects and a mid-year community growth report.
- Bylaw 18/2024: The Willows land use amendment with two concepts (infill wetland vs. retain wetland)
- Delegation from Rocky View Foundation on affordable housing programs
- Community Growth 2024 Mid-Year Report
- Closed session under FOIP Section 24(1)(g) for advice from officials
Family and Community Support Services Advisory Board
The Family and Community Support Services Advisory Board is meeting to adopt the agenda and previous minutes, receive reports from the councillor and manager, and discuss ongoing business including program highlights for children/youth and the Community Helpers Program, as well as fundraising initiatives. The agenda is largely procedural, with no new business or public hearings listed.
- Adoption of June 12, 2024 minutes
- Councillor report
- Manager report
- Program highlight: Children/Youth and Community Helpers Program
- Fundraising initiatives discussion
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board- Hearing 24-005
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board is holding Hearing 24-005 for Development Permit 2024-008, which proposes a multi-unit dwelling with 22 townhome units at 141, 145, and 149 Pope Avenue (Lots 1, 2, 3, Block H, Plan 6981JK). The board will hear the appeal and decide on the development permit.
- Hearing 24-005 for DP 2024-008
- 22 townhome units proposed
- Addresses: 141, 145, 149 Pope Avenue
- Lots 1, 2, 3, Block H, Plan 6981JK
Public Hearing
Council is holding a public hearing on Bylaw 22/2024, a land use amendment for the Summit of River Heights area. The amendment would change about 16 hectares from Urban Holdings to residential and park zoning to allow low-to-medium density housing and parks. A related neighbourhood plan amendment is also being considered. The hearing will receive public comments before Council decides.
- Bylaw 22/2024 rezones 10.84 ha to Residential Mix, 3.49 ha to Residential Medium Density, and 1.84 ha to Parks and Recreation
- Proposed medium density housing is for a strata townhouse development south of Bow Valley High School
- Two parks are proposed, one in the center and one in the east of the plan area
- A community proposal for a linear park connecting Riversong, Summit of River Heights, The Willows, and Southbow Landing is included in the agenda
- Temporary access via a 13.0m residential street easement to The Willows of River Heights if James Walker Trail extension is not complete
Regular Council
Cochrane's Regular Council meeting on September 9, 2024, will consider amendments to the Library Terms of Reference and give final direction on a Whistleblower Program and Policy, which was deferred from the July 8 meeting. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and a closed session for legal advice.
- Library Terms of Reference Amendment
- Whistleblower Program and Policy - Notice of Motion Final Direction
- Adoption of minutes from July 8 and July 23, 2024 meetings
- Closed session under FOIP sections 24(1)(g) and 27(1)(a)
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board- Hearing 24-004
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board is holding a hearing for appeal case 24-004 regarding development permit DP 2024-102 for a secondary suite (basement) dwelling at 17 Bow Ridge Crescent (Lot 5, Block 2, Plan 9711809). The board will hear arguments and decide on the appeal.
- Hearing No. 24-004
- DP 2024-102
- 17 Bow Ridge Crescent
- Secondary suite (basement) dwelling
- Lot 5 Block 2 Plan 9711809
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is discussing several transit-related items, including a potential application to the Canada Public Transit Fund, an operational update on the COLT transit service, and a mid-point update on the Cochrane Transit Study. They will also receive a project update on the James Walker Trail Stage 3. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and a closed session.
- Canada Public Transit Fund: $3B annual federal program; Cochrane ineligible for Baseline stream, exploring Metro-Region Agreement stream
- 2024 COLT Operational Update: contract with Southland expires September 2024; proposed changes include removing 21.5 additional weekday vehicle hours
- Cochrane Transit Study Mid-Point Update: ongoing study of COLT system
- James Walker Trail Stage 3 Project Update
Cochrane Planning Commission
The Cochrane Planning Commission is meeting to review development permit applications, including three back-lit fascia signs, two basement secondary suites, and a secondary suite with a parking variance. They will also hold a working session on the Envision Cochrane 2050 Phase 3 public engagement survey and accept the July development officer's report and council highlights.
- DP2024-144: Three back-lit fascia signs and one non-illuminated fascia sign at Unit 4141/4137 – 239 Griffin Road East
- DP2024-146: Secondary suite dwelling (basement, one-bedroom)
- DP2024-147: Secondary suite dwelling (basement, one-bedroom)
- DP2024-124: Secondary suite dwelling with variance to parking stall width
- Working session on Envision Cochrane 2050 Phase 3 public engagement survey
Special Council Meeting
This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a closed session under Section 27(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for information subject to legal privilege. The agenda is otherwise procedural (call to order, adoption of agenda, adjournment). No public decisions or discussions are listed.
- Closed session under FOIP Section 27(1)(a) for legal privilege information
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board- Hearing 24-002, 24-003
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board is holding hearings on two development permit appeals for bed-and-breakfast operations on Gleneagles Estates Lane. The board will decide whether to uphold or overturn the permits for a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom B&B.
- Hearing 24-002: DP 2024-057, 164 Gleneagles Estates Lane, Block 17, Plan 0214268, one-bedroom bed & breakfast
- Hearing 24-003: DP 2024-088, 138 Gleneagles Estates Lane, Block 30, Plan 0214268, two-bedroom bed & breakfast
Cochrane Planning Commission
The Cochrane Planning Commission is meeting to adopt previous minutes, receive council highlights from May and June, and review development reports. The main business item is a planning report for a proposed freestanding digital sign (DP2024-082). The agenda is largely procedural, with the sign permit being the only substantive development application.
- Planning Report DP2024-082: One freestanding digital sign
- Adoption of May 15, 2024 meeting minutes
- Council highlights from May and June 2024
- Development Officer's reports for May and June