Our AGM on May 31, 2024 focused on transitioning GlenEagles to more sustainable landscaping; the proposed East River Dam that would flood approximately 50% of Glenbow Ranch and destroy the Haskayne Park; and the proposed concrete batch plant. Since that time, there have been a number of developments in each of these areas, as well as residents raising concerns about windows being broken by “anonymous” golfers or being hit by a golf ball while walking along the path. Click on the following links to read more.

1. Transitioning GlenEagles To More Sustainable Landscaping Options
2. East River Dam
3. Concrete Batch Plant
4. Golf Balls

Transitioning GlenEagles To More Sustainable Landscaping Options

Landscaping initiatives in GlenEagles are a shared accountability between the Town of Cochrane and the GlenEagles Community Association (GECA).

GECA Landscaping Initiatives:

The View Park is almost complete. New shrub and tree beds were built on either side of the park and beds at the top of the Park, nearest the road have been expanded. We have also planted a number of drought resistant shrubs and perennials. Next year we plan to add one or two trees.

Wearmouth Park shrub and tree beds have been weeded, edged, and mulched. The Town plans to upgrade the playground next year and is working with one of our residents to finalize the design. Once the playground has been installed, we will determine, what, if any, additional landscaping is required.

Work on the Islands in GlenEagles East and West has started. This includes weeding, expanding existing shrub and tree beds, and, in some cases, making new beds. Plans are in place for two islands in Gleneagles East (areas #9 and #14 on the GlenEagles’ Landscaping Map and for the Close Island (area #6). We anticipate that we will be able to do the same for one or two additional islands this year. It is our intention to plant drought resistant, shrubs, trees and perennials next year.

This work has progressed without anyone participating in GECA’s “Adopt an Island” program. As a result, we are grateful that one of our Board members, Robin Wentzel is spearheading this initiative. Other than the three islands that are in progress, islands can still be adopted. Alternatively, let us know what you would like to see happen on an island near you by emailing us at [email protected]. It is our intention to plant drought resistant, shrubs, trees, and perennials next year.

Town of Cochrane Landscaping Initiatives:

The Town has started work on The Landing Island to clear out the dead and overgrown shrubs and to replace the wildly overgrown native rose bushes with other drought resistant and easier to maintain shrubs such as lilacs. Replacement shrubs, trees and perennials will be planted next year as part of a joint initiative between GECA and the Town.

The Town created a wildlife corridor in The View Park for deer and foxes, as well as a safe place for children to walk through rather than jump the fence. They also paved the west side of the pathway around the ravine between GlenEagles East and West. What a difference! Let’s hope that the Town has money to repave the East side next year.

After some earlier problems this spring with respect to grass cutting and whipper snipping, GECA has recently received a number of positive comments. We are now working with the Town on a targeted weeding program.

The Proposed East River Dam

The Town commissioned a report to better understand the impacts that the East River Dam will have on Cochrane if the province proceeds with building the dam in this location. The potential impacts were more catastrophic than even the Glenbow Ranch Foundation had predicted. In addition to flooding approximately half of the Glenbow Ranch and destroying Haskayne Park, the dam has the potential to back up water to Cochrane and flood parts of Griffin Road, as well as the Spray Lakes Community Centre parking lots and several low-lying areas along the Bow River. Subsequently our Council wrote a letter to the Province voicing their concerns. Residents are also encouraged to share their thoughts/concerns with our Town Council and our MLA, Peter Guthrie.

For more information go to the Glenbow Ranch Facebook Page at:
https://www.facebook.com/glenbowranchparkfoundation

The Proposed Concrete Batch Plant

On April 17, 2024, the Cochrane Planning Commission approved a permit to allow Heidelberg Materials to build a concrete batch plant on the site of the gravel pit that they operate. The Concerned Citizens Group launched an appeal on May 16, 2024 that had 99 signatures, most of which were from GlenEagles. On May 27, 2024 Heidelberg asked the Town to cancel the permit, effectively ending the appeal. However, this issue is NOT over. Heidelberg stated that the reason for the cancellation was to give them time to engage with residents and allay their concerns. Heidelberg also stated that they intend to reapply for a permit at a later date and the Concerned Citizens Group plans to be ready when this happens.

To assist with the preparation, a volunteer project team meets regularly to:

• monitor any changes to the Heidelberg Materials development application (should they choose to reapply) and to the proposed changes to the Area Structure Plans (see section titled “A new Development”).
• engage local experts to prepare reports in readiness for another appeal and/or presentations to Council
• review FOIP documents as they are received
• track responses from the Provincial and Federal Governments with respect to the drainage of tailing ponds into the Bow River

In addition, the Project Team has requested that the Town undertake a study, similar to what it did for the proposed East River Dam Project, to better understand the risks involved if Cochrane proceeds with building a concrete batch plant

If you would like to join this team and/or can provide input to one of the potential risks and/or concerns identified in their June newsletter, please contact them at: [email protected]

Concerned Citizen’s July Email
In July, the Concerned Citizen’s Group sent out an email and a newsletter to the approximately 150 people who have signed up to receive regular updates. For more information refer to the linked PDF.

Concrete Batch Plant Concerned Citizen’s Group’s June Newsletter – PDF File

A New Development – A Request to Move the Gravel Pit to a Different Area Structure Plan (SNS2024-006)

In early June, the Town received a request to move the Robinson Lands, including the gravel pit from the South Ridge Area Structure Plan (SR_ASP) to the River Heights Area Structure Plan (RH-ASP).

As background, all of the communities in Cochrane are part of different Area Structure Plans. In an email from the Town they advised that “Area Structure Plans are meant to provide a future planning framework for areas that will generally encompass a number of neighbourhoods and include policies for how the land may be used, servicing, etc.”. Since 1994, the Robinson Lands have been part of the South Ridge Area Structure Plan. On June 7, 2024 the Town advised that they had received an application to move the Robinson Lands to the River Heights Area Plan.

The Concerned Citizen’s Project Team has reviewed both Area Structure Plans and is skeptical of the timing and the motivation of the proposed change. A key question is what are the implications of this move for Heidelberg Materials and their proposal to build a concrete batch plant in Cochrane. The Concrete Batch Plant Project Team discusses these concerns in more detail in their July Newsletter.

Concrete Batch Plant Concerned Citizen’s Group’s July Newsletter – PDF file

Golf Balls

Recently residents have raised concerns about the frequency of anonymous golfers breaking windows and leaving the homeowners to pay for the repairs, particularly for residents who back onto the 14th hole. There have also been concerns raised about pedestrians and bikers potentially getting hit by golf balls while on the trail in the same area. GECA has exchanged emails with the golf club’s General Manager but would like to hear from you prior to determining next steps. How prevalent is this problem? Is the 14th hole the only concern? Please email us at [email protected] if you have had similar problems and/or comments or perhaps even a solution.