Residents opposed to the proposed development of a ready-mix concrete plant at the Heidelberg Materials aggregate site in Cochrane say a public hearing is essential.
The group has been urging the town's planning department to request a hearing that would allow both residents and Heidelberg representatives to present their views to council. They say the controversial project adds to the impact of existing operations on nearby neighbourhoods in south Cochrane.
They believe the scope of the project and its potential community-wide implications warrant a public hearing. So far, no such hearing is scheduled.
“We’ve asked a number of times,” said Kim Brenneis, a spokesperson for the group. “It’s something so important that we should have a public hearing, much like they did for the rec centre. It’s fundamentally going to change the nature of the area. Industrial activity in that location deserves a public event where people can ask questions and town council and Heidelberg are present.”
The group made a formal presentation to town planning staff on June 5, outlining concerns about noise, traffic, dust, air quality, and quality of life. The 17-page PowerPoint presentation also calls for a firm closure date should the project proceed.
A follow-up meeting set for June 14 was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. A new date has not been announced.
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“Certainly, both the town and Heidelberg have been open to ongoing conversation,” he said. “But we believe the conversation is happening in the wrong place, and many questions remain unanswered. Some studies submitted by the company, we believe, are incomplete.”
He said the group’s preference is for the batch plant to be cancelled. But if it proceeds, they want strict conditions attached.
“It can’t be left to the operator to make those decisions,” he said. “There must be clear guidelines.”
Brenneis added that the group doesn’t believe the proposed economic benefits outweigh the potential harm to community well-being.
“Cochrane is a livable, family-friendly town — not an industrial corridor,” he said. “We don’t think expanding operations at the gravel pit with a batch plant aligns with what people want in a place to live and raise their kids.”