A volunteer-driven website called Improve Cochrane Development has been created by a Cochrane resident to increase awareness of proposed major developments and encourage public input.
Neil Egsgard, who lives in the Riversong neighbourhood, is among those actively advocating for improvements to proposed developments—particularly in that area—and has seen positive results.
He says volunteers knocking on doors discovered that few residents were aware of the proposed developments.
“We had lots of volunteers who probably knocked on a thousand doors for those projects. Some of the feedback we received was that people weren’t aware these developments were happening, they appreciated being notified, and they wanted to have a voice.”
“The idea behind this website is to reach more people and make it easier for them to understand where development is happening in areas of Cochrane they care about.”
Sign-up is free, and users can indicate where they live in Cochrane.
“When developments come up, they’ll receive an email with details and suggestions for improvements,” Egsgard explains.
“When we make those requests, it pushes town council and developers to make improvements they wouldn’t consider if we didn’t ask. If we ask, we can make it better. If we don’t ask, it won’t improve.”
He says community advocacy works and has led to positive changes, including a new pathway across Summit of River Heights, saving the Willows wetland, and reducing the height of proposed 25-metre towers on the highest points in Southbow Landing.
The website launched with a notice about an application for a multi-dwelling development of 63 townhouse units in Willows West.
Before the launch, Egsgard says they received feedback and a stamp of approval from the town.
You can sign up here.