Growth Should Never Outrun Infrastructure
Traffic congestion, crowded schools, and slower emergency response are already everyday concerns in Cochrane. Council must set clear conditions: no new residential approvals until critical infrastructure- like upgraded municipal roads, a twinned Highway 22, new schools, and stronger emergency capacity, is in place. Growth should never get ahead of the basics- we need to catch up.
A Fair Shot for Local Business
Cochrane’s independent businesses are at the heart of our community, but too many struggle with high rents and limited options for space. Unlike other towns, Cochrane doesn’t levy a business tax, and we don’t have endless commercial land to expand into. That means our focus needs to be on making better use of what we already have and creating opportunities that make it easier to get started and stay here.
How we can do it:
- Revamp the business incubator program to help new entrepreneurs with mentorship, networking, and lower-barrier entry into the local market
- Explore short-term lease opportunities in town-owned spaces. Even if limited, providing affordable, flexible space could give startups a way to test and grow before committing to expensive long-term leases.
- Expand the tax base strategically by attracting employers and services that diversify our economy, without adding new strain on residents or crowding out small businesses.
- Cut red tape by simplifying approvals for low-impact businesses so entrepreneurs spend more time serving customers and less time navigating process.
-Keep open dialogue with the business community so Town decisions reflect the realities on the ground.
Supporting small business in town is about creating the right conditions for people with ideas and drive to succeed right here at home.
Greenspace & River Health
Our rivers, trails, and green corridors are part of what makes Cochrane special! They’re not extras, they’re a way of life here. I want to push for a no-net-loss of greenspace so that when we lose parkland, we replace it with equal or better space for families to enjoy. I’ll propose stronger river buffers along the Bow and Jumping Pound to keep our banks healthy and safe, and support more native landscaping that uses less water but brings more life back into our neighbourhoods. I’ll also advocate for Cochrane to use provincial wetland funding, so we can restore wetlands, reduce flood risk, and protect wildlife- without putting the whole bill on local taxpayers.
Transit You Can Count On
Transit has always been tricky for towns like Cochrane. It no money-maker, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Getting around shouldn’t mean everyone has to drive. COLT helps within town, but for commuters, we need a dependable link to Calgary’s C-Train. I want to push for a permanent, fixed-schedule connection so people can count on transit for work, school, or appointments. I’ll also support closing the biggest sidewalk and trail gaps so walking or biking feels safe. Transit may never make money, but it makes life easier, and that’s worth investing in.
