Riverview

Today, I went door to door in Riverview most of the afternoon. It is always difficult to judge whether campaigning on Sunday afternoon is beneficial, but today's response was very favourable. I enjoyed all the conversations, the offers to help and encouragement.

The issues I heard about today centered on whether Cochrane is ready for a Walmart on the Domtar lands, and public transit, especially for seniors.

Some citizens remain adamantly opposed to big box stores in the downtown core, and feel that by introducing big boxes we will lose our small town feel. I was able to share that the new proposal does include some residential development, fewer big boxes and a mall similar to what you see on Stephen Avenue in Calgary. Some were upset that the Town is building the road for the developer at taxpayer's expense. On the flip side, two families can't wait for the Walmart because it will be in walking distance from their homes. Both these families are seniors on fixed budgets and they welcome facilities close to where they live where they can shop for products that are more affordable.

Public transit within Cochrane is welcomed by the seniors I met today who would love to have such a service for doctor's appointments and shopping, as well as getting to the RancheHouse and the rec centre. Public transit to Calgary where people have more options to leave home and return home at different times of day are also championed by seniors. One person was very opposed to the double decker buses and thinks Cochrane will lose money over time in operations. She was concerned about the Town subsidizing a public system in competition with Southland. We talked a lot about this problem and we both agreed that Southland should be given the opportunity to provide whatever service the Town proposes as the main contractor given their entrepreneurial spirit. We also talked about a comparable problem with town operated door to door recycling that would compete with a local service provider. It was great to discuss the issues with knowledgeable, engaged citizens who look at all sides of the debate.

One woman I met needs a tutor for grade 11 mathematics for her high school child. If you or someone you know provides mathematics tutoring, let me know and I can get you connected. Make sure you have some references.

I talked with several families about the Sustainability Plan and I will post the link here again because it seems to be very interesting to people I talk to.
http://cochranesustainability.ca/

Generally, the people I met today want to be more involved. As I would expect, no-one was thrilled with the condominium development on the driving range that goes against what they were promised back in 2004-2007 when that development was being approved. For example, they were promised that there would be no access onto Riverview Circle, and of course there is. However, the owners of the condos where I visited so far are pleased to have that kind of housing option, and enjoy the development.

I will post more about my visits today tomorrow night, as this entry is getting long.