Last Sunday I canvassed from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm without a break in Bow Ridge. The area is very beautiful, well laid out and the people were wonderful to chat with, welcoming me into their homes and spending time chatting. I felt very honoured with the many compliments and encouragement I received. it was great to see people out raking leaves and cleaning their yards for winter.
Some folks were concenred with the lack of sidewalks and pathways in Bow Ridge and how people have to walk in the streets to get from one level to another and then down the road to conenct to the park. We did find two different sets of staircases, but what people are talking about is the ability to push a carriage and have a smooth surface to travel over to get to the park area.
One woman really feels we need more recreation programs for little people that are unparented-where she can drop her kids for a few hours where they can play and socialize. I talked with her about the preschools and playschools in Cochrane and some of the activities offered by different businesses, like dance and gymnastics. She said she would check those out as well. I also talked to her about the Parent Link and that seems to be well used by her and her friends with small children.
The concern about traffic and lack of access while growth continues in Jumping Pound Rise was a common issue repeated at almost every home where I stopped. People want to be able to get out of that area in an emergency, and feel that the development is adding to a growing traffic problem.
Most people want the town to enter a phase of growth management with "getting the house in order" before more residential growth is approved. They want the existing developments finished before we start developing any more lands.
One woman told me that she finds the people who work at the recycling depot very rude and unfriendly-she says that as a result she takes all her recycling to Calgary and she shops there too. We chatted about the blue box program and she was very excited about that because she will not have to deal with the recycling depot staff. I use the depot all the time, and do not find the operators rude, but my husband sure does and has complained to me about it. Interesting!
I was very happy with the response I received in Bow Ridge and am very sorry if we disturbed anyone's Thnaksgiving Dinner. Thanks for all the time you spent with me at your doors.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
On Saturday last weekend I was in West Terrace
I was very fortunate to be able to canvass most of West Terrace last Saturday-I still have a few homes to go in that neighbourhood, and I did go back there this morning to chat with people in a cul de sac and make sure my signs were still up. It seem like someone likes my signs because several have gone missing from private property.
The conversations I had in West Valley were mostly with respect to the brand. People were not impressed with the process council used to push that through. They want council to listen to public feedback and not ignore it.
One woman is concerned with the density of day homes in one part of West Terrace. She feels that Council should look at where these facilities are being developed and the imapct they have on residential communities for parking and traffic.
Traffic was a big issue for almost everyone I talked to, as well as speeding and lack of a second access to the area. Another huge issue was weeds in public areas and the lack of maintenance of these public spaces by the town.
I had a long chat with two people about the warm water pool and we discussed the possibilities for funding its development as a stand alone private facility, or as a part of the leisure pool being proposed-also know as the aquatic centre. Both saw the value in having such a facility in Cochrane and believe that it could be operated by Alberta Health.
Five different people complained that there is a lack of responsiveness when they send issues to the council for resolution. Many feel that they are ignored.
One man spent a great deal of time talking to me about my term as mayor. He explained the issues and how he was unsure about whether he could support me this time around. I enjoyed the conversation and learned a lot from it-generally, he, like everyone else I met in West Terrace, wants to feel that council members care, listen to the public and have the best interests of the citizens at heart. He was very pleased that I want to keep taxes as low as possible-this is a huge issue for many people.
Again, two younger families are concerned that Walmart will locate in Cochrane and destroy the downtown business community. I am surprised by the number of younger families who do not want Walmart. This morning a senior echoed their view. Generally, seniors I meet do want a Walmart in town because they feel they can afford to shop at Walmart for many goods and services and prefer not to travel to Calgary.
I also met a number of families who like the current council and feel they have done a good job. Generally, people support the current mayor and will probably vote for him because he is sticking to his platform.
I enjoyed West Terrace, and will be in that area and West Valley again tomorrow-all day! I hope to see you when I come by!
The conversations I had in West Valley were mostly with respect to the brand. People were not impressed with the process council used to push that through. They want council to listen to public feedback and not ignore it.
One woman is concerned with the density of day homes in one part of West Terrace. She feels that Council should look at where these facilities are being developed and the imapct they have on residential communities for parking and traffic.
Traffic was a big issue for almost everyone I talked to, as well as speeding and lack of a second access to the area. Another huge issue was weeds in public areas and the lack of maintenance of these public spaces by the town.
I had a long chat with two people about the warm water pool and we discussed the possibilities for funding its development as a stand alone private facility, or as a part of the leisure pool being proposed-also know as the aquatic centre. Both saw the value in having such a facility in Cochrane and believe that it could be operated by Alberta Health.
Five different people complained that there is a lack of responsiveness when they send issues to the council for resolution. Many feel that they are ignored.
One man spent a great deal of time talking to me about my term as mayor. He explained the issues and how he was unsure about whether he could support me this time around. I enjoyed the conversation and learned a lot from it-generally, he, like everyone else I met in West Terrace, wants to feel that council members care, listen to the public and have the best interests of the citizens at heart. He was very pleased that I want to keep taxes as low as possible-this is a huge issue for many people.
Again, two younger families are concerned that Walmart will locate in Cochrane and destroy the downtown business community. I am surprised by the number of younger families who do not want Walmart. This morning a senior echoed their view. Generally, seniors I meet do want a Walmart in town because they feel they can afford to shop at Walmart for many goods and services and prefer not to travel to Calgary.
I also met a number of families who like the current council and feel they have done a good job. Generally, people support the current mayor and will probably vote for him because he is sticking to his platform.
I enjoyed West Terrace, and will be in that area and West Valley again tomorrow-all day! I hope to see you when I come by!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Black henbane
In case anyone wants to know what this plant looks like, here it is. The seeds are poisonous to animals and people.
On Saturday, West Terrace
All day Saturday, we campaigned in West Pointe and West Terrace. It was interesting to talk to so many people about new issues that had not surfaced elsewhere. I spoke with many old friends, and I was surprised by some of the things they had been hearing, gossip mostly.
In West Pointe, the biggest issue is the lack of care of the municipal reserves and lands along the Bow River. Weeds are everywhere. People want to know if the Town has issued the final acceptance certificate, and if so, why hasn't the Town done anything to maintain the area? They would also like a tot lot closer to West Pointe. There is a small municipal reserve near the pumphouse that could accomodate a tot lot, and it seems to me that space should be used for that purpose. Right now, it is just a weed patch. Last year, I went into that area on two occasions and pulled black henbane and thistle. As a result, there is very little black henbane left and the thistle is manageable with another weedpull this spring. I hope the Town will follow through, as the riverbank ought to be properly attended to. There is also a storm water outfall that is causing significant erosion of the river bank and sedimentation of the water. The Town should look after that right away.
In West Pointe, the biggest issue is the lack of care of the municipal reserves and lands along the Bow River. Weeds are everywhere. People want to know if the Town has issued the final acceptance certificate, and if so, why hasn't the Town done anything to maintain the area? They would also like a tot lot closer to West Pointe. There is a small municipal reserve near the pumphouse that could accomodate a tot lot, and it seems to me that space should be used for that purpose. Right now, it is just a weed patch. Last year, I went into that area on two occasions and pulled black henbane and thistle. As a result, there is very little black henbane left and the thistle is manageable with another weedpull this spring. I hope the Town will follow through, as the riverbank ought to be properly attended to. There is also a storm water outfall that is causing significant erosion of the river bank and sedimentation of the water. The Town should look after that right away.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
October 9-10: West Terrace and Bow Ridge
The last two days, my sister Michi and I canvassed in West Terrace and Bow Ridge. We met so many people (and their dogs and cats, all of which were wonderful animals) and discussed so many issues it is hard to know where to start. I will do my best to summarize our visits in the tomorrow when I get my notes in order. Right now, my thoughts are on the turkey I will be serving tomorrow for Thanksgiving, the pies I have to make, the vegetables to peel, etc. All in all, I have plenty to be thankful for. Especially my sister, Michi! She is fantastic.
To all the people who follow this blog-Happy Thanksgiving. To all who may have had their dinner interrupted today when I came by, sorry for the disruption and I hope your Thanksgiving with family and friends was delightful.
To all the people who follow this blog-Happy Thanksgiving. To all who may have had their dinner interrupted today when I came by, sorry for the disruption and I hope your Thanksgiving with family and friends was delightful.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
October 8, 2010-West Pointe and Riverview
Yesterday, I canvassed during the day in West Pointe and met several families who shared their concerns with me. More on that later.
Sunterra
I campaigned in Sunterra with my friend Sharon and her son Cairan. We were able to finish the entire area in about two hours, and we talked with about 25 families. Generally, the people who live in Sunterra who took time to chat with us were encouraging and offered several suggestions for improvements in the Town.
First, they recommend that the Town be more responsive to citizens when citizens file complaints. For example, they would like their pathway system improved to ensure that the kids can get to school quickly. They say that they complaints are not properly addressed, and the Town and councillors regularly ignore their requests.
Second, they want a marked crosswalk for the kids when they come down the hill from Sunterra because it is a very dangerous place for the kids to cross 4th Avenue to get to their schools-apparently there was a crosswalk that the town deliberately removed. This is a big question mark-why?
Third, the Town needs to do better maintenance in the cemetery, especially with respect to headstones that seem to be sinking. This is very stressful to the families of thoe who are buried there. The residents also complained of burning odours from the processes being used at the cemetery to maintain the area. I checked out the issue, and could not detect any smell, but it should be investigated if it is a recurring issue.
Fourth, several people asked what I think about the new logo, and I was candid in giving my opinion on that-I am not a fan. The new logo does not reflect my sense of community or what Cochrane is all about. I am not sure why we need to "rebrand" at all-it was, in my opinion a colossal failure and waste of time and money.
There were many questions about the pool, performing arts centre, transit and growth: generally, people want the Town to get its hosue in order before allowing any more growth.
Many thanks to Sharon and Cairan. Your help and support mean a great deal to me. To those in Sunterra who spent time talking with me, I would love to be your voice on council for the next three years.
First, they recommend that the Town be more responsive to citizens when citizens file complaints. For example, they would like their pathway system improved to ensure that the kids can get to school quickly. They say that they complaints are not properly addressed, and the Town and councillors regularly ignore their requests.
Second, they want a marked crosswalk for the kids when they come down the hill from Sunterra because it is a very dangerous place for the kids to cross 4th Avenue to get to their schools-apparently there was a crosswalk that the town deliberately removed. This is a big question mark-why?
Third, the Town needs to do better maintenance in the cemetery, especially with respect to headstones that seem to be sinking. This is very stressful to the families of thoe who are buried there. The residents also complained of burning odours from the processes being used at the cemetery to maintain the area. I checked out the issue, and could not detect any smell, but it should be investigated if it is a recurring issue.
Fourth, several people asked what I think about the new logo, and I was candid in giving my opinion on that-I am not a fan. The new logo does not reflect my sense of community or what Cochrane is all about. I am not sure why we need to "rebrand" at all-it was, in my opinion a colossal failure and waste of time and money.
There were many questions about the pool, performing arts centre, transit and growth: generally, people want the Town to get its hosue in order before allowing any more growth.
Many thanks to Sharon and Cairan. Your help and support mean a great deal to me. To those in Sunterra who spent time talking with me, I would love to be your voice on council for the next three years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)