The Glenpatrick Drive Infrastructure Replacement Project is set to begin later this spring, with the Town of Cochrane ramping up its public engagement efforts ahead of construction.
Two information sessions have been held for the project — one in February and the most recent on April 16 at Glenbow Elementary School. Since the initial session, the construction contract has been awarded to Standard General, and timelines have been established.
Project Manager, Sam Allen, who recently joined the team, said attendees of the session were generally informed but are seeking more specific project information.
“The Town has been working proactively to ensure residents are informed before construction begins,” he said. “We had some great conversations and are grateful to everyone who took the time to attend and chat with the project team.”
The second open house drew 136 residents looking for clarity on the multi-year project, which involves major upgrades to Glenpatrick Drive.
“The event was well attended, and people raised lots of good questions,” said Virginia Costley Danby, a Glenbow resident and executive chair of the newly formed Glenbow Community Association.
See related article: Inaugrural Glenbow Community Association Meeting
“So far, it seems that if the Town doesn't have an immediate answer, they're very much prepared to get it.”
Costley Danby praised the Town’s ongoing communication, both through in-person sessions and updates on the Town website.
“I think the Town is doing an excellent job of trying to anticipate and address questions,” she said. “I heard people ask questions that didn’t have immediate answers, and notes were taken with a commitment to follow up.”
Living in a cul-de-sac off Glenpatrick Drive, Costley Danby also voiced concerns about accessibility during the project.
“There will be stages of the project where people’s access to main roads will change, even if only temporarily. The community is very concerned — especially with the amount of traffic Glenpatrick Drive sees and what happens once sections of the road are torn up.”
Work is expected to begin in May 2025 and continue through October 2026; although timelines may shift. Glenpatrick Drive will be closed off in phases, with detours placed in Area 4 in 2025, and Areas 6 and 7 in 2026 to maintain access.
“Concerns about traffic disruptions were common, and we understand the importance of maintaining access,” said Allen. “That’s why the project is divided into phases — to reduce inconvenience and ensure continued access in and out of the area.”
To accommodate students during Area 1 construction, a bus detour will be in place for Glenbow Elementary. Temporary parking will also be provided near the Boys and Girls Club during affected phases.
The Town noted it will work with residents on any tree or shrub removals, and the contractor will assist affected residents with loading and unloading heavy items. Cochrane Fire Services confirmed that emergency response times will not be impacted by road closures.
At nearly 50 years old, the water, sewer, and storm systems along Glenpatrick Drive — a one-kilometre corridor from 5th Avenue to the Glenhill Drive/Glenpatrick Road intersection — are in urgent need of replacement.
The project includes:
- Underground utility replacement
- Road reconstruction
- Sidewalk widening
- New sidewalks and multi-use pathways
- Enhanced pedestrian crossings and concrete bump-outs
The upgrades aim to reduce flooding risk, minimize water maintenance disruptions, improve traffic flow, and boost pedestrian safety.
For more details or to stay updated, visit cochrane.ca/glenpatrick.
See related article: Infrastructure project pushed back a year
