I read with disappointment Ms. Judy Stewart’s April 13 letter, which was both flawed in argument and unnecessarily disparaging toward our mayor and council. She claims, without nuance, that “economists and scholars” have proven that growth does not pay for itself, accusing our elected officials of “throwing caution to the wind.” Such sweeping assertions are unhelpful and dismissive of the difficult, ongoing work required to manage growth responsibly.
The question of whether growth pays for itself remains far from settled. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association recently released a position paper on development charges that highlights this ongoing debate. A paper by the Reason Foundation also notes that while residential growth often funds basic infrastructure, fiscal stress tends to emerge around education spending. Clearly, the literature is not unanimous.
Cochrane’s council has long acknowledged the complexities of growth. Councillor Wilson has spoken publicly about fiscal sustainability since 2017, and in July 2023, council commissioned a $100,000 fiscal analysis by Urban3 – a clear signal of their foresight. The same article cited a former CAO’s concern that halting growth could lead to fiscal instability. Moreover, a 2016 Federation of Canadian Municipalities report warned that infrastructure nationwide is at risk of rapid deterioration. These are not the actions or concerns of officials being reckless.
Ms. Stewart’s claim that caution has been abandoned is not borne out by the facts.
While I am not an economist or a scholar, I am capable of thoughtful research and reflection. My experience tells me that communities rarely suffer from growth – but they can from stagnation. Responsible planning is iterative, not hypothetical. Infrastructure is funded through a mix of property taxes, development levies, and provincial or federal transfers. It is fair that both existing and new residents share in these costs.
Urban planning literature supports higher-density development as more cost-effective, yet most Canadians still favour low-density living. When I arrived in Calgary in the early 1970s, the Husky Tower stood tall over a mid-rise city – the Paris of the west. Today, Calgary sprawls – a reflection of how Canadians choose to live. Would Cochranites support a 14-storey tower on 1st Street West? Likely not—at least not yet.
Importantly, growth fuels prosperity. New residents and businesses don’t just consume infrastructure—they generate tax revenue, attract services, bring visitors, and create jobs. Municipal leaders are navigating this complexity with care, not recklessness.
If Ms. Stewart finds herself frustrated in traffic, I invite her to reflect not on blame, but on the enormous effort required to build and maintain a thriving community. Infrastructure doesn’t appear by magic – it is the result of strategy, collaboration, and vision.
Our councillors serve with dedication, often under scrutiny and with little gratitude. They deserve respect – not hasty condemnation.
Sincerely,
Len Babin
Cochrane, Alberta
