While I am overjoyed that Council is committed to a new Big Hill Lodge, I would ask that they reconsider the proposed location at the old town hall. The space is inappropriate for elderly citizens for a number of reasons, and I focus on three that jump off the page if you are a long-time, aging Cochrane citizen. First, it is too close to the highway with no natural infrastructure whatsoever that is necessary to address noise and traffic issues such as pollution from emissions, congestion, and dust. Second, and most important, the site is just too small and would not accommodate all the facilities required to house and operate a bigger Big Hill Lodge. Rooms need to be much bigger in a new facility, and kitchen and dining facilities much improved with more options for those who prepare meals. Meeting current industrial sized kitchen facility standards should be a major goal. A recreational facility in the lodge is critical, as many excellent events take place within the lodge. These events are currently curtailed due to limited space. As well, with a growing number of local citizens retiring and aging, we need to look at space from a growth perspective and not from a status quo position. Third, the old town hall site is not located handily to retail outlets and other services that seniors may enjoy, such as stores, pharmacies, the movie house, doctors, etc. There are many other social, ecological and economic reasons why the old town hall is an inappropriate site.
In their personal and collective efforts to leave a 'bricks and mortar' legacy before the next election, Council should not forget who they are building this facility for-the local seniors who have been supporters and taxpayers for many years. Why not ask them where they want to live and recreate before rushing to get shovels in the ground.
I still do not understand why the 5th Avenue location is not being developed for the lodge - NOW. This is the location earmarked for years to house these facilities. Why are we detracting from an n acceptable location instead of pursuing a site that is also owned by the community, serviced and 'shovel-ready?’ I gently remind our Council that the public would like to hear their respectful and principled debates instead of having decisions like this one made behind closed doors in-camera and then presented to us as done deals and show and tell!
Judy Stewart
Cochrane, AB
