Rocky View County council approved the Cochrane Lake Improvement Plan at the March 4 meeting, providing funding for to fix longstanding stormwater issues and improving the water quality.
As it stands, Cochrane Lake has no natural outlet and water quality has been an issue as minerals and nutrients entering the lake from stormwater runoff are not flushed out, continuing to accumulate and cause undesirable conditions.
In 2013, severe rain events resulted in a portion of the south hamlet homes to experience flooding, prompting a public concern with safety and odour.
In 2016, a pump station and outlet pipeline were constructed by the County to release water from the lake to Horse Creek - lowering lake levels and allowing for the removal of nutrients negatively impacting water quality. To further address water quality concerns, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) approved an increased discharge rate in 2022.
Macdonald Communities Limited (MCL) engaged the County in 2022 to explore the vision presented in the 1995 Conceptual Scheme. The County and MCL have worked closely over the past year, examining several options, with the construction of a berm and continued discharge to Horse Creek being identified as the most feasible solution.
A berm is a raised barrier, often made of soil, that aise the water level and create a deeper, algae-resistant lake with enhanced stormwater storage capacity.
Brenda Mulrooney, supervisor of capital and engineering services, noted that Cochrane Lake is under the jurisdiction of the AEPA, while the County manages the lake in accordance with the current management strategy.
"In recognition of the importance of discharging clean and safe water to Horse Creek, the County is committed to providing the best solution that considers the ecosystem, fish and other living organisms in the natural bio-network of both Cochrane Lake and Horse Creek," Mulrooney noted.
She highlighted in a presentation to council that the preliminary cost is approximately $5.1 million, covering the berm construction, infrastructure upgrades, wetland plantings, and a mechanical treatment system.
In addition to applying for a Drought and Flood Protection Program (DFPP) grant, which may cover up to 70 per cent of the project costs, Contributing Landowners (CLO's) are prepared to enter into an agreement where the County would commit to a 50/50 split.
The County’s maximum contribution would be $2.55 million while the CLOs would commit to paying any cost overruns above the estimate.
Reeve Crystal Kissel, who represents Cochrane Lake, picked up on the 1995 conceptual scheme date and said RVC has been talking about this issue now for 30 years. She supported the motion as a way to increase development along Cochrane Lake.
"We have a lot approved and nothing there," she said. "This is the difference between moving the area forward or rescinding the ASP and getting rid of all that."
The motion passed with only Div. 1 Coun. Kevin Hanson in opposition.
"Percentage-wise, I think 25 per cent is fair. I think having the developer send out someone to support this 50/50 is of course a better deal for them," Coun. Hanson explained. "Ultimately, it's not him who's on the hook. It's lot buyers who are on the hook, so I think we need to keep that in mind as well."
Grant application approval and an allocation of funds during the spring budget is the final step to move the Cochrane Lake Improvement Plan forward.
