Petition to request JL Developments to adjust their re-zoning applications of R-MD and R-HD back to the original R-MX as shown in the March 2016 Stage 2 Neighbourhood Plan. 

**Documents can be found in this google drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PblcQ0bIPB0zV5ebDwjJKyroHIJAPARK

JL Developments purchased the land that is designed to be the last phase of the Heritage Hills development, naming it “West Hawk.” The area was originally zoned R-MX. In October of this year, adjacent landowners received notices that JL Developments has requested it become R-HD/R-MD with the Town of Cochrane.

Instead of single-family units promised, JL Developments has voiced their plans to build a condo-style complex on the lot next to the zoned school lot (marked as CS in photo below). Photo 1 is the original plan, photo 2 is the newly proposed. 

This area of Heritage Hills is one of the older phases, some houses being built in 2011*. Since then, the area has remained undeveloped. While residents knew the day would come, it was always understood that the original Area Structure Plan would be followed. 

https://www.cochrane.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1595/Heritage-Hills--Stage-2---Neighborhood-Plan---FINAL-APPROVED?bidId=

Issues with proposing high-density zoning:

1. The already-existing Area Structure Plan lists these areas as regular density, or single-family units. This is what our current road structure and community design is based on. This is what was promised to current adjacent landowners. 

2. We can see how this could look if we study the development of the 3 4-story condo buildings in Heartland. Does this go with the look and feel of what we want in Heritage Hills? Visually, condo buildings are reminiscent of a downtown feeling, with it’s ease of access to train stations and cab drivers. Each of these units will require parking, which will come with many challenges between condo units and residents. With the third addition of the school, and the fourth addition of the outdoor sports park, it will get very cramped. 

3. The closure of range road 43 and its connection to highway 22 has had a big impact on how busy the twp 262 is for us and the folks on the north side of the road. There are no lamps, it is not paved, and there are no sidewalks. There is no estimated time as to when this will be completed from the town. With the addition of a condo building (estimated to break ground by this Spring) the traffic impact will be huge. There is also proposed development further north of us, in Cochrane Lake. This will bring yet more traffic down twp 262. Putting a condo unit on the edge of what will become a main traffic artery, although good in theory, will back up traffic down heritage hill. The single-laned Highway 1A outside of Heritage Hills and Heartland is not equipped for this level of traffic. 

Other concerns:

A. Although the area isn’t large, JL Developments has requested to build into the environmental reserve. This would be to accommodate the size of some lots to get them to size. 

B. The farmers and landowners to the north of twp 262 were not adequately notified of the stripping and grading (DP-2023-117), as well as the proposed density changes (SNS2023-12/13/14) until it was brought to them by a local resident. This is not the fault of the developer, but the Town of Cochrane. The effect this will have on their community alongside ours, will be tremendous. One landowner will be directly beside the proposed condo!

C. R-MD will still allow for 2-3 story “stacked” townhomes, so if the main concern from the residents about the condo is the visual appeal, this could have the same effect. It would then be best to petition for the developer to change back to R-MX. 

Based on traffic, original design, and plans for the community, it would be in the best interest of Heritage Hills to remain on its original track of building Phase 2 with single-family dwellings under a R-MX density zoning. 

What can you do?

1. Email Joelle Annicchiario (joelle.annicchiarico@cochrane.ca) until November 17th with your questions or concerns. 
2. Write to your town councillors (they do respond). Online contact form: https://www.cochrane.ca/FormCenter/Town-Council-10/Contact-us-223 
3. Sign the petition for the developer to honour the originally planned R-MX density with single-family units. 
4. Write to JL Developments directly (info@jldevelopments.ca). 

Have you got anything to add? Email kiaramcquaker6808@gmail.com. 

JL Developments: https://jldevelopments.ca/

HHCA: http://hhca-ab.ca/

Phase 2 Area Structure Plan: https://www.cochrane.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1595/Heritage-Hills--Stage-2---Neighborhood-Plan---FINAL-APPROVED?bidId= 

R-MX: Residential Mixed-Density

R-MD: Residential Medium-Density 

R-HD: Residential High-Density

*2011 is when my house was built