Cutting Red Tape
Cochrane is not alone in facing the challenges of too much red tape. Across Canada, communities are struggling with regulations that add unnecessary time, cost, and uncertainty to building projects. Here in Cochrane, that reality means fewer homes, higher prices, and less flexibility for property owners.
The principle behind a better approach is simple. Property owners should have the freedom to use, develop, and sell their land, with restrictions only when their actions cause direct and negative impacts on their neighbours. What does not work is when people with no real stake in a project are able to delay or block it, adding costs that ultimately make life more expensive for everyone.
Why red tape hurts families
Economics is clear. When demand is high, people will respond to meet it. But when governments restrict supply with complex rules and lengthy delays, the result is higher prices and fewer choices. Cochrane does not lack builders or entrepreneurs ready to step up. What stands in their way are political barriers that do not protect residents but instead increase the cost of living for families.
A balanced alternative: The Good Neighbour Bylaw
Cutting all regulations is not the answer. Rules exist for a reason, but they must be fair and practical. That is why I believe Cochrane should adopt a Good Neighbour Bylaw. This bylaw would remove unnecessary barriers while still protecting residents from genuine nuisances.
It would focus on the issues that truly matter in everyday life:
Unsightliness: keeping properties in reasonable condition to respect the look of the community
Smell and noise: preventing intrusive activities from disrupting daily life
Parking and public space: ensuring roads, sidewalks, and shared areas remain open for everyone rather than being taken over by private storage
This approach gives property owners the freedom to pursue projects that add value to Cochrane, while also protecting neighbours from real problems. It is a fair and practical balance between freedom and responsibility.
Protecting what belongs to the community
Public spaces should remain public. Streets, sidewalks, and shared areas must be available for everyone, not treated as private storage for vehicles, trailers, or other belongings. A Good Neighbour approach ensures that shared spaces are preserved while private property rights are respected.
Helping families by addressing affordability
Perhaps the most important outcome of cutting red tape is the impact on housing. When builders can respond quickly to demand, homes can be built faster and at lower cost. This means more supply, more choice, and more affordability for families, seniors, and anyone who wants to make Cochrane home.
A practical path forward
The Good Neighbour Bylaw is not about removing rules. It is about replacing ineffective ones with protections that are reasonable, transparent, and fair. By doing this, Cochrane can reduce costs, encourage development, and protect community standards all at the same time.
Cochrane is growing, and we need solutions that meet the challenges of today without creating unnecessary burdens. By cutting red tape and focusing on what really matters, we can make our town more affordable, more welcoming, and better prepared for the future.