The number of dotes and sticky notes filling the five panels outlining town council's 2019-21 strategic priorities tell many stories.

The dots served as a testimony to the success of the new approach to highlighting pursuits of the town, but they also gave valuable feedback on whether people agree, what is most important to them and what other priorities they would like to see included.

Mayor Jeff Genung estimates about 200 people stopped at the display, strategically placed near the main aquatic centre entrance of the SLS Family Sports Centre during the Spring Farmers' Market, Mar. 23.

Five panels provided a brief overview of council's priorities.It featured five panels briefly outlining the proposed priorities. Residents were encouraged to place dots by the topics most important to them and could write other ideas on sticky notes provided. Genung and members of town council were on hand to listen to residents and answer questions

"I was really pleased with the outcome," says Genung. "Obviously taking our show to where the people are is a good strategy. We received lots of feedback."

Among councillors attending was Councillor Patrick Wilson. He believes it's a tool he'd like to see used more often to talk about town priorities. It gives council a chance to connect with a cross-section of residents they may not otherwise hear from. 

Wilson says he's proud of council's priorities and he was interested in how residents would respond and what other ideas they had.

Improving community connectivity was a major part of his 2017 election campaign and something he has vigorously been pursuing since. Judging by the dots, residents agree. These issues, which include the Hwy. 22 and 1A upgrades, Centre Ave. improvements, completing the bridge and establishing transit, were heavily dotted and received the most attention.

Mayor Genung isn't surprised by the interest.

"I haven't added up the dots, but it was pretty clear that community connectivity is still a high priority in the community," says Genung.

He says another stand-out was interest in the town's tri-site project designed to enhance Cochrane's downtown by developing three public properties.

"I'm happy to see people value that as a project. Reinvesting in our community, transit hub, library/innovation centre, arts and culture are all things people are looking to us to continue to move forward on."

There were others, too. Pathway disconnections were commonly discussed, especially in Fireside, Bow Ridge, Bow Meadows and Heritage Hills/Heartland. One idea that particularly caught Genung's ear was the need to enhance pedestrian access to the existing Bow River Bridge on Hwy. 22. He says the idea will be explored with Alberta Transportation.

"That's something I personally hadn't considered. It has a really narrow walkway right now."

That's not the end of the consultation. A chance to participate in a more in-depth discussion on priorities happens at a public meeting on Apr. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cochrane Alliance Church. World Cafe style discussions follow a presentation.

"The next one will allow the people that do value that more in-depth conversation to have a chance as well," says Genung.

Feedback can also be provided through the town's Let's Talk Cochrane website.

Engagement like this isn't brand new to council but appears to be becoming more common. On occasion, some councillors set up at the rec centre to get feedback and they regularly attend the May trade show.