A discussion on a draft bridge lighting policy saw the light bulbs go on above the heads of some town councillors for the potential of offering special lightings of the Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge at a profit.

This, as well as a draft of a courtesy flagpole policy, was discussed during the council's committee-as-a-whole meeting on May 17.

An initial draft of the bridge lighting policy outlined potential preapproved occasions for the lighting of the bridge in a variety of colours. It also outlined criteria for nonprofit organizations to apply for lightings to recognize major events and cultural celebrations.

The draft recommended pre-scheduled lighting dates of New Year, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, and Remembrance Day. It specifically avoids religious holidays but leaves the door open for the community to request those dates.

A nominal application fee of $25 is proposed. The town currently has no resources allotted to the lighting of the bridge, and staff time would be required to maintaining the webpage, program the lights, and accept and vet applications.

Councillor Morgan Nagel suggested that the list be expanded to include more of Canada's statutory holidays and other special occasions, like Valentine's Day and Halloween.

Councillor Marni Fedeyko spurred on further discussions by pointing to the potential of opening the door for other bookings with a higher price tag.

She asked for information on costs surrounding the lightings and potential tiered pricing that could be introduced after the initial launch.

"I wouldn't want to vote on this and not have the opportunity to hear what that amount looks like. That would be my suggestion for when you're bringing it forward to council so that we can at least have that amount, even if we do an offset of time for it to start."

Giving a nod to Fedeyko, Mayor Jeff Genung agreed with starting slow, but would still like to see three to five days available to auction off from the get-go. 

"As part of the primary step, I would like to see some kind of policy around a minimum number of spots that we auction. I think putting that out in the community early on in the inception of this lighting is our opportunity to generate momentum. If you come out later on, maybe we've lost an opportunity. You only have one opportunity to start."

Town CAO Mike Derricott recommended starting with a basic pilot of the lighting policy to allow the town time to work out any kinks, then re-evaluate the policy before moving to the next step.

The majority of the council favoured the slow start approach but were open to further discuss expanding the criteria.

On the downside, Kristie Bell, manager of the Cochrane RancheHouse Event Centre, community events and culture, pointed out eligibility restrictions on this, and the courtesy flagpole policy may leave the town open to litigation. It has happened in other municipalities.

Discussion around the draft of a courtesy flagpole policy was minimal in comparison.

Councillor Patrick Wilson preferred to taking a conservative approach and eliminate the courtesy flagpole and strictly flying the national, provincial, and town flags at the Cochrane RancheHouse. 

Fedeyko believes the courtesy flagpole can play an important role in community celebrations. She pointed to the example of its significance to the LGBTQ2+ community when the Progress Pride flag was raised to kick off the first-ever Pride Week celebration in Cochrane last August.

As an alternative to the RancheHouse, she suggested there could be a courtesy flagpole located at the new transit hub/innovation centre.

Revised drafts of both policies will be brought forward for consideration at a future town council meeting.

Town council has introduced committee-as-a-whole meetings to help flush out ideas before they're formally presented at a regular council meeting.