The kick-off of the major 545.5-acre Southbow Landing development is good news for Cochrane motorists, particularly those in south Cochrane communities.

Yesterday, developer Qualico and their partners celebrated the start of the project that will add 3,000 more homes, a large commercial district, schools, over 10 km of pathways, and four parks to the south side of town. It will be completed in 15 phases.

More important to many is how it will allow for the eventual completion of the James Walker Trail that will take pressure off of River Heights Dr.

Cochrane town council approved its structure plan in October 2015, then land-use in September 2017. The project sat in abeyance until Qualico Communities announced in January it had purchased the project and intended to break ground by the fall.

Mayor Jeff  Genung says the completion of the James Walker Trail hinged upon Southbow Landing.

He says now that the Hwy. 1A-22 interchange project is underway, the need to complete the southside major artery is the infrastructure project he hears the most about from residents.

The town estimates will will cost about $42 million to complete the vital connection. Like Southbow Landing, it will be completed in phases, however, Genung says they are looking at ways to accelerate the project.

"We're looking at ways that we can fast track that and get that connected sooner than later," says Genung. "With any development, our principles are growth pays for growth. so that's what we're working on and then it'll happen in phases, but then, where it stops, maybe we need to help find a solution to finish that connection."

Thilo Kaufmann, vice-president of Qualico community development in southern Alberta, said it will add 6.40 in today's dollars in new property tax levies to the town at full build-out.

Southbow LandingAt full build-out, the Southbow Landing will include 3,000 homes, a central commercial area, three schools, over 10 km of pathways, four parks, and extensive environmental reserve areas.

"I'm pleased to say that our Soutbow Landing project will facilitate some $250 million investment in Cochrane over its lifetime while employing thousands of people in the construction industry, professional services, and government and education during its development. We're extremely excited about making this happen."

ThiloThilo Kaufmann, vice-president of Qualico community development in southern Alberta, spoke at the groundbreaking.

To support Qualico’s commitment to truth and reconciliation, a pipe ceremony was held onsite on July 17. Elders Michael Meguinis and Donald Rowan of the Tsuut’ina Nation blessed the land and asked for the protection of all workers and their families involved in the development, as well as prayers for future residents of the community.

Single-family builders will include Broadview Homes, Daytona Homes, Douglas Homes, Sterling Homes, NuVista Homes, Jayman BUILT, and Trico Homes.

Sovereign Developments, Streetside Developments, Uptown Residential, and Trico Residential have committed to building multi-family homes in the area.

Southbow Landing includes the largest commercial site on the south side of Cochrane, which will be developed by Developments Two.