A large crowd is anticipated tonight (Feb. 5) for the continuation of a public hearing on proposed land-use amendments in Southbow Landing.

Town officials ask anyone interested in speaking at the public hearing to arrive at the council chambers in the Cochrane RancheHouse prior to 5:30 p.m. and sign the speakers’ list. The extension is to provide time for anyone who was not able to speak on Jan 22, as well as for the developer to provide closing remarks. Residents who previously spoke at the public hearing are welcome to attend but will not be able to provide further comments.

On Jan. 22, council heard a presentation on the proposed from representatives of Qualico Communities. It calls for medium and high-density residential development in an area designated as Urban Holdings (UH), a holdings district applied to lands intended for future development.

Qualico proposes to convert approximately 12.31 acres of land to Residential Medium Density District (RMD) and approximately 15.18 acres to Residential High-Density District (R-HD). The proposal alignments with the Southbow Landing Neighbourhood Plan

Several residents rose to voice objection to the proposed amendments, and the town has received at least 80 letters disapproving of the amendments.

A three-hour public hearing on a proposed area redevelopment plan for Rolling Range Estates and Tower Trail preceded the hearing on Southbow Landing. Due to its length, several speakers on Southbow Landing were unable to stay for the duration. Council adjourned the hearing until today to allow for further feedback.