Hi my name is Paul Trotter, a resident of Cochrane Alberta. I am a member of a group that is very concerned about a concrete plant that has been proposed for our Town, to be built in the Gravel Pit, operated by Heidelberg Materials, formerly known as the Green Drop gravel pit, in the Bow River Valley. Our group is planning to Appeal the Development Permit granted for this plant. We also vowed to ensure that residents throughout Cochrane are aware of the approval to build the Concrete Batch Plant as it impacts all of us – from limiting our use of the Bow Valley, to housing prices, to our environment.

To appeal the Development Permit we need to advertise, pay legal fees to hire a lawyer, pay fees to the Town of Cochrane for our Freedom of Information request, and other expenses that may arise. We have already incurred some of these expenses.

The time to file our Appeal is May 16. After filing, we will need to continue to prepare for the Appeal hearing, collect data, prepare expert testimony, and make the community aware of the issues. Legal fees will continue for appearing at the Appeal, and possible further appeals, and enforcement measures.

We are all volunteers, and any funds raised will be used for the Development Permit Appeal, legal fees, other related expenses, making Town residents aware, and taking appropriate measures to protect the River Valley of Cochrane. Any funds not used for these purposes will be donated to similar environmental causes in Cochrane and area.