The introduction of public transit to Cochrane is a hot topic in the town these days. The Town Council approved a plan to introduce transit beginning in 2014 at their meeting on Monday, November 14 - but it was a very close vote. Councillor Jeff Toews voted against the plan, citing a lack of clarity around the actual numbers involved and a lack of public consultation on the issue:

Toews feels the people of Cochrane didn't get a chance to see the actual numbers involved in bringing transit to the town and that the money involved could be better spent on other projects. 

Grassroots opposition has been taking place in Cochrane, with Stop the Bus t-shirts being sold and a petition asking for a plebiscite started.

Mayor Truper McBride disagrees and says not only has the issue of transit been discussed for quite some time, the opportunity for more public consultation still exists:

McBride says the basis for moving ahead with transit is Cochrane's Sustainability Plan that Council has been working on for three or four years. This planning process has helped the Town determine what kind of town they want to be, and what projects and developments are important to residents.

But he's obviously had his ear to the ground. McBride tells the Range that an announcement regarding a plebiscite on bringing transit to Cochrane will be made Monday morning. We'll have more on this story as it continues to develop.