Thoughtfully transforming a former gravel quarry into an award-winning, complete community in the heart of Cochrane.

The Greystone lands, owned by the Burns Family, have been an important part of Cochrane since the 1940s. For over 70 years the lands have been used as gravel quarry and with gravel extraction complete, the lands were master planned for re-development. B&A was brought onboard to lead an Area Structure Plan (ASP), Neighbourhood Plan (NP) and comprehensive communications and engagement program for a dynamic new community.  

 B&A’s thoughtful approach to community engagement involved numerous stakeholder meetings, two public open houses, and consultation with neighbouring landowners which included regular newsletter circulation, three What We Heard Reports, and ongoing website updates. B&A also led an enhanced online presence with the creation and management of a Facebook page, and the launch of two informational videos for public viewing. Given the strong public interest and profile of the project, B&A managed all media relations, acting as spokesperson for media requests.  

Following a year’s-long planning process, the successful ASP and NP included:  

• A master-planned, complete community with:
  • a variety of housing types to meet the needs of residents;
  • an industrial and business park;
  • retail services along the high street;
  • a focus on open spaces such as playgrounds, a landscaped plaza that overlooks the stormwater pond and multi-use paths, and sports fields that provided a transition toward the adjacent Bow Rivers Edge Campground.

• A focus on sustainability. The re-use of the land, the strategic location of uses and the comprehensive pedestrian network, and the re-introduction of trees, shrubs, and grasses are at the foundation of this focus. 
• Inclusion of the Town of Cochrane’s Smart City initiative by extending fiber optic cable to the development and providing the opportunity for technology companies to locate within the business park.  
• Strong focus on urban design fundamentals set within form-based design guidelines.  

  Construction for the Greystone project is currently underway.