The Glenpatrick Drive infrastructure replacement project involves the full replacement and improvement of water, sanitary, storm and roadway infrastructure from 5th Avenue to 3-way intersection near Glenbow Elementary School.
The road will be widened to improve traffic flow and safety, with the road structure upgraded based on the pavement design and traffic impact assessment. New sidewalks and pathways will support active transportation and improve pedestrian connectivity to the school and nearby commercial areas.
A key upgrade involves transforming the existing three-way intersection near Glenbow Elementary School into a traffic circle, improving the functionality and public safety.
Updates - November 7
All major construction work in Area 1 through 5 has been completed! All public roads and sidewalks throughout the project limits are open for use!!!
Area 6 and 7 construction is expected to start May 2026.
The 5th Avenue parking lot is no longer reserved for residents affected by the Glenpatrick construction, as on-street parking and driveways along Glenpatrick Drive are now accessible.
Current work
Landscaping work is ongoing and residents may experience short-term closures to sections of parking lanes and sidewalks as this work is completed. Tree planting is scheduled for spring 2026.
Fortis will be installing street lighting near the roundabout the week of November 10.
Access and closures
All public roads and sidewalks are open for use.
Please note that the alley detour has returned to a two-way lane and vehicle access through William Camden Park is now closed.
Temporary water service
Temporary water services have been removed and permanent connections to the water main are in place.
Waste, recycling and organics
Beginning Monday, all waste, recycling, and organics pick-ups return to preconstruction locations. Residents are responsible for the placement of bins, so that the collection truck is able to pick them up.
2025 and 2026 project areas
Project progress photos
Background
Council initially approved the project with a set budget for improvements along Glenpatrick Drive and a temporary solution at the three-way intersection. In July 2023, the project was deferred for a year to address audit findings and develop a comprehensive plan. The redesign, completed in 2024, expanded the project’s scope to include a full infrastructure replacement and permanent road enhancements.
How does this project benefit the community?
Replaces aging water, storm, and sanitary systems, reducing maintenance and disruptions.
Enhances community safety with road upgrades and traffic calming measures.
Provides safer walking routes with new pedestrian surfaces.
Upgrades stormwater systems to reduce flooding risks.
Improves traffic flow to reduce congestion in busy areas.
Strategic Alignment
This project supports Council's commitment to livability, connectivity and vibrant economy and will build on the foundations of financial and environmental stewardship and built environment. This project aligns with the Town's broader planning goals as outlined in the Connecting Cochrane document, supporting community growth and development while ensuring infrastructure is resilient and will serve our community into the future.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Replacing aging infrastructure: The water, sewer, storm systems and roads are nearly 50 years old and need to be replaced to prevent failures and maintain reliable services.
Upgrading Glenpatrick Drive: Improvements will enhance safety and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
Removal and replacement of deep utilities (water, sanitary and storm pipes).
Removal and replacement of all public deep utility services (water, sanitary and storm services to the property line).
Removal and replacement of all sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
Construction of a new sidewalk on the east/north side of Glenpatrick Dr.
New road surface throughout the project area.
New pedestrian crosswalk bump-outs.
New asphalt multi-use pathway adjacent to William Camden Park.
New traffic circle at the intersection of Glenhill Dr, Glenpatrick Rd and Glenpatrick Dr.
To minimize the impacts to the residents, the construction will be carried out in phases.
Road and sidewalk and pathway closures will be required, and temporary detours will be provided to maintain property access.
Parking restrictions will be required, and temporary parking locations will be identified and provided during construction.
Temporary water connections and waste/recycling accommodations may be required.
Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2025 with completion of the project expected in the fall of 2026.
When you open a road, unexpected surprises can arise, and Cochrane’s weather can add to the challenges. While we can’t control everything, the Town has plans in place to manage unforeseen circumstances. If the construction schedule changes, we’ll keep you updated on the project page.
We’re focused on maintaining service throughout the project. If needed, we’ll set up temporary connections to keep everything running smoothly.
Sidewalks are being added to enhance public safety, particularly for pedestrians and children walking to Glenbow Elementary School. The new sidewalks will provide a safe, designated space for walking, keeping pedestrians separated from traffic and provide safe access to community mailboxes. This improvement will also increase accessibility for all, including children, parents and individuals with mobility challenges.
Working hours are Monday to Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
If work outside the typical bylaw hours is required, we will provide you with advance notice.
Safety is our top priority. Cochrane Protective Services will be actively engaged throughout the project to ensure emergency access is always maintained.
Collection will continue throughout the project. If temporary adjustments are needed, we will coordinate them and keep you updated.
Should you have any further questions, please contact us via email at glenpatrickdrive@cochrane.ca or call us at 403-851-2500.
This phone number also connects to our 24 hour sanitary and water emergency/ serious issue line.
Dial 911 in emergencies.
To minimize disruption to school operations, the Town is planning to carry out construction of the traffic circle and utility replacements during July and August in both 2025 and 2026—when school is not in session. During work in other areas, appropriate bus and traffic detours will be in place to reduce impacts on school traffic.
No, the addition of sidewalks will not impact parking. On-street parking will remain as it is.
Residential parking will remain largely unchanged. The only areas where parking may be affected are near the new traffic circle and bump-outs. All other on-street parking will stay the same.
Yes, COLT services will be impacted. Detours will be implemented based on the project’s phasing plan to ensure continued service with minimal disruption. Updates will be shared in advance to keep riders informed.
Speed bumps are not being considered for this project. However, bump-outs are being incorporated into the design to help calm traffic, increase pedestrian visibility, and encourage slower vehicle speeds throughout the area.
Yes, we recognize that traffic on Glenbow Drive may temporarily increase, especially during the construction of interchanges. The Town is exploring alternative solutions with the contractor as part of the traffic accommodation planning to help manage these impacts effectively.
The proposed improvement for this intersection was included in the Various Intersection Analysis (2021) report. The analysis assessed the feasibility of installing a traffic calming circle at this location. The traffic circle has been designed to accommodate vehicle and school bus travel, with an emphasis on pedestrian safety. Crosswalks have been added to enhance connectivity, particularly to the school.
To minimize disruption, construction near the school — including work on the traffic circle — will be scheduled for July and August in both 2025 and 2026, when school is not in session. This timing is intended to avoid conflicts with school operations and bus traffic.
Fortis is conducting a lighting analysis for the new traffic circle area to enhance visibility in line with the changes to the road configuration.
The project involves significant work, including the replacement of deep utilities, road structure improvements and upgrades to public services. Based on the scope of these tasks, it is anticipated that the project will take two years to complete.
Trees will be removed only when necessary from construction and house service installations. If tree removal is required, replacement trees will be provided to property owners in line with Town policy.
Temporary water service is a short-term system that supplies clean, potable water to homes while underground water lines are being repaired or replaced. This system is typically set up using above-ground piping that connects to each home through an exterior hose bib (outdoor faucet).
Impacts to Expect:
Water quality and safety: The temporary system provides safe, treated drinking water that meets Alberta Health and provincial standards.
Water pressure: You may notice slightly reduced water pressure compared to normal service.
Outdoor water use: The contractor will install a Y connection on the hose bid, which will allow for the use of an outside watering hose to be attached while the temp water hose remains in place.
Duration: Temporary water service is only in place while crews work on the main water lines in your area. We will provide updates as work progresses.
No, they will remain open. Street parking will also be available.
