Fight against proposed concrete plant may not be over, say Cochrane residents

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeLocal News Fight against proposed concrete plant may not be over, say Cochrane residents Opponents said they resisted the plant because it would have been within 1.6 kilometres of 2,100 homes and 5,400 residents in Cochrane Author of the article: By Bill Kaufmann Published Sep 23, 2026 4 minute read Join the conversation The Town of Cochrane sign with the town in the background was photographed on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. Gavin Young/Postmedia Article content Cochrane residents say their victory in a battle against a proposed concrete production plant operating near neighbourhoods may not be the last word. Article content A week ago, the Cochrane Planning Commission unanimously rejected a plan by German multinational Heidelberg Materials to set up a concrete batch plant in the middle of its existing gravel quarry along the Bow River on the town’s east side. Article content Article content Article content The commission cited unresolved concerns over air quality and traffic issues, but the project’s opponents say other factors also went into the decision, though they’ve yet to be released. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Opponents said they resisted the plant — which would be located in the company’s gravel pit — because it would have been within 1.6 kilometres of 2,100 homes and 5,400 residents in the town of 40,000 people just northwest of Calgary. Article content But a leader of those opponents noted the company can appeal a decision, which could open the door to a repeat bid by Heidelberg. Article content “The commission rejected it but, in our view, on very narrow terms,” said Margaret Blair of the group Concerned Citizens Cochrane. Article content “There are a number of other reasons for refusal and we have to see Heidelberg’s reaction.” Article content But Blair said she wonders how serious the company will be in pursuing the plant, given the possibility the quarry might not be mined for no more than another decade. Article content In an email, a spokesman for Heidelberg Materials North America said the company is disappointed with the outcome of last week’s hearing and…