News Flash

COUNCIL APPROVES $700K ADDITION FOR RAILWAY ST WORK

The Railway Street construction project is getting an additional $700,000 to cover costs associated with removing asbestos cement pipe.

Council approved the amount — to be funded from Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) Capital grant &m...

TOWN CONDUCTING RESIDENTIAL BLUE CART AUDIT

The audit assesses recycling contamination levels – items that should be in waste or organics carts – and educates residents on what is considered contamination.

The right material in the right bin helps maintain market standards for re...

BRING THE PARTY TO YOUR BLOCK

Bring the celebration to your block this fall with a neighbourhood block party.

Cochrane Family and Community Support Services, with the support of Mackay’s and Two Pharmacy, is offering free ice cream and PPE kits to encourage residents to plan ...

PSA: PEDESTRIAN RAILWAY CROSSING SAFETY REMINDER

On June 19, the Town of Cochrane and Canadian Pacific (CP) were pleased to officially open the Horse Creek Road pedestrian crossing in the community of Heartland. The crossing provides safe and direct access to the many amenities found in Cochrane&rsq...

COCHRANE COUNCIL DECIDES ON USE OF MASKS IN COCHRANE

Council decided that a mandatory face covering requirement will only be enacted if Cochrane reaches 10 active cases and would be rescinded when active case numbers are reported to be below 10, for 14 consecutive days.

The bylaw reflects the recommendations...

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY RESILIENCE, NEEDS

Town Council heard an overview Monday evening of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted both residents and non-profit organizations.

The Social Recovery Task Force (SRTF) presented results of both surveys highlighting the social, emotional and financial im...

COUNCIL APPROVES REVISED CAPITAL PROJECT PLAN

Town Council approved a revised capital plan for 2020 at their meeting Monday.

The revised plan moves four projects into the current year and funds them from grants, reserves and offsite levies: Highway 1A/22 utility relocation, Township Road 262 upgrade, ...

TASK FORCE LAUNCHES LOCAL SHOP SAFE CAMPAIGN

Town Council got their first look at the new shop local campaign endorsed by the Economic Recovery Task Force (ERTF) at their meeting June 22.

The Open and Safe campaign is intended to support the local economy and remind the public it’s safe to ...

HORSE CREEK ROAD PEDESTRIAN CROSSING NOW OPEN

Cochrane’s new Horse Creek Road pedestrian rail crossing opened today with a ribbon cutting and official first crossing.

Building the crossing was a collaboration between the Town of Cochrane and CP Rail to connect neighbourhoods on the west side...

TOWN PREPARING FOR STAFF RE-ENTRY, PUBLIC ACCESS

The Town is getting ready for staff to return to their work locations and making plans to welcome the public back to Town facilities.

Some staff will start returning to Town facilities June 22 in a phased way; the Cochrane RancheHouse will reopen to the pu...

WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY IS JUNE 15

The Town of Cochrane has declared June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The day is being marked with a lilac tree planting at Bethany Cochrane by Mayor Jeff Genung and members of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) committee.

World Elder Abuse Aw...

COUNCIL HOLDS THE LINE ON 2020 BUDGET, SETS TAX RATE

Town Council approved property tax rates at their meeting yesterday.

The amount is the rate included in the 2020 budget approved by Council in December 2019. By keeping the tax rate low and ensuring Town services continue to be provided, Council is support...

COUNCIL APPROVES $54K IN COMMUNITY GRANTS

A total of 25 local groups were approved for Town of Cochrane Community Grant funding at the June 8 Council meeting.

The Town of Cochrane supports local groups with funding for projects, events or capital expenditures.

This year, Council approved $60,000 fo...

COUNCIL SUPPORTS SLS FAMILY SPORTS CENTRE TO REBOUND AND SERVE RESIDENTS

Town Council voted 4-3 Thursday night to help Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) respond to a fiscal blow brought by the COVID-19 crisis.

When provincial COVID-19 regulations forced recreation facility closures in March, SLSFSC lost its larg...

FIRE AND MUNICIPAL ENFORCEMENT PRESENT ANNUAL REPORTS TO COUNCIL

Cochrane Fire Services and Municipal Enforcement managers presented their annual reports to Council at their meeting yesterday.

Both reports reflect changing needs in the community in 2019, and that those needs are being met.

Council received both reports f...

ECO CENTRE OPENS JUNE 2 WITH MODIFIED PROGRAMS

The Cochrane Eco Centre is reopening next week with modifications in place to protect staff and the community.

The operational plan was reviewed and approved by the Town Emergency Coordination Centre and meets provincial requirements.

The Eco Centre opens a...

TAKE A VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP TO COCHRANE FIRE STATION 151

Cochrane Fire Services is now offering an exclusive behind the scenes look at one of the Town’s most loved facilities with the launch of their new interactive 360º virtual tour of the Protective Services Centre.

The virtual tour combines...

#COCHRANESAYSTHANKS LAUNCHES MAY 18

The Town of Cochrane is launching a new campaign to help the community share their gratitude.

#CochraneSaysThanks starts May 18 with a poster campaign so residents can thank each other, as well as local businesses and services. Special online gratitude sha...

FAMILY RESOURCE NETWORK COMING TO COCHRANE

Cochrane and area has been recognized as a medium-sized community by the province and the Town of Cochrane has officially been designated a Family Resource Network (FRN) under Alberta Children’s Services (ACS).

The new FRN is providing support, r...

COUNCIL MOVES TO HELP COCHRANE FAMILIES BY EXTENDING TAX DEADLINE

Cochrane Town Council passed a motion this week aimed at helping alleviate some of the pressures property owners are facing by extending the tax payment deadline to September 30 from June 30.

"We know that many residents are facing unprecedented finan...

RESIDENTIAL STREET SWEEPING STARTS MAY 4

Residential street cleaning in Cochrane officially starts Monday, May 4.

Due to the operational impacts of COVID-19, the Town is asking for extra cooperation this year.

Each subdivision will be scheduled for a block of three days to ensure a thorough sweep ...

COUNCIL APPROVES RELIEF MEASURE TO LESSEN WATER BILL STRESS

Cochrane Town Council is taking action to support residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At yesterday’s meeting, Town Council approved an adjustment to residential water consumption thresholds to mitigate against anticipated increases t...

NO DELAY TO INSPECTIONS: COCHRANE SAFETY CODES INSPECTIONS NOW VIRTUAL

Anyone who’s worked on a building project knows inspections are a crucial component of safety and compliance.

With the current COVID-19 response requiring physical distancing, Town Safety Codes Officers have figured out a way to virtually inspect...

COLT WINS INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARD

Cochrane On-demand Local Transit has received recognition from the prestigious Hermes Creative Awards for logo design and marketing planning.

The COLT logo design and graphics package won gold, while the COLT launch marketing campaign won platinum.

&ldq...

COMMUNITY STORIES SHARED ON SHOP COCHRANE

The Town of Cochrane is sharing stories from the community as another way to help residents feel connected.

Shop Cochrane stories are part of the #CochraneTogether campaign to inspire and share local acts of caring and support. The stories can be found on ...

TOWN WAIVING LATE UTILITY PAYMENT PENALTIES, OFFERING PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR UTILITIES & PROPERTY TAXES

Town Council approved waiving late utility bill penalties for four months, as well as approving a deferral of utility bills for residents who need it until August 2020.

Both decisions were passed unanimously during the Monday March 23 Council meeting via v...

TOWN ENCOURAGING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

The Town of Cochrane is encouraging residents to buy local and support local businesses.

A recent post on the Town’s Facebook page pointed the community to a new Shop Cochrane Facebook page where news about local retailers and service providers i...

COVID-19 UPDATE MONDAY MARCH 16: TOWN EXTENDING PROACTIVE RESPONSE

The Town of Cochrane is closing facilities to the public to extend virus protection for staff and the community.

Work inside facilities continues, with staff accessible by email and phone. Town information and links are also available on cochrane.ca.

During...

TOWN IMPLEMENTS PROACTIVE RESPONSE TO COVID-19

The Town of Cochrane is working proactively to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Cochrane and to protect the community and Town staff.

The Town has enacted the Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) which allows officials to take proactive measures to he...

JACK TENNANT MEMORIAL BRIDGE UPDATE: ON TIME AND ON BUDGET

“On time” and “on budget” are words Town Council heard frequently during an update on the Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge and James Walker Trail project at their meeting Monday.

Work continues on both components of the ...

TOWN COUNCIL APPOINTS INTERIM CAO

TOWN OF COCHRANE CAO RESIGNS

Town of Cochrane Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Dave Devana, tendered his resignation to Cochrane Town Council on February 24, 2020.

“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank Mr. Devana for his dedication to our community over the past tw...

TEN-YEAR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY APPROVED

Town Council showed their commitment to local business development and innovation by approving the 2020-30 Business Development Strategic Plan at their meeting Monday.

The plan outlines four main business development strategies:

1. Proactively promote the inno...

LAND USE BYLAW AMENDMENTS STREAMLINE PROCESS FOR SECONDARY SUITES, DAYHOMES

Town Council approved two Land Use Bylaw amendments, designed to streamline approval processes for accessory suites and dayhomes in Cochrane.

The amendments were developed as part of the comprehensive review of the Cochrane Land Use Bylaw, which is anticip...

FCSS AND UNITED WAY SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS WITH ANNUAL GRANTS

The Cochrane Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Advisory Board presented a detailed list of grant requests to Town Council at their meeting Monday.

Council approved a total of $99,000 in grants to local groups that fit FCSS and United Way manda...

ANIMAL LICENSING RENEWAL DATE MOVING TO JANUARY FOR 2021

To move away from the staggered-monthly payment system, pet owners will receive their licence renewals in their usual month, however the amount will be prorated to the end of the calendar year.

In December 2020, pet owners can expect to receive a licence r...

TOWN ANNOUNCES NEW ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Town of Cochrane implemented a new organizational structure, focused on strategic planning and decision-making, while delivering high-quality services to the community.

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Dave Devana, initiated the restructuring wi...

TRANSIT HUB AND INNOVATION OUTPOST MOVING AHEAD

Council voiced enthusiastic support for Cochrane’s new transit hub and innovation outpost and voted to move forward with the process at their December 9 meeting.

The proposed innovation centre is intended to create and foster jobs in the tech and innovatio...

CENTRE AVENUE WORK MOVING AHEAD IN PHASES

Council approved a schedule and estimated budget to begin work on Centre Avenue corridor improvements, continuing their commitment to community connectivity and increasing traffic efficiency and capacity, particularly during peak commute times.

“...

PROVINCE CONFIRMS $65 MILLION FOR INTERCHANGE

Provincial officials released a list of projects included in the $4.4 billion allocated to build and repair highways.

The list includes $65 million for Cochrane’s Highway 1A/22 interchange.

“This is another giant step forward towards making the long-awaited...

COCHRANE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT 1A/22 INTERCHANGE IN PROVINCIAL BUDGET

“We are excited that our efforts may be yielding results, and this is encouraging news for Cochrane,” said Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung. “Until there is equipment on site, we will continue to drive home to the Province the vita...

LEARN TO BE A ZERO-WASTE HERO

Cochrane is celebrating National Waste Reduction Week October 21-27, a national campaign to educate, engage and empower Canadians to reduce, reuse and recycle waste.

Cochrane’s Eco Centre is raising awareness about waste reduction, specifically f...

COMMUNITY SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS COCHRANE’S HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE

Results from the recent community survey demonstrate that 98% of Cochranites are satisfied or highly satisfied with the quality of life in Cochrane. NRG Research Group, who was engaged to conduct the survey, presented the results at the October 15 Town Co...

SCULPTURE DONATION ENRICHES TOWN OFFICE

There’s a new piece of art at the Cochrane RancheHouse, donated by the family of Gina McDougall Cohoe in her memory.

The metre-high bronze of a rearing colt is called “Future Champion.” It was created by McDougall Cohoe, an ar...

TRANSIT BYLAW APPROVED BY COUNCIL

Cochrane’s new on-demand local transit is one step closer to launching, as Town Council approved the transit bylaw and put the last legislative piece in place for the service.

COLT: Cochrane On-Demand Local Transit launches October 7 and will be free to ri...

COUNCIL SUPPORTS TRANSIT HUB AND INNOVATION CENTRE BUSINESS PLAN

Council directed Administration to proceed with detailed design and costing for the Cochrane Innovation Centre and Transit Hub after seeing the business plan at the September 23 Council meeting. 

The proposed innovation centre is intended to creat...

COCHRANE UNVEILS BRANDING FOR FIRST CANADIAN FULLY ON-DEMAND TRANSIT SYSTEM

The Town of Cochrane revealed the name of the new local transit system at the Cochrane Trade Show.

COLT: Cochrane On-Demand Local Transit is the highlight of the Town booth.

Mayor Jeff Genung is looking forward to sharing details with the community

“As the o...

COUNCIL APPROVES LOCAL ON-DEMAND TRANSIT SYSTEM

Cochrane Council gave Administration the green light to move ahead with a local on-demand transit system. Council directed Administration to negotiate and enter into a contract for a local on-demand transit system with Southland Transportation.The Town re...

COUNCIL APPROVES MOVING FORWARD ON TRANSIT PLANS

The Town of Cochrane is moving ahead to make plans for local transit, with the support of provincial funding.

The Town was approved for $9 million in provincial Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP) funding in 2011 for the creation of local and regi...