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1. HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM?

Call to book an appointment with a Resource Worker who can help get you started. 

If you have children aged 0-18, call Cochrane and Area Family Resource Network (FRN) at 403-851-2265.
127 First Avenue W, Cochrane, AB
www.cochrane.ca/FRN

If you are an individual, family with children 18+, older adult or rural resident call Cochrane Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) at 403-851-2250.
209 Second Avenue W, Cochrane, AB
www.cochrane.ca/FCSS

2. AM I ELIGIBLE? WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

Eligibility is based on your income. Once you have an appointment booked with a FCSS/FRN designated resources worker, you will be asked to provide the following to determine your eligibility. 

• Financial information (all adults in the household will need to provide) 
  • Canada Revenue Notice of Assessment (with line 150), OR
  •  AB Works, EI or AISH confirmation (Income support)
• Proof of Address (Town of Cochrane or surrounding area)
  • Mortgage or lease agreement, OR
  • Current bill (showing name & address, dated within 3 months)

3. HOW ARE DISCOUNTS DETERMINED?

Partnering businesses set their own discount based on what they can provide. Your income determines whether you are eligible for Level 1 or Level 2. 

4. WHAT SERVICES/SUPPORTS CAN I ACCESS WITH LEVEL 1?

There are lots of discounts and offerings provided to all Level 1 Connect Card Holders. See the following list highlighting them all:  

COCHRANE SERVICES	DETAILS	DISCOUNT
Cochrane's Local On-Demand Transit System (COLT)	Off books of 10 tickets or monthly passes	25%
Cochrane FCSS & FRN - Volunteer Income Tax Program	Different eligibility. Find out if you qualify: 403-851-2250	Free

* Discounts/offers are subject to change
 * Cannot be used in combination with other subsidies or discounts

PARTNER PROGRAMS

PARTNER BUSINESSES	DETAILS	DISCOUNT
Anything Grows	Off any in-store offering	10%
Bar Jo Ranch  (2 day, weekend horse camps)	Two-day, weekend horse camps	25%
Cochrane Garage	Excludes oil changes  *Cochrane Garage reserves the right to verify the Connect Card participants match with the vehicle's registered owner	25% off labour 10% off parts
Cochrane Integrated Arts Society	Off any program offering	50%
Cochrane Minor Basketball Association	Applies to registration fees only	50%
Cochrane Minor Hockey Association	N/A - Can use Jumpstart, Kidsport and/or Lindsay's Kids - Lindsay Kimmett Memorial Foundation - visit Sport & Activities Subsidies	N/A
Cochrane Movie House	Admitted for lowest daily price	Admission
Cochrane Public Library	Membership costs	Free
Cochrane Rangers Soccer	Adult registration fees	25%
Global Pet Foods	Off any in-store offering	15%
Home Treasures		20%
LifeCraft Therapy	Use code CC30 when booking online	30%
My Mobile Dental Hygienist		25%
Roll (E-Scooter & E-Bikes)		50%
Shredz Shop	Summer camps only	100%
Snap Dance Studios	Sessional classes	50%
Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre	Membership only	50%
Two Pharmacy and Natural Market	Excludes prescriptions and sale priced items	10%

* Discounts/offers are subject to change
 * Cannot be used in combination with other subsidies or discounts
 * GST is not included

5. WHAT SERVICES/SUPPORTS CAN I ACCESS WITH LEVEL 2?

There are lots of discounts and offerings provided to all Level 2 Connect Card Holders. See the following list highlighting them all:  

PARTNER BUSINESSES	DETAILS	DISCOUNT
Anything Grows	Off any in-store offering	10%
Bar Jo Ranch  (2 day, weekend horse camps)	Two-day, weekend horse camps	25%
Cochrane Garage	Excludes oil changes  *Cochrane Garage reserves the right to verify the Connect Card participants match with the vehicle's registered owner	25% off labour 10% off parts
Cochrane Integrated Arts Society	Off any program offering	25%
Cochrane Minor Basketball Association	Applies to registration fees only	50%
Cochrane Minor Hockey Association	Applies to registration fees	$100 off
Cochrane Movie House	Admitted for lowest daily price	Admission
Cochrane Public Library	Membership costs	Free
Cochrane Rangers Soccer	Adult registration fees	25%
Global Pet Foods	Off any in-store offering	10%
Home Treasures		10%
LifeCraft Therapy	Use code CC20 when booking online	20%
My Mobile Dental Hygienist		25%
Roll (E-Scooter & E-Bikes)		50%
Shredz Shop	Summer camps only	50%
Snap Dance Studios	Sessional classes	50%
Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre	Membership only	25%
Two Pharmacy and Natural Market	Excludes prescriptions and sale priced items	10%

* Discounts/offers are subject to change
 * Cannot be used in combination with other subsidies or discounts
 * GST is not included

6. DO I NEED TO RE-APPLY EVERY YEAR?

Yes. You are required to re-apply to ensure you are still within the eligibility requirements. Lucky for you, it's easy to do! 

To re-apply you must provide a Notice of Assessment from your previous year's tax return. (If you need assistance with tax preparation, you can inquire about the Volunteer Income Tax Program at FCSS. Residents who have low income and simple tax situations are eligible.) 

7. HOW DO I RE-APPLY?

To re-apply you must provide a Notice of Assessment from your previous year's tax return. (If you need assistance with tax preparation, you can inquire about our Volunteer Tax Program. Residents who have low income and simple tax situations are eligible.) 

8. WHAT BENEFIT DOES THIS PROGRAM ADD FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES?

HOW DOES IT BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS?

The program offers more than just the opportunity to support your community, but also the chance to build strong, long-lasting relationships and have your business spotlighted as a Connect Card partner – helping you reach farther. It’s truly a mutually beneficial partnership.

DO GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY

Be a part of something great! As a Cochrane and area business, you can support the community and help those who need an extra hand during tough and turbulent times. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community, who has supported your local business, creating a more supportive and connected community.

GET THE RECOGNITION YOU DESERVE

Stand out as a community trailblazer. As a Connect Card partner, you will be a part of a recognized group of local businesses – putting your business on the map for more to see. By participating, you will enhance your businesses image by demonstrating your commitment to supporting to the community.

Through the Connect Card Program, you will receive recognition through program highlights, communications and marketing, including business profiles and spotlights and discount information targeted to existing and potential Connect Card users in Cochrane and surrounding areas.

You will also be given the opportunity to be a part of the Connect Card Sticker recognition program, giving you the opportunity to visibly demonstrate your acceptance of the Connect Card Program in your storefront and/or on your website.

BUILD NEW RELATIONSHIPS

Open your business to more! It’s a win-win situation. Yes, your business is helping those in need, but the program aims to be a mutually beneficial partnership by bringing new customers to you. By setting a discounted rate that works for your businesses, you can potentially draw in new customers who may not have been able to previously consider your business in the past.

The Cochrane Connect Card promotes and encourages users to keep it local, by supporting Cochrane and area businesses. Connecting residents to local businesses and businesses to the community.

9. I OWN A LOCAL BUSINSSES. HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

You can get involved by applying to be a Connect Card partner and filling out this form and sending it to FCSS/FRN. 

• Cochrane Connect Card Partner Application (PDF printable)
• Cochrane Connect Card Partner Application (PDF fillable form)