Cochrane Dollars are a local currency that you can spend at participating local businesses just like Canadian dollars. When you spend Cochrane Dollars, your money stays in Cochrane, supporting and stimulating the local economy.
Cochrane Dollars are part of a partnership between Town of Cochrane Economic Development, ATB Financial and the Cochrane Monetary Foundation. You can exchange Canadian dollars 1:1 for Cochrane Dollars at the ATB Financial Cochrane branch.
About the bills
Front image: Senator James Matthew Henry Cochrane
Cochrane was named after Senator Matthew Henry Cochrane, the man who established the Cochrane Ranche in 1881. The Canadian Pacific Railway granted the town site in 1885 and named it in honour of Senator Cochrane.
Reverse image: Men of Vision statue
This statue of a cowboy on horseback overlooks the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site. It was commissioned in honour of the working cowboy of the early ranching days in the area. It was sculpted by local rancher and sculptor, Malcolm “Mac” MacKenzie.
Front image: James and Christina Mackay
In 1946, this bright young entrepreneurial couple took over the local general store and started making ice cream in the back in 1948 to expand business. They moved ice cream production to a separate building in 1977 but still serve scoops in the original general store location on Cochrane’s main street today. Still in family hands, the shop attracts local ice cream lovers, day-trippers and visitors from around the world.
Reverse image: Historic Main Street and Legacy Statue
The buildings and businesses that line Cochrane’s Historic Main Street pay homage to the spirit and perseverance of family-run businesses. The storefronts feature architectural styles from Cochrane’s past, some with the original building name still on display. Many of Cochrane’s unique shops and restaurants on Main Street are new, but family-owned and operated.
Cochrane sculptors Don and Shirley Begg created this bronze of a woman feeding chickens as a tribute to prairie farm women and contributions to the social fabric of our community. The names on the statue are real women who represent generations of women whose hard work laid the foundation for the life of this community.
Front image: Chief Walking Buffalo
Walking Buffalo was born in Morley in 1871 and died in 1967. In his 96 years, Walking Buffalo worked tirelessly to promote forgiveness, peace and understanding among all peoples. He travelled the world with a message that still resonates: “Stop hating each other and start being brothers the way the Great Spirit intended.”
Reverse image: Grandfather Tree
This white spruce is estimated to be over 300 years old and would already have been fully grown when the Cochrane Ranche was established. Its large root system grows down to reach water, as well as up to support the weight of the tree. There is a lack of undergrowth around the tree because of the amount of shade and acidity in the soil.
Front image: Dr. Andrew Walter Park
Dr. Park, born in 1879, was Cochrane’s first resident doctor. He served Cochrane and the surrounding area, as well as the Morley Indian Reserve. When he and his new bride built a house in Cochrane, they added a wing for a small hospital. Dr. Park visited patients on horseback, then horse and buggy and later bought one of the first cars in Cochrane.
Image of Dr. Park used courtesy of the Royal Alberta Museum.
Reverse image: Bow River
The Bow River and river valley in general helps define Cochrane and contributes to the rich and varied lifestyle we enjoy. The river feels like a part of the community: residents and visitors alike walk along it, view it from their windows and enjoy for wind sports, canoeing, fishing and other adventure activities.
Front image: Clarence Copithorne
The youngest son of Richard and Sophia Copithorne, one of the area’s earliest pioneer families, Clarence Copithorne was born in Cochrane’s first hospital. He was a rancher and community organizer, elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta (1967-1975), and a cabinet minister for Peter Lougheed (1971-1975). When he retired from politics, he formed the Cochrane Ranche Historical Society and was instrumental in getting the Ranche designated as a historic site.
Reverse image: Rodeo in Cochrane
Known as a “cowboy’s cowboy,” Norman Frank Edge was born in 1904 to William and Sara Edge who were among Cochrane’s earliest settlers. He won many local rodeo titles before competing at the Calgary Stampede. He also represented Cochrane in rodeo events in Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, the United States and even the United Kingdom. Rodeos are still held in Cochrane today.
This non-circulating, limited edition note celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday. This commemorative note was printed in a very limited run of 2017 units. The serial numbers for this bill all begin with the digits 150xxxx.
Front image: Senator James Matthew Henry Cochrane. Painted by J. Scot Paisley, Cochrane portrait artist.
Cochrane was named after Senator Matthew Henry Cochrane, the man who established the Cochrane Ranche in 1881. The Canadian Pacific Railway granted the town site in 1885 and named it in honour of Senator Cochrane.
Reverse image: The Palliser Range. Painted by Glen Boles, Cochrane mountain artist.
This painting shows the rolling hills with the Palliser range of mountains in the background as they are visible from the Town of Cochrane.
Cochrane Dollars help attract new customers, encourage customer loyalty and support the local economy. If you are interested in accepting Cochrane Dollars, all you have to do is let us know. There are no start-up costs, and any time you need to purchase or exchange Cochrane Dollars, you can do so at ATB’s Cochrane Branch.
When your business accepts Cochrane Dollars, you can help keep them in circulation by:
- giving Cochrane Dollars as cash back or a bonus on large purchases
- giving Cochrane Dollars as cash back or a bonus on items that would otherwise be on sale
- offering them to customers in their change
- giving them to staff as an incentive
- giving them out as prize money
- using them to locally purchase supplies for your business
- C$1.00 = CAD$1.00, which means the Cochrane Dollars are pegged to the Canadian dollar.
- Cochrane Dollars can be purchased using Canadian dollars (cash or ATB debit card only) at a 1:1 ratio at ATB Financial—the central bank for Cochrane Dollars.
- Cochrane Dollars stand in for Canadian dollars, just as gift certificates.
- If you accumulate more Cochrane Dollars than you can recirculate, you can return Cochrane Dollars to ATB Financial for the equivalent in Canadian dollars; no fees are charged for this transaction.
- There are no fees to business owners or consumers to use Cochrane Dollars.
Cochrane Dollars are among the most secure documents printed anywhere in the world, with hidden security features that surpass even many national currencies. Regardless of security features, we take continuous active measures to protect the security and trust of our bills. As a merchant or consumer it is your responsibility to handle Cochrane Dollars with the same diligence as you handle Canadian dollars.
For more information Cochrane Dollar’s security features, check our security guide or quick reference sheet.
Where are Cochrane dollars accepted?
ATB Financial - Cochrane Dollar Central Bank ATB Financial is the Central Bank for all your Cochrane Dollar transactions. | 280 Fifth Avenue, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Aama Nepalese Cuisine | 100 Horse Creek Road, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
BlindDrop Design Inc. | 102 Bow Ridge Court, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Bob The Web Page Builder | 129 Sunset Manor, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Candid Cosmedics | 4217 101 Sunset Drive, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Chez Soi 1912 | 412 Third Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Cochrane Benjamin Moore | 12 130 Quarry Street, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Cochrane Coffee Traders | 114 Second Avenue West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Cochrane Driving Academy Ltd. | 207, 118 First Avenue West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Cochrane Floors & More | 2, 417 First West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Cochrane Home Treasures | 15 Centre Ave ,Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Cochrane Lanes | 11 402 Railway Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Cochrane Panda Flowers | Bay 4, 505 4 Ave West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Cochrane Taxi | 403-851-8888 |
Cochrane Toyota | 8 River Heights Drive, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Cochrane Vacuum | 14 118 Centre Avenue, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Days Inn & Suites | 5 West Side Drive, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Donair on the Run | 407 1 Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Don't Panic Mechanic | 225 Railway Street East, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Final Touch Art Studios | 9 118 1 Ave West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Fireside Pharmacy | 5102 50 Fireside Gate, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Firestorm Electric | 30 River Heights Green, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Flirt Cosmetics Studio & Brow Bar | 5, 204 Fifth Avenue, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Fountain Tire (Cochrane) Ltd. | 208 River Ave, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Four Leaf Corp | 204 C River Ave Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Frilly Lilly Cochrane | 27-31 Bow Street, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Godor Appliance Repair Ltd | Thoroughbred Boulevard, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Great Things in Store | 4 80 Railway Street East, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
HailCraftInc | 4 Sunset Square, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Half Hitch Brewing Co. | Unit 1, 10 Griffin Industrial Point, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Heavenly Outhouse | 312 1 Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area | 209 Second Avenue West. Cochrane, Alberta, Canada |
Horse Creek Heritage Candy & Gifts | 222 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Incredible Florist | 407 First West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Jeffery J O'Rourke Professional Corporation | Suite 101, 1 Bow Ridge Road, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Joe's Liquor Store | 118 First Avenue West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Kitchen Boutique | 212-First Street, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Krang Spirits Inc | 315 First Street East, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Life Choice Ltd. | 213 Railway Street East, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Little Caesars Pizza | 521 First Street West Unit 5, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
MacKay's Cochrane Ice Cream | 220, 1 Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Magic Siding Ltd. | 121 Glenhill Drive, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Mattress Mattress | 16 130 Quarry Street, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
McDonalds Restaurant | 202 Fifth Ave 50 Fireside Gate #2101 |
Mehtab East Indian Cuisine | 2008 120 5th Avenue, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Mountain Vista Law | 4209-101 Sunset Drive, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual | 50 Quarry Street W, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
My Greek Plate | 110 Third Avenue, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Natural Balance Therapies | 105 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Otira Business Shop | 140 Ridge View Close, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Panago Pizza | #12 312 Fifth Ave West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Papa John's Pizza | 30, 80 Bow Street, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Peregrine Glassworks | Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Poor David's | 321 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
PüR BOTANICS- Natural Artisan Bodycare | Cascade Place, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Pure Anada Natural Cosmetics | 216 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Rebel Comics Inc. | 312 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Reflex Supplements | 3 205 Third Avenue, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
River Heights Eye Care | 1129 River Heights Drive, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery | 312 5th Ave, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Saffron Collective Studios | 205 3 Ave, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Salt Water Wellness Centre | 309 First Street East, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
SHREDZ SHOP | 521 First Street, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Steelhead Ventures Ltd | 140 Fisher Avenue, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Stitching Corner by NyGaBe | Bay 2, 185 First Street, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Studio Bette Clothing Etc. | 2-305 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Styles Between Us | 119 First Avenue, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Sunny Side Up | 519 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Sunset Ridge Pharmacy | 3109 101 Sunset Drive, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Taxi4u Cochrane | Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Thanh Thy Vietnamese Cuisine Ltd | 100-521 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
The Corner Coworking | 225 Railway Street East 107-1 Bow Ridge Road 244 River Avenue |
The Shoe Closet | 208 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
The Social Spot Marketplace | 218 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
The Strand Hairdressing | 50 Grand Boulevard, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
The Town of Cochrane | RancheHouse The Station at Cochrane Crossing |
Tony's Work & Western Wear | 417-First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Trailblazers Camping & Outdoor Store | 204 First Street West, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Two Pharmacy | 100 Grand Boulevard, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
| 225 Railway Street East, Suite 152, Cochrane, AB, Canada |
Frequently asked questions
Think of Cochrane Dollars as store vouchers or gift coupons that we use all the time. Cochrane Dollars are, in practical terms, store vouchers that can be used with participating retailers or with any of your neighbours who would like to support local business and local jobs.
Cochrane Dollars help in many ways. Having a local currency is prestigious, builds community pride and attracts worldwide attention to our community. Locals enjoy keeping their business local and this is one way to focus our attention on our neighbours’ businesses.
In addition, Cochrane Dollars have a direct impact, as any interest that is generated from the Canadian dollars that accumulate in the account will go to assist local projects.
No. The Canadian dollars in account for Cochrane Dollars will be held indefinitely.