Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. The Town of Cochrane works closely with the community to support housing needs, prevent homelessness and plan for a growing population.
How we support housing in Cochrane
Housing in Cochrane today
Based on the Cochrane Growth Study (PDF), Cochrane’s population is estimated to reach 90,000 by 2050. With this growth, affordable housing options are critical for Cochrane’s future.
Understanding the housing spectrum
The areas of the housing spectrum supported by community agencies and facilitated by the Town of Cochrane include:
Affordable home ownership: Programs such as down payment help, homebuyer education and reduced-rate mortgages make ownership possible for families with modest incomes.
Affordable rental housing: Rental homes where costs don’t exceed 30% of household income, often made possible through public financing or subsidies.
Social and supportive housing: Affordable housing combined with services like health care and counselling for people who need extra support to remain housed.
Transitional housing: Temporary, supportive accommodation that helps people move from homelessness to stable, long-term housing.
Emergency shelters: Short-term housing for people in crisis, providing immediate safety and connection to services.
Unsheltered: The most severe housing insecurity, where people live without stable, safe housing (on the street, in vehicles, or temporary arrangements).
Available supports
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity administers 10 affordable housing units around the Cochrane Downtown core. Currently, Habitat for Humanity has an affordable 3 bedroom, 1.5 baths housing unit available in Cochrane through its homeownership program. For more information, visit Habitat’s website.
Supports to help with housing costs
Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) – Long-term rent subsidy for low-income residents of Cochrane and Rocky View County, managed by Rocky View Foundation. Apply here.
Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) – Short-term support for working households with low income or between jobs, managed by Calgary Housing Company. Apply here.
FCSS resource workers – Offer guidance for families and caregivers, help with government forms and connect residents with supports. Learn more about Cochrane's FCSS.
Seniors property rebate program – This Cochrane-based program assists low-income seniors with their property taxes by providing a rebate of up to $500. Eligible residents must book an appointment with Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) to apply.
Housing benefit for survivors of gender-based violence – This benefit provides a subsidy to support Albertans escaping abusive situations by helping to pay their housing expenses, such as rent, utilities and mortgage. More details are available through the Lethbridge Housing Management Body.
Supporting unhoused residents
If you see someone who appears to be unsheltered and are concerned for their well-being, please call the non-emergency RCMP line at 403-932-2211. Your call ensures the person receives help in a safe and compassionate way.
Local housing and shelter partners
Bethany Care SocietyQuigley Manor (38 units) offers supportive living for older adults and adults with disabilities, with meals, housekeeping and 24-hour care. Bethany Cochrane also provides long-term care (78 units) for those with complex needs |
Big Hill HavenBig Hill Haven provides emergency shelter and wraparound support for adults experiencing violence and abuse. |
Cochrane Society for Housing Options (CSHO)Owns and operates 35 affordable rental units across town, including townhomes and apartments at below-market rates. CSHO also operates Home Reno Heaven. |
Habitat for Humanity Southern AlbertaHabitat for Humanity build homes for families to purchase with no down payment, no interest, and mortgage payments do not exceed 30 precent of the family’s eligible income. The program enables families to move from subsidized rent into home ownership and ultimately reduces reliance on social services. Habitat for Humanity administers 10 affordable housing units around the Cochrane Downtown core. |
Rocky View FoundationHas provided affordable housing options to independent seniors living in the Rocky View, Alberta region for over 63 years. Supportive living for older adults through apartments (Evergreen Manor, 22 units) and seniors lodges (Big Hill Lodge, 75 units). |