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1. Do you have a family with kids from birth to 18 years of age?

If so, please visit the Family Resource Network located at 127 First Avenue West. 

If you are a rural family, please connect with our Rural Community Support Worker. 

2. How I can find child care in Cochrane?

• Visit http://cochranechildcare.org/ for info on childcare, preschools, before and after school care, kindergarten and much more.

3. How and where do I get a food hamper?

• If you have a family with kids birth to 18, please contact the Family Resource Network at 403-851-2265.
• If you do not have children or are an older adult please contact Family & Community Support Services at 403-851-2250.
• Both locations will forward you to a Community Resource Worker to arrange for a food hamper and pick up time.
• Food hampers for the current week must be requested by 4:30pm on Tuesdays. The food hamper can then be picked up at the prearranged time at the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank at 30 Griffin Industrial Point, Bay 4, 403-932-9290.

4. How do I apply for social assistance?

• Alberta Supports works out of Cochrane & Calgary. Workers are available in Cochrane on Tuesdays and Thursday.
• Covid-19 Update: Two ways to apply:
• Call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre: Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 OR
• Online via: https://www.alberta.ca/income-support-how-to-apply.aspx
• All access is over the phone and clients need to have the regional number or do the online application to start the needs identification process.
• They are then assigned to a CEC (worker). There are 3 attempts made to access/contact a client has phoned in or applied online.
• Once contact has been made, an applicant is given the required next steps, they have 5 business days to get all documents in or the application is declined.
• This process is provincial.
• The Cochrane site is not currently active.

5. Is there any affordable housing in Cochrane?

The HomeStead apartment building at 209 – Second Avenue West is run by the Cochrane Society for Housing Options as well as their location in Sunset. Information and a wait list application can be found on their website. It can also be found at our office at #1, 209 - Second Avenue West, the blue HomeStead building, Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm. Please call or stop by for more information. If you have questions, please reach out to Sandra at 403-851-2565.

6. I would like to see a Resource Worker, but what can they do for me?

• Family Resource Workers/Community Resource Workers/Community Support Workers can provide assistance with information and referrals and next steps counselling. Call to book an appointment:
  • The Family Resource Network if you have children birth to 18: 403-851-2265.
  • Cochrane Family & Community Support Services if you do not have children: 403-851-2250.

7. How much does a Criminal Record Check cost?

• Please note payment and requests are both processed at the RCMP detachment. https://www.cochrane.ca/151/Cochrane-RCMP
  No longer at FCSS.

8. How can I find out about volunteer services and how I can get involved?

Visit the Volunteer Opportunities site for things to consider and the Volunteer Connector for opportunities.

9. How do I order Meals for Your Freezer?

• The Meals for Your Freezer Program is a partnership with Cochrane FCSS, the Cochrane Activettes, Rotary Club of Cochrane and Calgary Meals on Wheels.
• They are individual frozen meals that are heart friendly with options for Renal and Gluten-Free.
• Meals are $6.50 each and soups are $5.00 each.
• The menu changes periodically, so call the office for the current menu.
• Meals should be ordered through FCSS (403-851-2250) by Tuesdays at noon.  Meals are delivered at approximately noon on the following Tuesday. They will then be picked up in Calgary the following Tuesday by a Rotary Club volunteer, sorted at FCSS and then delivered within Town limits. It takes about 1 week to get your meals, depending on when you order. 

10. Where do I find the Town Program & Activity Guide?

• Due to Covid-19 the Town is currently offering a virtual guide every 2 weeks.
• Visit www.cochrane.ca/ProgramGuide to check out the latest virtual guide.
• Click on the REGISTER NOW button below to register.

11. What does Cochrane have to offer for seniors housing?

Cochrane has a variety of options, please call them to find out the specifics:

Independent Living:

• Evergreen Manor – 403-945-9724
• Grande Avenue Village – 403-851-8857
  (Independent living with consideration to needs)

Supportive Living:

• Bethany Cochrane – 403-932-6422
  (Long term care & Supportive care options)
• Big Hill Lodge – 403-932-3355
• Points West Living – 403-840-0150
  (Supportive Living Level 4, Supportive Living Level 4 with Dementia)
• Quigley Manor – 403-932-6422

12. How do I get connected to Seniors on the Bow?

• Visit the website to learn more about what they have to offer.
• Note their hours have been adjusted due to Covid-19. Contact them for details at 403-932-6002.
• Visit their page to check out their monthly calendar of activities and newsletter.
• They are located on the second floor of Spray Lake Family Sports Centre at 800 Griffin Road East.

13. How do I get the Town of Cochrane Seniors Property Tax Rebate?

• This program is available for Town of Cochrane homeowners age 60years +.
• Applicants must be a residential property owner in Cochrane and be living in the residence of ownership.
• Applicants must not own any other property.
• Applicants must meet the minimum income guidelines set out by the Alberta Seniors Benefit Program and passed by Town Council each year. Call the FCSS office to find out if you qualify at 403-851-2250.
• Each year applicants must bring a copy of your Canada Revenue Tax Assessment and complete a one page form at the FCSS office. If two people are on title, both parties must sign the form.
• If you qualify, you can get a $500 rebate on your property taxes.
• If you are on the TIPP program, your payments will be adjusted.
• The program is available all year, but does have cut off dates if you would like the rebate before your property taxes are due. Call the office for details.

14. What is the Volunteer Income Tax Program?

Cochrane FCSS has volunteers available to assist you with your taxes.

You may be eligible if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation. Income thresholds are based on family size.

This program can also assist:

• Seniors whose circumstances limit their understanding of tax forms
• People with disabilities/challenges
• Immigrants and new Canadians who have difficulties with English
• Those unable to travel for assistance
• The program is unable to assist those how are self-employed or have businesses.

Call 403-851-2250 to find out if you qualify.

15. How do I find out about Cochrane's On-Demand Local Transit system? (COLT)

• Visit www.ridecolt.ca for details on where to buy tickets, how to book a ride, bus stops and much more!
• Or call 403-851-5995 to book a ride.
• Or download COLT, Cochrane’s official on-demand transit app via Google Play for Android or the App Store for Apple phones.

16. I am new to Cochrane, where do I look to see what Cochrane has to offer?

• Visit the Town webpage Newcomers/Moving Here for details on the community
• Visit the Cochrane Family & Community Support Services for local resources.
• Visit the Family Resource Network for local resources.
• Check out the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee to see what events they have coming up.
• Rocky View Immigrant Services (RVIS) is a non-profit organization which provides settlement and integration services to all immigrants and refugees. Call Fleeha if you have questions at 403-604-2377.