(Cochrane, AB) — Recently, Mayor Genung, Councillor Flowers and Councillor McFadden along with members of Cochrane Administration attended the Alberta Municipalities Conference in Edmonton. The annual convention provides municipalities the opportunity to connect with Provincial ministries, as well as municipal Council’s from across the province.
During the three-day conference, Cochrane Council and Administration met with the Honourable Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson, the Honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver and senior administration from the Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors ministry – advocating for the needs of our growing community.
“The AB Munis conference brings Provincial and municipal representatives together – driving to a better outcome for all Albertans,” said Mayor Jeff Genung, Town of Cochrane. “Council and Administration are continuing to recognize the value of the relationships we have built not only with the Province, but also with our municipal colleagues and the value that conferences like these bring to our growing community – as we not only advocate for our needs, but also share and learn best practices from our municipal colleagues.”
The meetings with the Ministries provided Council the opportunity to advocate for the specific needs of Cochrane.
- Transportation & Economic Corridors:
Collectively, the Province and the Town of Cochrane have made significant investments in Cochrane’s roadways, including the Provincial highways that flow through our community and directly support the Provincial economic corridor.
As the HWY 1A improvements roadway work wraps up, and construction is well underway on the HWY 1A / 22 interchange, Council is beginning to advocate to Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors on what we feel is the next critical investment required – the expansion of HWY 22 from the southern conclusion of the interchange project to the communities of Riversong and Fireside.
- Indigenous Relations
As we commit to our own journey of truth and reconciliation, Council and Administration have been actively pursuing opportunities to strengthen our knowledge and our relationship with the Indigenous peoples who call our community home, as well as with the Stoney Nakoda Nation.
Through our participation in the First Nation-Municipal Economic Development Initiative (CEDI), we are building sustainable relationships and engaging in joint long-term land use and community economic development initiatives. And we are looking to the Ministry of Indigenous Relations for guidance and expertise as we explore the possibilities provided through the CEDI program.
- Municipal Affairs
As the fastest growing community in Alberta and the 11th fastest growing community in Canada, we believe that rapidly growing communities like ours require a strong Provincial partnership to ensure we have the infrastructure and resources to support the many new Albertans and Cochranites.
The capital funding we receive through the Provincial Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) program is critical in supporting the costs associated with growth. We are advocating to the Province that this capital funding needs to keep pace with growth.
The feedback received during the AB Munis Convention will support the creation of an advocacy strategy, which is anticipated to be brought forward to Council later this fall.
The annual conference was attended by more than 1,200 municipal leaders.