(Cochrane, AB) – Cochrane Town Council approved the Bow River Strategy, a long-term, high-level framework to guide how the community manages access, recreation, safety and environmental stewardship along the Bow River corridor over the next 20 years.
Developed in response to increased use and growing pressures on the river corridor, the Bow River Strategy provides a proactive and coordinated approach to managing the Bow River as a valued community asset. The strategy is intended to guide where and how access occurs, how people move along the corridor, and how unmanaged use can be reduced – protecting the river’s natural value while supporting safe and enjoyable community use.
At the Council meeting, Council approved the strategy with an amendment to the section on off-leash access to the river, changing the wording from “limit” off-leash access to “proactively manage” off-leash access.
“This is a fantastic plan, and I’m excited to see it come to fruition,” said Mayor Nagel. “As amended, it reflects our intent: we are not taking access away, but we will continue the conversation in the years ahead about how to manage use thoughtfully and ensure our natural spaces are protected, while dogs and their owners can still enjoy the river.”
Planning for the strategy began in 2024 as recreational activity along the Bow River continued to increase. In some areas, this has led to erosion, informal access points and safety concerns.
Without a coordinated approach, these challenges can result in higher long-term costs and reactive solutions. The Bow River Strategy establishes a shared framework to support collaborative planning, phased decision-making, and alignment as projects and funding opportunities arise.
Public and stakeholder engagement was central to the development of the strategy. Coordinated with the Parks, Culture & Active Living Master Plan, engagement reached more than 2,000 participants. A consistent theme emerged: a strong desire to protect the natural environment while improving accessibility, safety and opportunities for community connection.
“The Bow River Strategy reflects a thoughtful balance between protecting the river and welcoming people to experience it responsibly,” said Michelle Ambrose, Director of Parks, Culture & Active Living. “Community values shaped this work from the beginning, and the strategy provides a clear framework for stewarding the river in a way that respects the environment while ensuring our community can continue to access and enjoy these spaces responsibly.
Through engagement, Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park was identified through engagement as one of the busiest and most sensitive areas along the corridor. The strategy emphasizes the need for intentional access management in this area, including measures to improve safety, reduce erosion and better manage community use.
Council first reviewed a draft of the strategy in April 2025 and provided feedback. An update was presented to Committee of the Whole on January 19th, followed by final approval on February 9th. Council discussions focused on ensuring the strategy is practical, flexible and aligned with Cochrane’s priorities.
The Bow River Strategy is designed as a living document. Its phased implementation plan anticipates multiple future touchpoints with Council and residents, ensuring ongoing engagement, transparency, and Council oversight as individual initiatives are brought forward.
Approval of the strategy does not authorize specific projects or funding. Any future initiatives will continue to be considered through separate Council reports, technical studies, engagement processes, and budget decisions – guided by the vision and principles outlined in the strategy.
The Bow River Strategy is available on Cochrane.ca.
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