(Cochrane, AB) – The Town of Cochrane is currently seeking resident feedback on our community’s parks, culture and active living. The feedback collected will be used to help shape an updated plan that will guide the delivery of these services for the next 10 years.
Through the development of the Cochrane Strategic Plan in 2022, Council and the community shared their desire to preserve Cochrane’s unique identify; protecting, nurturing and enjoying our natural landscape; creating a vibrant and active community with connected neighbourhoods; and bringing people together physically and socially. The parks, culture and active living plan is a roadmap of how the Town looks to deliver on this commitment.
"We want to gain a full understanding of the sport, recreational and cultural activities our residents are participating in, both within and beyond Cochrane, and the types of spaces we’ll need as our community continues to grow," said Michelle Delorme, Director of Parks & Active Living, Town of Cochrane. "Currently, we don’t have a comprehensive view of all the activities Cochranites currently enjoy or would like to enjoy in their community, and we need your input to help address that."
The last comprehensive plan for these services was updated 10 years ago. Since that time, Cochrane has experienced significant growth and change. And we recognize that the sports, recreation and cultural activities in Cochrane have also experienced significant growth and change. Cochrane is also developing a municipal development plan, Envision Cochrane 2050, which is expected to be finalized in early 2025.
"While Envision Cochrane 2050 provided high-level priorities for our community’s future, this new plan will build on that feedback and explore the specific activities that make living in Cochrane so special,” added Delorme. "In this stage of engagement, we will assess the current supply of programs and spaces, understand the demand and evaluate how well we are meeting the needs of our residents. Your feedback will help us to prioritize future investments in trails, pathways, recreation, culture and parks. This process will also create a strategy for the future of the Bow River corridor.”
Starting October 8, residents can provide feedback through an online or in person survey available at The Station, RancheHouse, Library or FCSS. Additional engagement activities will be available throughout the planning process, including:
- Pop-up events hosted at community spaces and events
- Community meetings
- Community group survey and meetings
- Youth engagement activities
- Future resident surveys to test priorities and goals and to provide feedback on the draft plan
For more information and to participate in the survey, visit letstalkcochrane.ca/yourcommunity.