(Cochrane, AB) – The Town of Cochrane is the recipient of $750,000 in federal funding through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).
The CCRF is a two-year program created to revitalize communities across Canada and is being delivered in Alberta by PrairiesCan. With this funding, the Town of Cochrane is focusing on creating a safe, inclusive, and diverse active space at the Cochrane Crossing Plaza.
“Out of hundreds of applicants across the country, the Town of Cochrane is fortunate and grateful to receive this grant for the outdoor civic plaza at Cochrane Crossing,” said Mitchell Hamm, Director of Community Services, Town of Cochrane. “This is fantastic news for our community, as it provides the Town with funding to expand the initial scope of the plaza, making it more enjoyable for the community.”
The funding will allow for commissioned artwork and displays celebrating the community’s diversity, as well as free public Wi-Fi throughout the site, colour controllable ambient lighting in multiple locations, additional built-in seating, and secure bike lockers.
“Our initial plan for The Station at Cochrane Crossing within the project budget included a 7,700 sq. ft building, serving as a transit hub, including public washrooms, office space, as well as a green space,” added Mike Korman, Interim Director, Planning and Development Services. “This additional federal investment allows us to focus on areas not previously invested in, including the creation of comprehensive art installations highlighting the Town’s values, diversity and strong spirit.”
“Our government is making investments that bring new life to community infrastructure and create modern gathering places for residents of all ages and abilities,” said the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “Through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, our government is supporting the Town of Cochrane to build this new community plaza, which will be a welcoming place where residents and visitors can, once again, connect with each other, and take part in events and activities for years to come.”
“Main streets and downtowns across Alberta bring people together and support countless small businesses,” said the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance. “Today’s investment will help Cochrane to recover post-pandemic by creating more jobs and opportunities for residents and visitors to benefit from the local businesses and attractions that are at the heart of this community.”
Located at the former Esso Bulk Station site, the Station at Cochrane Crossing offers a seamless integration site for local and regional transportation. With plans for completion and opening in Summer 2022, it will serve as a Central Park-like gathering space. The Cochrane Crossing will also include a new pedestrian crossing, providing a new connection between historic downtown and the Quarry.
The Station will provide the community with the ability to access Town services within the core of our community, including the Cochrane Information Centre, Business Development, Town Administration services and a co-working space/business start-up program.
For more information visit the Station at Cochrane Crossing page.
Additional information on the CCRF is available at: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/07732.html