(Cochrane, AB) – The Town of Cochrane has reached a significant milestone in shaping the community's future, with Council adopting the Parks, Culture and Active Living Master Plan on July 13, 2026.
The Master Plan reflects extensive research and community engagement, including more than 3,500 resident and stakeholder touchpoints gathered through surveys, pop-up events, workshops and conversations with community organizations. The result is a plan built on what residents value most: connected parks and pathways, vibrant cultural experiences, accessible recreation opportunities and the preservation of Cochrane's unique natural environment and western identity.
The comprehensive 15-year plan establishes a long-term vision for parks, recreation, culture and active living across Cochrane. Rooted in the community's vision through Envision Cochrane 2050, the Plan will guide future decision-making, investment and partnerships to ensure residents continue to enjoy parks, facilities, programs and cultural experiences as Cochrane grows.
"This Master Plan is an important tool for guiding how we invest in Cochrane's parks, recreation facilities and public spaces over the coming years," says Mayor Morgan Nagel. "This Master Plan provides a foundation to how we prioritize future investment in our parks, recreation facilities, sports fields and public spaces."
The Plan recognizes that parks, culture and active living are essential to community wellbeing by creating opportunities for physical activity, creative expression, social connection and engagement with nature. It outlines 27 recommendations across six key areas, including service delivery, infrastructure, active living programs, arts and culture, green and open spaces and funding.
Among its priorities, the Master Plan identifies opportunities to:
- Protect and enhance Cochrane's parks, pathways and natural areas.
- Plan for future recreation infrastructure to support a growing community.
- Strengthen arts, culture and heritage opportunities.
- Improve accessibility and reduce barriers to participation.
- Foster partnerships that expand recreation and cultural opportunities.
- Support responsible investment in existing and future community assets.
"The Parks, Culture and Active Living Master Plan provides a strong foundation for future planning and investment," says Michelle Ambrose, Director of Parks & Active Living for the Town of Cochrane. "It gives us a community-informed framework that will help guide future decisions while remaining flexible enough to adapt as our community evolves. Most importantly, it reinforces our commitment to creating spaces and experiences where people of all ages and abilities can connect, stay active and thrive."
While the Master Plan does not commit the Town to specific capital projects or timelines, it provides strategic direction to help inform future budgets, business planning and detailed feasibility studies. Individual projects identified within the Plan will continue to be evaluated through future Council decision-making processes based on community need, available funding and priorities.
The Parks, Culture and Active Living Master Plan also reinforces the Town's partnership-based approach to delivering recreation and cultural services by working alongside community organizations, schools, volunteers and regional partners to maximize opportunities for residents.
Residents can explore the complete Parks, Culture and Active Living Master Plan and learn more about its recommendations by visiting cochrane.ca/PCALplan.
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403-851-2503
communications@cochrane.ca