(Cochrane, AB) – The Town of Cochrane recently received $115,000 through the Government of Alberta’s Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program to support the development of a tourism strategy and regional partnership assessment.
The funding will support the Cochrane Economic Development Tourism Strategy and Regional Partnership for Investment Readiness, a project that helps turn Cochrane’s long-term economic development goals into a clear tourism plan. Aligned with Envision 2050, the work will support local businesses, strengthen regional relationships, identify tourism opportunities and help Cochrane better understand how the visitor economy can contribute to long-term economic resilience.
“Through the Northern and Regional Economic Development program, Alberta’s government is giving communities across the province the tools they need to attract investment, grow local economies and create jobs for hard-working Albertans,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. “We look forward to seeing how the Town of Cochrane uses this funding to unlock new opportunities for economic development and employment.”
The NRED program supports projects driven by municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profits that strengthen regional economies across Alberta, including initiatives focused on investment readiness and attraction, business retention and expansion and planning activities that support long-term economic growth.
“This funding is about creating long-term value for the people of Cochrane,” said Mark Krysinski, Director of Community Growth, Town of Cochrane. “Tourism is key to economic development as it supports local businesses, brings visitors into our community and showcases what makes Cochrane unique. This work builds on years of leadership from local tourism experts who have helped establish Cochrane as a destination, and it allows us to connect that momentum to a clear, community-informed plan that supports business resilience, local opportunity and a strong economic future.”
As part of the funded work, the Town will engage tourism businesses, regional partners, interest holders and community members to ensure the strategy is grounded in local insight and reflects the needs of Cochrane’s business community. The project is expected to inform a five-year implementation plan focused on priority sectors and opportunities identified through surveys, engagement and direct conversations with the community.
The Town works closely with local tourism partners, whose leadership, advocacy and promotion have helped build Cochrane’s reputation as a destination. This funding marks the beginning of this important work, and as the project moves forward, the Town looks forward to sharing updates and progress.
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