Whether you're newly elected or re-elected, stepping into the role of Mayor or Councilor is an exciting and rewarding experience. Once the votes are counted on election day, the Town of Cochrane’s Returning Officer will declare the official results.
Getting ready to serve
If you’ve been elected, you’ll be invited to a comprehensive Council orientation session to help you hit the ground running. This session is designed to prepare you for your new responsibilities and ensure you’re set to serve the Town for the next four years.
Before diving in, successful candidates will also sign the Town of Cochrane’s Code of Conduct. This is your pledge to uphold public trust and confidence while representing the community with integrity.
Council orientation
The province requires municipalities to provide an orientation session for Council and Council must attend the orientation so they may learn their role as elected officials as well as the relevant procedures they will follow.
In addition to a three-day retreat, Administration will also arrange for a number of information sessions on Fridays in October and November.
This will include:
- Council Retreat
- October 23-25, 2025
- Information Session
- Friday, October 31
- Friday, November 7
Topics will address:
- role of municipalities in Alberta
- municipal organization and function
- roles and responsibilities of council and councillors
- the municipality’s code of conduct
- roles and responsibilities of the chief administrative officer and staff, and
- on the following topics, to be held prior to or on the same day as the first regularly scheduled council meeting, or in the case of a councillor elected at a by-election, within 90 days after that councillor takes the oath of office:
- key municipal plans, policies and projects
- budgeting and financial administration
- public participation
- any other topic prescribed by the regulations
Your role on Council
As a Council member, your primary responsibility is to establish policy for the Town. You’ll work closely with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the bridge between Council and Administration. The CAO ensures Council has all the information it needs to make sound policy decisions, and ensures the municipality’s work is carried out according to approved policy.
Cochrane’s CAO provides leadership and direction to approximately 273 full-time, part-time and seasonal staff.
The CAO is apolitical, overseeing municipal operations and ensuring Council’s priorities and strategic goals are achieved in the most effective way. The CAO’s training, experience and understanding of Town operations will be an important resource for you.
What's the time commitment?
Mayor (1 position): This is a full-time role that includes ceremonial duties, council leadership and liaison responsibilities with other governments and administration. You'll attend Council and Committee of the Whole meetings, including four evening meetings per month at a minimum and occasional weekend events.
Councilor (6 positions): This is a part-time role (10-15 hours/week, more during peak times of the year). You'll participate in Council meetings, committee assignments and fulfilling deputy mayor duties when scheduled. Meetings include two evening Council meetings ( Monday evenings starting at 5:30pm with one meeting each in July and December, and no meetings in August) and two Committee Of The Whole meetings per month. Councilor's also sit on various committees that take place at different days/times. Each Councilor sits on a number of Committees at a time.
Budgeting: One of your most important tasks
As a Council member, you’ll have a big say in the Town’s annual budget — a cornerstone of decision-making. Department budgets are built from business plans that align with Council’s priorities. This ensures every dollar is spent with purpose. Read Cochrane's strategic plan.
Here’s the budget schedule for 2025:
- Budget presentation: Monday, October 27, 2025, during the regular meeting of Council
- Budget deliberation: Wednesday, November 19, 9:00am-5:00pm
- Budget deliberation: Thursday, November 20, 9:00am-5:00pm
- Budget deliberation: Wednesday, November 26, 9:00am-5:00pm
- Budget deliberation: Thursday, November 27, 9:00am-5:00pm (if required)
- Final Budget Presentation: Monday, December 8, 2025, during the regular meeting of Council
Collaborating beyond Cochrane
Your work on Council isn’t just about local decisions. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with other municipalities through key organizations like:
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM):
FCM pursues common national interests of all Canadian municipalities, especially as they relate to the actions of the federal government. Members of Council have the opportunity to attend annual FCM conferences. More information: fcm.ca - Alberta Municipalities Conference:
Urban municipalities in Alberta have opportunities to benefit from services, programs and conferences offered by Alberta Municipalities year-round. The AB Munis conference is usually held in October; members of Cochrane Council are encouraged to attend. More information: auma.ca
Recognizing our organizational commitment to Provincial advocacy, Council will be invited to participate in the 2025 AB Munis Conference. With the municipal election taking place in October, the AB Munis Convention will be held November 12-14, 2025 (Edmonton). Please mark your calendars!