(Cochrane, AB) - The Town of Cochrane has taken an important step toward establishing a long-term framework for the future of the 5th Avenue lands, currently home to the Lions Event Centre, rodeo grounds, ball diamonds, community open space and recreation amenities.
Following deliberations, Council directed Administration to proceed with entering into a proposed 50-year lease agreement with the Cochrane Lions Club for the development and operation of Lions Legacy Park. The Town of Cochrane will remain the owner of the lands, with the Lions operating the site under a long-term lease framework.
Development of the proposed lease agreement has been underway since March 2025, involving detailed negotiations between the Town and the Cochrane Lions Club to establish clear expectations for site operations, public access, capital investment, governance and long-term stewardship.
This direction provides a pathway toward long-term certainty for the Lions while enabling Administration to proceed with implementation of the agreement. The proposed lease includes clearly defined performance benchmarks and reporting requirements to guide phased site development, operations, public access and long-term capital investment over the 50-year term.
The proposed lease is intended to preserve long-standing public access while clearly defining expectations related to operations, maintenance, safety, reporting and future investment. Under the framework presented to Council, the Lions would assume responsibility for day-to-day site operations, maintenance, programming and long-term capital planning, while the Town maintains oversight to ensure public safety, land-use compliance and community standards are upheld.
As part of the phased approach set out in the lease, one future benchmark includes advancing a potential land use amendment to a Direct Control district. That process would be subject to a formal public hearing and a separate Council decision and is anticipated to occur within the next two years. No land use change is approved through the lease itself.
“The Lions Club has been a dedicated community partner for decades, and this agreement strengthens that partnership while ensuring the site continues to serve Cochrane residents for generations to come,” says Mayor Morgan Nagel. “Council is confident this long-term approach honours the organization’s legacy and supports the continued growth and vibrancy of our community.”
Council’s decision follows multiple years of work to assess the future of the 5th Avenue lands, as the Town responds to aging infrastructure, growing community demand for recreation space and the need for long-term operational clarity. Administration has worked closely with the Cochrane Lions Club to develop the proposed lease framework, with a focus on balancing volunteer-led operations with municipal oversight responsibilities.
“The Lions Event Centre and surrounding amenities play an important role in Cochrane’s community life,” said Michelle Delorme, Director of Parks and Active Living. “Council’s direction allows us to move into implementation while continuing to work collaboratively with the Lions as future phases of the site are advanced.”
Following Council’s direction, Administration will proceed with the steps required to formally enter into the 50-year lease agreement, with the lease scheduled to take effect January 1, 2026. Once in force, the lease will guide operations, investment and long-term site planning as Lions Legacy Park through 2076. Town Administration will continue to collaborate with the Cochrane Lions Club during the transition period to support implementation of new responsibilities, benchmarks and reporting processes.
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