(Cochrane, AB) – The Town of Cochrane has released its completed Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) and provided a comprehensive overview of the community’s current and future housing needs and identifying key priorities to support long-term housing sustainability and affordability.
Presented to Council on June 1, 2026, the assessment examines demographic trends, housing supply gaps, affordability pressures, and projected housing demand. The assessment was informed through data analysis and broad community engagement involving residents, developers, housing providers, social service organizations, Indigenous Elders and community members, and individuals with lived experience.
The assessment confirms that Cochrane continues to experience significant growth pressures, including increasing demand for rental housing, smaller housing forms, affordable housing, and housing options that support aging in place. The assessment projects Cochrane will require an additional 5,555 housing units by 2031. Based on housing completions since 2021, the remaining estimated need in the community between 2026 to 2031 is 2,411 units – an average of approximately 241 units per year. This figure reflects the community’s projected overall housing need across all housing types and tenures to help shape long-term planning and decision-making and it is not intended to serve as a municipal construction target.
The report also highlights growing pressures on social services and community supports as more residents’ experience housing insecurity, affordability challenges, and difficulty accessing appropriate housing options.
“The Housing Needs Assessment gives the Town and our partners a clearer understanding of where housing pressures are being felt and what types of housing are most needed,” said Matt Knox, Director of Social Development for the Town of Cochrane. “The findings show that Cochrane’s housing needs are not limited to one group or one type of housing. They point to the need for a broader mix of rental, affordable, non-market, smaller and accessible housing options so residents can continue to live in Cochrane through different stages of life.”
Key housing priorities identified in the report include:
- Expanding affordable and non-market housing options
- Increasing rental housing supply and diversity
- Supporting aging-in-place opportunities for older adults
- Addressing housing instability and hidden homelessness
- Encouraging a more balanced and diverse housing mix
The Housing Needs Assessment will help inform the Town’s forthcoming Housing Strategy and Action Plan. Maintaining an up-to-date Housing Needs Assessment also supports the Town’s ability to pursue future affordable housing and homelessness funding opportunities. While the strategy will guide longer-term priorities, the Town will continue advancing immediate housing initiatives and opportunities where action is appropriate. Targeting completion for the Housing Strategy by December 2026.
Administration will also update the Housing Needs Assessment following the release of the 2026 Federal Census data to ensure future housing policies and strategies remain informed by current and reliable data.
The full Housing Needs Assessment is available on Cochrane.ca and letstalkcochrane.ca
– 30 –
Media Contact:
Communications (communicaitons@cochrane.ca) OR
Housing (housing@cochrane.ca)