June 2016

The story of how a group of caring residents in Cochrane came together to ensure everyone has a decent place to live is a heartwarming one.

The HomeStead, the town’s first affordable housing development, recently celebrated its first decade of making a difference in the lives of people going through difficult times in their lives.

It all started in 1999

Three Cochrane women, Joann Churchill, Maureen Wills and Susan Flowers, recognized the fact that in this year the rental market in Cochrane was tight. The vacancy rate was close to zero and even Cochrane businesses were finding it next to impossible to bring employees to town because they couldn’t afford to live here.  The women approached Cochrane Town Council and approached the mayor, asking for

Recently a couple of big bears found their way to Cochrane via the Bow River Valley throwing residents into a grizzly tizzy.

One bear spent three hours tearing up a chicken coop, devouring a couple of its inhabitants.  It appeared in a neighbour’s yard the next day and chased a couple of German Shepherds up onto the deck of the home. Fortunately, the homeowner was able to get the dogs inside.  The bear spent some time wandering around in a garage.

Cochrane wildlife officers were able to trap the bear’s companion but weren’t able to find the chicken coop marauder but have set up traps and posted warning signs in the neighbourhood of Fireside in Cochrane.

Apart from the unfortunate demise of the chickens their habitat, no other major damage was

It takes a village to raise a town and Cochrane is no exception.

The annual Community Awards held recently was an opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals and Cochrane organizations that work diligently to ensure Cochrane maintains an excellent quality of life.  This year, there were 45 individuals and businesses nominated in 13 categories, which is 28 more people than were nominated in 2015.

The event was hosted by Stuart Bradley of Cochrane, who was surprised when he discovered that he was selected Senior of the Year.  Bradley’s volunteer activities in the town include volunteering with the Cochrane Classic Car Show, the Lindsay Kimmett Foundation, Big Hill Lodge and the Canadian Legion.

Other Major Award Winners

1. Citizen of the