Cochrane
http://www.cochrane.ca
Welcome
Welcome to Cochrane
Overlooking the Cochrane community, the Men of Vision statue is a tribute to our early pioneers who had a vision for Cochrane’s future. This monument continues to inspire our many community leaders as we work together to create a sustainable community for present and future generations.
A diverse range of industries drive the Cochrane community and include major employers such as Spray Lake Sawmills, All Span Building Systems, Dynastream and Hunterwood Technologies, to name a few. In addition to these the professional, scientific and technical sector has seen considerable growth and will prove to be a significant player in the Cochrane economy in the near future.
But we’re not ALL about business in Cochrane. Many of our businesses have indicated that their primary reason for locating to Cochrane is its natural beauty. Situated in the Bow Valley on the banks of the Bow River, Cochrane contains all the ingredients for a balanced lifestyle.
Our many amenities delight visitors, including our unique boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops in the heart of our downtown, each offering their own distinct brand of hospitality. Our many parks and pathways provide a wealth of fun outdoor activity for visitors and residents alike.
If you’ve never been to Cochrane, or have not been here for a while, come see for yourself. A warm welcome awaits you in Cochrane.
Yours truly,
Truper McBride
Mayor of Cochrane
Phone: 403-851-2506 Email: truper.mcbride@cochrane.ca
Fax: 403-851-2591 Website: www.cochrane.ca
Mail: 101 RancheHouse Road, Cochrane, AB, T4C 2K8
Town of Cochrane
Come enjoy a walk along the Bow River.
Area Overview
Cochrane has grown exponentially over the last few years and does not show any signs of slowing down soon. Our population has doubled within the last 10 years to 12,688. To facilitate the expected growth, the Town of Cochrane has annexed approximately 3,000 acres of land as of July 1, 2004.
Senator Matthew Henry Cochrane established the Cochrane Ranche in 1881 bringing
cattle from Montana. The town site was named in his honour in 1885. It wasn’t until
1971 that the community was incorporated as a town with a population exceeding 800.
During the economic boom of the 1970’s Cochrane began to flourish. The man of vision
statue was erected in honour of Senator Cochrane and continues to be a popular tourist
attraction.
Cochrane is still noted for its western heritage and small town hospitality. With the
mountains only an hour away and all the convenience of the city 20 minutes away, it’s
the perfect spot to raise a family. Cochrane has just completed the revitalization of the
downtown core, which enhances our western heritage. The Cochrane Legacy Statue was erected to honour our pioneer women and all
their efforts. The statue shows a woman carrying a milk can and feeding the chickens
so she can sell the milk and eggs. This was how many women raised additional income
for their families.
Cochrane has an extensive pathway system that highlights the scenery along the Bow
River. A new recreational center hosts various programs such as; hockey, ringette, roller
hockey, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, carpet bowling, indoor public events, basketball,
volleyball, badminton, aerobics, kinder gym, martial arts, gymnastics, indoor running
track and a fitness centre.
Cochrane Legacy Statue - Honouring our Pioneer Women
Location
Cochrane residents and visitors enjoy the best of both worlds. Cochrane is located
along the banks of the beautiful Bow River, just 20 minutes from downtown Calgary
while the Rocky Mountains are only a relaxing one hour’s drive away.
The Town of Cochrane is located at the intersection of two major highways just west of
Calgary. The Bow Valley Trail (Highway 1A) runs parallel to the Trans Canada Highway.
It provides a very good alternative link to Calgary and to Banff National Park. The Bow
Valley Trail is intersected by The Cowboy Trail (Highway 22), which runs north-south. 
Alberta Map
Town of Cochrane Location
Cochrane's Proximity to Other Locations
|
|
|
|
|
| Calgary (city centre) |
36
|
22
|
42 minutes |
| Calgary International Airport |
38
|
24
|
47 minutes |
| Edmonton, Alberta |
328
|
204
|
3 hours, 32 minutes |
| Vancouver, British Columbia |
960
|
597
|
11 hours, 20 minutes |
| Toronto, Ontario |
3437
|
2136
|
35 hours, 49 minutes |
| United States Border (Coutts, Alberta crossing) |
360
|
224
|
4 hours, 6 minutes |
It is important to note that time required is calculated based on 'ideal' traffic and
weather conditions.
**Distance is measured from city centre to city centre**
Enjoy the Bow River and the Rocky Mountains out our Back door.
Economic Base
Cochrane’s economy is based mainly on tourism, ranching, construction, oil & gas,
technology and wood products manufacturing.
Spray Lake Sawmill manufactures forest wood products in a state of the art facility.
Committed to using a 100% of their natural resources has given way to innovative ideas
in making this commitment possible. Such as, Top Soil Spray being made from wood
chips.
Cochrane was originally a ranching community. We have several ranches that are very
active surrounding our community, some even attaining Century (100 year) designation.
Ranching is such an integral part of Cochrane's heritage that a Stockman’s Library is set
up in their honour at the Cochrane RancheHouse.
Cochrane is a tourist's dream combining the beauty of the Foothills and Rocky
Mountains, the Bow River and our western atmosphere. There are numerous quaint craft
shops, antique stores, restaurants and of course, one must always stop for the best
tasting ice cream in Alberta. Cochrane's Labour Day parade and Rodeo weekend also
attracts many visitors, who revel good, old fashioned hospitality with all the modern
amenities you would find in a big city.
The construction industry is very active in Cochrane given the substantial growth
Cochrane has been experiencing in the past few years. This continues to be a thriving
industry with the recent annexation of lands and the constant demand for residential
and commercial development.
The Oil & Gas industry is also a big part of Cochrane’s economy due to the close
proximity of the surrounding gas plants and the Cochrane Pipeline Corridor. The corridor
consists of four gas pipelines that run along Highway 22 through town. As well, there is
a crude oil pipeline on the west side of town. In 1994 the Cochrane Pipeline Operators
Committee (CPOC) was formed. This committee was formed to promote public
awareness and ensure safety of the pipelines is maintained.
Cochrane is an ideal location for knowledge-based and technology industries. The
Town's committment to leading edge technology infrastructure continues to ensure that
local firms sustain their competitive advantage in a locale that offers unparalleled quality
of life outside the office. With its growing community of technology firms, it is not
surprising that Cochrane is the location of choice for innovative, industry leading
companies like Dynastream Innovations.
Cochrane is no longer Alberta's best kept secret. It's proximity to Calgary, combined
with its modern infrastructure, safety and small town feel, has made Cochrane the
community of choice for those seeking an alternative to the big city.
The Links of Gleneagles Golf Course
Economic Facts
There are three major gas plants around Cochrane. There are two sour gas plants called
William’s gas plant and Petro Canada gas plant. The Jumping Pound Shell gas plant is
sweet gas. All host modern facilities when it comes to gas processing. BP Canada
Energy, Foothills Pipe Lines, Imperial Oil and TransCanada own the four pipelines running
through the Cochrane Pipeline Corridor.
Spray Lake Sawmills established themselves in Cochrane in 1969 and has become one of
Cochrane’s biggest employers.
The 2004 Municipal Census showed 52% of Cochrane’s working class is employed
outside of Cochrane.
Home Based businesses are a fast growing sector of our economy. In 2006, 47% of all
resident businesses are Home Based.
Major manufactured products or services include lumber, natural gas, technology,
professional services and agriculture.
Financial Institutions:
Royal Bank
Bow Valley Credit Union
Alberta Treasury Branch
Bank of Nova Scotia
Bank of Montreal
TD Canada Trust
Investment Companies:
Rothenberg Capital Management
Short Term Solutions
Vision Financial
Cochrane takes pride in their Western Heritage.
Utilities
Electrical:
Epcor
16th Floor, 10065 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 3B1
310-4300
Enmax
2808 Spiller Road SE
Calgary, AB T2G 4H3
310-2010
Natural Gas:
Direct Energy Regulated Services
PO Box 2427
Edmonton, AB T5J 2V6
888-420-3181
Enmax
2808 Spiller Road SE
Calgary, AB T2G 4H3
310-2010
Telephone:
Telus Communications
411 - 1st Street, S.E.
Calgary, Alberta
T2H 4Y5
403-530-8100
Recycling:
Cochrane Recyclers 932-3932
Rockyview Recyclers 932-7960
Water Supply:
Cochrane's state of the art water treatment plant was completed in 1998. The plant
has the capacity to service approximately 18,000 people. With the combination of
advanced technology and our location on the Bow River, Cochrane’s water quality and
supply are excellent.
Waste Management:
The Town of Cochrane's sewage collection system consists of a pipeline to the
Bonnybrook waste water treatment plant in Calgary. The waste water treatment system
has been designed for a population of 28,000. There are six sewage lift stations in
operation within the Town.
Taxation
2007 Mill Rates:
Residential - .00784
Non-residential - .01269
Annexed Lands
Residential - .00574
Farmland - .00759
Non-residential - .00989
Please see Part 5: Assessment and Taxation of the Annexation agreement for more
details. Or go to www.cochrane.ca for more information.
Transportation
Highways:
Situated on Highway 22 and Highway 1A, Cochrane has excellent access to major
transportation routes. Cochrane’s internal transportation system is upgraded and
maintained on a continual basis according to Cochrane’s long range Transportation Plan.
The Town is currently completing a multi phase project to improve access from the
industrial area to highway 22. The first phase of the project was completed in 2002,
with the final phase slated for completion in 2006.
Highway 1A runs parallel to the Trans Canada Highway and provides a good alternative
link to Calgary and Banff National Park. Highway 22 provides a quick route to the Trans
Canada Highway, as well as access via Highway 2 to Edmonton and other points in
Alberta.
Air Services:
Commercial and air freight services are available at the Calgary International Airport.
Bus Services:
Southland Commuter Bus Service provides commuter service to Calgary.
Greyhound Bus lines provides a daily service to all communities.
Couriers and Taxis:
AvaCab Taxis Ltd.
Jim's Taxi
4 Season's Transportation
Advanced Chartered Shuttle Bus
Taxi 4 U
Cochrane Courier
Coyote Courier
Community Lifestyle
Recreation:
Cochrane has a wide range of recreational facilities available, including the Big Hill
Leisure Pool [swimming, swimming and first-aid lessons], Cochrane Arena [minor hockey,
figure skating], Cochrane Golf Club [9-holes], GlenEagles Golf Club [18 holes], Spare
Time Bowling, Spray Lake Recreational Center and the Cochrane Curling Rink.
The Cochrane area is also close to a number of parks, including Ghost Reservoir
Provincial Park, located 10 minutes west of town on Highway 1A. Activities include
boating, wind surfing, diving, ice fishing, ice sailing and snowmobiling. The Big Hill
Springs Provincial Park is a day-use park with hiking trails and picnic areas.
A number of guest ranches are located in the area, including the Bates Bar J Ranch, Bar
C Guest Ranch, and the Griffin Valley Ranch.
Community Organizations:
Cochrane Curling Club
Cochrane Rangers Soccer Club
Cochrane Slowpitch
Cochrane Hockey
Cochrane Soccer
Cochrane Skating Club
Cochrane Minor Baseball
Cochrane and District Agricultural Society
Cochrane Tennis Club
Cochrane Camera Club
Cochrane Golf Club
Cochrane Hockey & Ringette Club
Cochrane Horseshoe Club
Cochrane Inline Hockey Association
Cochrane Kayak Club
Cochrane Curling Club
Big Hill West 4-H Horse Club
Boys & Girls Club of
Cochrane & Area
Cochrane BMX Association
Cochrane Comet Swim Club
Cochrane Basketball
Dance Studios
Rockyview Lacrosse Association
Westbrook Pony Club
Big Hill Leisure Pool
Cochrane Volleyball Club
Walking Clubs
Running Clubs
Religious Services:
All Saints Anglican Church
All Nations Christian Church
Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints
Cowboy Trail Church
Rock Pointe Church
The Annex
Cochrane Alliance Church
Kings Fold Centre of Retreat & Renewal
Bow Valley Baptist Church
Cochrane Valley Community Church
Mount St. Francis Retreat
St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Andrew's United Church
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
Westbrook Community Church
Special Annual Events/Attractions:
Cochrane has a very active arts community which has attracted many art galleries over
the years, including the Ferntree Gallery & Framing, High Country Picture Framing & Art
Gallery, Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery, and Westlands Books & Art Gallery.
Annual Events:
Cochrane Trade Fair -- May
Soap Box Derby -- May
Cochrane Challenge / Footstock Running Events Weekend -- June
Bow River Raft Race -- August
Bearspaw District Fair -- August
Labour Day Parade -- September
Labour Day Harvest Festival -- September
Labour Day Rodeo -- September
Outhouse Races -- September
Cochrane Light Up Run -- November
Christmas "Light-Up" -- December
Parasailing is a popular sport.
Education
Public Schools:
Rocky View School Division #41, headquartered in Airdrie
403-875-7459
Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School (French Immersion) [K-4]
Manachaban School (French Immersion) [5-8]
Cochrane High School (French Immersion) [9-12]
Glenbow Elementary School [K-4]
Mitford Middle School [5-8]
Bow Valley High School [9-12]
Separate Schools:
Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District #1, in Calgary
403-298-1411
Holy Spirit Separate School [K to 6]
St. Timothy Separate School [7-11]
Notre-Dame Des Vallees Catholic Francophone School
Preschool/Play Schools:
Cochrane Creative Playschool
Tiny Town Montessori Preschool
Footsteps Preschool Inc.
Christopher Robin's Nursery School
Percy Bear Preschool
Cochrane Academy
A to Z Preschool
Les Petites Abeilles
Other:
Cochrane Home Educators
Cochrane Learning Centre - Alternative High School Program
The Sylvan Learning Centre
Rocky View Adult Education
Post Secondary
Cochrane is located close to post-secondary education institutions in Calgary, such as
the University of Calgary, Mount Royal College, and the Southern Alberta Institute of
Technology [SAIT].
Health Care
Hospital service is provided through Calgary. The closest hospital is the Foothills
Hospital in Calgary approximately 30 minutes away.
Cochrane is also served by various clinics and health units [Calgary Health Services,
Cochrane Health Centre, Alpen Medical Clinic, Mental Health Clinic, and Cochrane Physiotherapy Clinic]. There are several doctors, dentists, chiropractors and optometrists that have private practices that run out of these clinics and other locations. Cochrane has a growing community of alternative health practitioners as well.
There are a number of facilities for seniors, including the Big Hill Lodge , Bethany Care
Centre and Evergreen Manor.
Emergency Services
Fire Protection and Ambulance Services:
The Fire and EMS Department consists of 14 full time integrated shift staff, 4 administrative staff and 75 part time & casual staff
403-932-7501
Police Services:
Cochrane is served by a large local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
[RCMP] which is responsible for the Town and the surrounding area.
403-932-2213
Community Services
Town of Cochrane
101 RancheHouse Road
Cochrane, Alberta
T4C 2K8
Tel: 403-932-2075
Fax: 403-932-6032
-Municipal Library
-FCSS - Family and Community Support Services
-Big Hill Leisure Pool
-Recreation and Culture
-Facility & Sports Field Bookings
Climate
Aver. Temperatures:
Jan. -11.8°C (10.8°F)
Apr. 3.3°C (37.9°F)
July 16.4°C (61.5°F)
Oct. 5.5°C (41.9°F)
Precipitation: 50 cm - 19.5 inches annually
Rain: 28 cm - 11.1 inches annually
Hr. of sunshine: 2,314 annually
Frost Free Days: 112 annually
Google Map
Cochrane, Alberta, Canada