Cochrane

Welcome

The Men of Vision statue stands on a hill in the Cochrane Ranche, a monument to
pioneers who looked out over this beautiful land on the banks of the Bow River and saw
a vision. We welcome you to Cochrane.

The Town of Cochrane is a community full of energy and economic prosperity but still
offers visitors small town hospitality. Hang gliding, fly fishing and golfing are just a few
of the out-door activities available. Cochrane also has an extensive pathway system
which extends along the banks of the Bow River.

The burgeoning technology and professional services sectors have blended seamlessly
with our existing commercial base. There are ample opportunities for new business in
Cochrane. Cochrane shops have a unique selection of western and antique items, craft
stores and art galleries, in addition to a wonderful array of restaurants which are sure to
please a wide variety of tastes.

Town amenities include the Big Hill Leisure Pool, Spray Lakes Recreational Centre, Nan
Boothby Memorial Library, parks, pathways and sport fields. Emergency medical services
are provided by Cochrane Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department (for
emergencies please dial 911). Protective Services are provided by Cochrane RCMP,
Cochrane Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Control Services.

With its spectacular scenery and many recreational facilites, it is not surprising that
Cochrane continues to be a popular place to visit or relocate.

Come and visit Cochrane and experience for yourself our western heritage and
hospitality.

Yours truly,
Ken Bech
Mayor of Cochrane

Phone: 403-851-2506 Email: ken.bech@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

Picturesque Cochrane is regarded as one of the fastest growing communities in Canada.
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. To signify our 100th birthday in
2003, 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

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

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

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
Cochrane Alliance Church
Kings Fold Centre of Retreat & Renewal
Bow Valley Baptist Church
Cochrane Valley Community Church
Mount St. Francis Retreat
Spiritual Assembly of the B'hai's
St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Andrew's United Church
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
Victory Church of Cochrane
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.

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 2004, 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.

Education

Public Schools:
Rocky View School Division #41, headquartered in Calgary
403-291-6313

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
403-298-1383

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
Bear Preschool

Other:
Cochrane Home Educators
Cochrane Learning Centre - Alternative High School Program
Rocky View Adult Education

Emergency Services

Fire Protection:
The Fire Department consists of 51 part time volunteers, a Safety Codes Officer, Fire
Chief, and a Deputy Fire Chief
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

Ambulance Services:
There are 8 full-time medical staff and an EMS Chief providing an Advanced Life Support
Service to the community and outlying area.
403-932-7501

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, 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.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal

Town of Cochrane,
101 RancheHouse Road
Cochrane, Alberta

T4C 2K8
Tel: 403-932-2075
Fax: 403-932-6032

Margaret Demillo
Community Economic Development Manager
Email: margaret.demillo@cochrane.ca

Connie Fett
Economic Development Coordinator
Email: businesslicense@cochrane.ca

Julian deCocq
Chief Administrative Officer
Email: decocq@cochrane.ca

Business Development Centre West
Bay 6, 205 First Street East
Cochrane, Alberta
T4C 1X6
Tel: 403-932-5220
Fax: 403-932-6824
Nancy Tolonen
Email: ntolonen@bdcwest.com

Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce
Bay 5, 205 First Street East
Cochrane, Alberta
T4C 1X6
Tel: 403-932-6810
Fax: 403-932-6824
Dawn Martin Email:
Email:info@cochranechamber.ca

Provincial

Walter Valentini, Director
Alberta Economic Development
#300, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 0M9
Tel: 403-297-8920 Fax: 403-297-6168 Email: walter.valentini@gov.ab.ca

Dianne Fitzsimmons, Information Officer
Email: dianne.fitzsimmons@gov.ab.ca

Janis Tarchuk
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Banff-Cochrane Constituency

Constituency Office
P.O. Box 790
4th Floor, 229 Bear Street
Banff, AB
T1L 1A8
Phone: (403) 760-8281
Toll Free: 1-866-760-8281
Fax: (403) 760-5009
banff.cochrane@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
#127 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 415-0993
Fax: (780) 415-9450

Federal

Wild Rose, Alberta
THOMPSON, Myron (Conservative)

Parliamentary Address
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 996-5152
Fax: (613) 947-4601
E-Mail: Thompson.M@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Address
213 Main Street, Bay 3, P.O. Box 3816
Airdrie, Alberta
T4B 2B9
Telephone: (403) 948-5103
Fax: (403) 948-0879
TTY:
E-Mail: ThompM1@parl.gc.ca

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

Enjoy the Bow River and the Rocky Mountains out our Back door.

Post Secondary Education

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].

Taxation

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2006
Municipal Tax Rate	5.9300	8.7000
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	3.4600	5.4700
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	.0600	.0600

2006 Mill Rates:
Residential - .00963
Non-residential - .01441

Annexed Lands
Residential - .00700
Farmland - .00770
Non-residential - .01043

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.
Cochrane Courier
Coyote Courier

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.

Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Cochrane Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Cochrane Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Cochrane Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Family Expenditure

Cochrane Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Projects

Summary of Projects in Cochrane as of September 2006

Value of Projects by Sector (as of September 2006)

Largest Projects in Cochrane as of September 2006