The Town of Cochrane likes to think of itself as the primary bedroom community of Calgary and with a population of more than 25,000 it probably is.
However, smaller communities surrounding Calgary, like Carstairs, Strathmore, Sundre and others, have superior facilities for its senior population (65+), who currently outnumber our younger population, according to Statistics Canada.
Currently Cochrane has a senior’s club, which has 364 members – 75.1 per cent senior women and 24.9 per cent senior men.
While I realize women live longer than men, the ratio is not 75 per cent to 25 per cent.
Cochrane’s senior club is located at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, which the Town of Cochrane owns 50 per cent of. The other 50 per cent is owned by Rocky View County.
Located on the second floor of the sports centre, our facility is not very accessible to physically challenged people and our many activities are not well attended.
Yet the Town of Cochrane chose to spend $43 million (soon to be much more) on a new swimming pool and curling rink. While very nice, it does very little to help Cochrane’s senior population – something to think about when the October municipal election comes about.
If Cochrane wants to continue to be a community of choice for seniors it must address this shortcoming and work to provide a proper games room for senior men and women.
William Hancock
