At the July 7 Committee of the Whole meeting, Cochrane administration presented the results of its 2026–28 budget engagement-- the Town's most comprehensive to date.
Nearly 1,000 residents shared their feedback through online and telephone surveys, in-person events and a newly introduced focus group, representing a 69 per cent increase in participation over last year.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see our community so engaged in the budget process,” said Mayor Jeff Genung. “When residents share their priorities and ideas, it ensures our planning reflects what matters most to the people who live here.”
This initiative directly supports Council’s Strategic Plan foundational element of Intentional Relationships, which emphasizes meaningful two-way engagement with residents, businesses and community partners. The expanded program also reflects the Town's commitment to continuous improvement in public service delivery and financial stewardship.
Led by the Town’s communications and engagement team, the campaign combined proven methods with new tools to improve accessibility, including:
- A statistically valid survey by Advanis, conducted via phone and the online platform Let’s Talk Cochrane
- A personalized survey link mailed to every household (replacing last year’s postcards)
- In-person engagement at the Cochrane Chamber Trade Show (May 3–4)
- A first-ever facilitated focus group (15 participants) at the SLS Centre on June 3, guided by Parsons Dialogue
“This year’s expanded approach gave us a deeper and more representative understanding of community priorities,” said Kristin Huybrecht, communications manager. “That feedback is already informing departmental budget planning and will help ensure alignment with resident expectations.”
Most respondents (59 per cent) said they receive good or excellent value for their property taxes. Top priorities included planning for future growth (25 per cent), long-term fiscal sustainability (24 per cent), and expanding outdoor spaces, improving specific services, and addressing road access and traffic flow.
Residents expressed the strongest support for increased spending in parks and open spaces, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), and roads. Transit, particularly Cochrane’s on-demand model, along with partner organizations and municipal enforcement, were the areas most frequently identified for potential spending reductions.
Participants in the focus group emphasized the need for greater transparency, clearer communication, strategic infrastructure investment, and a preference for leveraging Calgary’s existing amenities rather than duplicating services locally.
“What we heard will shape not only the upcoming budget but also how we communicate and engage with the community going forward,” added Huybrecht.
All feedback has been shared with department managers to guide the development of draft budgets. Once the draft 2026–28 budget is presented to Council this fall, residents will have another opportunity to provide input through Let’s Talk Cochrane and a second community focus group.
