The layout of the community and the focus on the success of the Quarry has resulted in a perceived rift between our growing business community and our Historic Downtown businesses. How will you, as a mayor or councillor, foster a business community that is more cohesive?
There are some big differences between our older businesses in the Historic Downtown, and newer franchise retailers in the Quarry. However, I don’t think the municipal government should be trying to make everyone feel equal. It’s OK for businesses to be different from one another. All types of businesses are important to Cochrane’s local economy, and they all have different types of needs. Small local businesses are geared towards a more personal shopping experience and day tourism. To support them, our town should provide greater resources for community events, such as Light Up, parades and the Outhouse Races. It’s also important that we continue to foster our western heritage atmosphere in the Historic Downtown. The newer franchise businesses in the Quarry are geared towards faster day-to-day shopping. These areas are more concerned with better traffic flow and easy parking access. Even though we have different types of businesses in Cochrane, that doesn’t mean they can’t all be successful while being unique. I value all the businesses in Cochrane, and I will support them all in the ways their unique business models need.
