COCHRANE— Embracing a path forward to a post-pandemic future, Cochrane Counci hasl approved the disbanding of the Social and Economic Recovery Task Forces.
Town of Cochrane Business Development Manager and chair of the Economic Recovery Task Force Mike Korman provided a final report on the Economic Recovery Task First at Monday’s (June 28) Council meeting.
Korman said as COVID-19 public health measures continue to be eased and businesses return to normal operations, it was decided the Task Force and its mandates established by Council had been achieved.
The Task Force first launched in April 2020 to focus on economic recovery in Cochrane through collaborations with key stakeholders. It held its first meeting in May 2020 and met consistently throughout the year. It met twice in 2021 as members were focussed on projects intended to support local businesses.
The first step taken by the Task Force was a business survey used to make recommendations based on feedback from the business community. The survey saw 169 businesses participate.
The majority of respondents said they wanted the Task Force to focus on marketing Cochrane businesses.
Steps taken by the Task Force have included support local campaigns, grant funding, a skilled worker and businesses recruitment campaign titled "Think Big, Live Cochrane," and exploring the feasibility of establishing a River Wave Park on the Bow River as a tourism driver for the town.
The Town continues to work with the Rotary Club of Cochrane, The Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce and Cochrane Tourism, Korman said. He added they are always looking to find opportunities to connect with businesses.
He noted the planned Transit Hub and Innovation Centre will provide further opportunities to generate a larger more formalized group that will provide other insights into ways to help drive innovation in the community and support local businesses.
"It will provide that outlet of a more formalized group of people that we can look to, to provide feedback," Korman said.
The Town is currently working with the Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce to kick start a shop local campaign for the summer that will lead into the Christmas gift guide.
“We’re not letting up on our attempts to continue to support local businesses and shop local initiatives,” Korman said.
Mayor Jeff Genung said he appreciated the work the Economic Task Force has completed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Task Force was able to successfully fill a void during the pandemic by stepping up to support local businesses, Genung said. He added this work will continue.
"The tools are in place for local businesses to continue to be supported," Genung said. "All those resources are at the table— The Chamber, the tourism and Rotary, they all said they are here... By no means are we stepping away."
Councillor. Marni Fedeyko said businesses, council and the Town learned a lot during COVID-19.
She praised the hard work of Economic Task Force members, but cautioned the future remains unclear and support for businesses will be needed if the Town faces increased COVID-19 public health measures in the fall.
"We're not backing away from supporting our businesses at all, if anything it's probably getting stronger," Fedeyko said.
Cochrane Family & Community Support Services Manager Kim Krawec spoke to the success of the Social Recovery Task Force.
The mandate of the Social Recovery Task Force set by the Council was to collaborate with local support agencies and provincial and federal governments to create opportunities to support and enhance the well-being, safety and resilience of Cochrane residents.
Krawec said the Task Force has met the outcomes set by Council and can be disbanded.
“We know the social recovery of our community is not over and it's going to take time. But, FCSS is prepared to continue this important work,” Krawec said.
The Social Task Force consisted of 10 members from seven organizations in Cochrane. Over the last 14 months, the committee had 27 meetings, and connected to 892 residents and 22 organizations through public two surveys.
The data gained from the surveys was used to generate ideas centred on supporting the social and mental health of community members through speakers and other initiatives.
The Social Recovey Task Force also received a $20,000 grant from the United Way that supported Big Hill Haven, Cochrane Family and Community Support Services and Cochrane and Area Victim Services.
Krawec said she is proud of the work accomplished by the Social Recovery Task Force, describing the committee as going "above and beyond" to address the social needs of the committee during an incredibly challenging time.
She added existing organizations and community organizations are ready to tackle social issues in Cochrane and remain readily available.
Coun. Susan Flowers sat on the Social Recovery Task Force and said she is proud to be part of the committee and the numbers are amazing.
"I'm confident that FCSS will keep doing the work," Flowers said.
