Jack Tennant "Tataga Tawachi Thnigan" Bridge? On the heels of the recent news that renaming the stretch of Highway 1A connecting Cochrane to nearby First Nations community of Morley would not be possible, friends of Jack Tennant are looking for new opportunities to honour the late newspaper icon and humanitarian. With construction beginning on Cochrane's largest infrastructure project to date, the $54-million Bow River bridge – connecting south Cochrane across the river near the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre onto a newly-aligned Griffin Road – some feel as though the perfect opportunity has presented itself. "For me, the bridge is a crossing – a place to travel from one place to another ... Jack helped people in their journey to a better place," said friend, philanthropist and retired professional wrestler Dan Kroffat, likening Jack's work with First Nations people and his dedication to helping fellow alcoholics achieve sobriety to the fitting symbolism of the bridge. "Naming this bridge after Jack will create conversation long into the future ... I encourage people to let the town know how you feel about this," he added. This summer, Cochranites who would like to have their voices heard on naming ideas for the bridge are directed to letstalkcochrane.ca to take a few seconds to cast their ballot. Kelly Kimmett of Two Pharmacy and the Kimmett Foundation was also a close friend of Jack's - remembering more than 30 years of friendship with the founder of the Cochrane Eagle. Kimmett had reached out to Banff-Cochrane NDP MLA Cam Westhead shortly after Jack's death on May 20 to inquire about renaming the stretch of highway between Cochrane and Morley the Jack Tennant "Tataga Tawachi Thnigan" Trail (in honour of his Stoney-Nakoda name that means "Gentle Buffalo"). Westhead, acknowledging Jack's contributions to the community, responded, "Currently, Alberta Transportation has taken the position that provincial highways will not be named after an individual or family" with the exception of a few highway namings of Canadian historical reference (such as Queen Elizabeth II Highway) - based on too many requests and that it may become confusing for motorists. Westhead suggested that the bridge naming quest may be an ideal opportunity to honour Jack. Kimmett agrees. "It's something people would see every day, rather then some obscure (side) street somewhere," said Kimmett, adding that the bridge would be a "great metaphor" to honour Jack's ability to connect people. Jack's wife, Brenda, thinks the bridge would be a fitting way to honour her late partner in life and newspapers. "Jack was all about connecting people and helping people at cross points in their lives. I think the bridge idea fits and I think he would have liked it," said Brenda, who felt that an earlier suggestion to honour Jack with a statue, while a kind gesture, would not accurately reflect his character - which was down to earth and free of pretentiousness. Mayor Jeff Genung said the movement speaks volumes as to the impact Jack had on Cochrane. "Obviously, the influence Jack had in the community is massive and runs deep," said Genung. "I'm excited people are embracing the chance to be a part of naming the bridge."
