The importance of strategic intergovernmental relations and advocacy efforts has become increasingly important to Cochrane in recent years.
Provincial investment in the Highway 1A project and the Provincial Highway 1A/22 interchange project, are two recent examples of areas where Town officials – elected and non-elected – made significant progress with the province.
The focus on acquiring additional water licenses is also a key area where the Town needs to work closely with the province.
At the last regular council meeting Nov. 27, administration shared a report outlining their strategy for advocacy priorities in the immediate future.
Keeping the lines of communication with Edmonton open and productive is nothing new. In fact, it’s part of the job.
Sometimes pressuring the provincial government can be a delicate thing.
Mayor Jeff Genung said in a recent conversation with Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver, that balance was discussed.
“He said we need to be the right amount of annoying,” Genung said. “We need to find that sweet spot.”
What’s new in the Town’s approach going forward is administration’s intent to engage the public in the lobbying efforts like never before.
Coun. Tara McFadden said she was in support of the residents getting involved, and that even though some of the issues (health care and education) technically fall outside of municipal jurisdiction, it’s important to let provincial and federal governments know where Cochrane stands.
“We do have a voice in advocating for these solutions,” she said.
While Cochrane shares priorities with other communities, namely through Alberta Municipalities (AB Munis) and the Alberta Mid-Sized Cities Mayors' Caucus (MCMC), Cochrane also advocates for its own unique needs.
The recommended advocacy priorities for 2023 and 2024 include: water licensing; community infrastructure; and roadways.
Administration also recommended prioritization of advocacy efforts on provincial responsibilities, including health care and EMS and education.
Administration is requesting approval of the 2023/2024 advocacy priorities and the accompanying community campaign.
Cochrane requires provincial support on the acquisition of additional water licences to support future community growth. Administration is asking the provincial government: to support the administrative processes for the approval of water licences that will allow Cochrane to continue to grow sustainably.
Cochrane is asking the province for funding to acquire water licences and construct a new water treatment plant.
Further, they are also asking for a review of Alberta's water management strategy to increase the availability of water and water licences to Alberta municipalities.
Under the heading of Community Infrastructure, the Town is asking for significant capital and operating investments to support investment in recreation facilities, seniors lodging, affordable housing, and downtown revitalization.
The needs include the development and operation of appropriate recreation facilities; development of highly needed seniors lodging; and, shortage of available housing in Cochrane.
The Town will ask the province to consider supporting a second Community Revitalization Levy (CRL), or another funding source, to stimulate revitalization in Cochrane’s downtown.
Stable, predictable and ongoing capital and operating investment in Cochrane’s community of non-profit affordable housing providers is needed to develop homes to meet demands.
Administration identified investment in Cochrane’s provincial roadways as the highest need. Both of Cochrane’s two provincial highways “require significant investment to keep up with not only local traffic but also the movement of goods, services, and people that flow through our community daily,” the report stated.
The ask of the Provincial Government: Commitment to invest in Hwy 22 from the completion of the new 1A/22 interchange to the James Walker Trail.
The report identified the health care needs as follows: “Cochrane requires provincial commitment to 24-hour urgent care and attracting and retaining local doctors. Commitment to improvements in emergency medical services (EMS) across the province and, specifically in Cochrane, to ensure that all Albertans have access to this service when they need it.”
“Consult with municipalities to develop a plan to make urgently needed improvements to the delivery and performance of the ambulance system. This plan must recognize and properly compensate for the role of municipalities in the provincial health care system.”
The advocacy efforts will include looking to secure provincial commitment to building and staffing schools.
The report stated the need to “work in partnership with Rocky View Schools, Calgary Catholic School District and Cochrane to meet local school needs. Starting in mid-January, a community campaign will ensure the advocacy priorities are understood by staff, residents, government officials and other key audiences. It will include a call to action for residents to advocate on behalf of the community.”
The campaign goals are to ensure people understand the needs of the community and that people feel empowered and prepared to share and advocate on behalf of Cochrane.
“People are proud to be associated with Cochrane or be part of the Cochrane community,” the report goes on. “The campaign will include several tactics to communicate and move the community to action, including web content and videos on each advocacy priority, and draft advocacy documents, including emails and social media posts for public use.
