The Franciscan Friars of Canada are hosting a presentation and discussion event on April 13 in regards to its findings of a recent investigation into its land in Cochrane.
The Franciscans hold approximately 450 acres of land in the area in Cochrane and Rocky View County, where Mt. St. Francis Retreat Centre is located.
The investigation focused on what the organization is calling the “South Lands” which are situated within the Town of Cochrane.
The event will take place at the Hall of Vision in the Cochrane RancheHouse and is open to the public.
There will be two identical presentations, the first at 1 p.m. and the second at 2:30 p.m.
The presentations will be followed by a discussion session where attendees can share their thoughts and ideas about the findings.
The discussion section may take place in the form of a question and answer forum or one-on-one discussion between attendees and the presenters, depending on the turnout.
Refreshments will be provided.
The presentations will begin with a speech about the 70-year history of the Franciscans in Cochrane given by Bob Mokry, O.F.M., provincial vicar, Holy Spirit Province of Canada.
Members of the hired B&A Planning Group will then present their findings.
The Franciscan Friars of Canada announced the unification of its east and west chapters in November 2018.
Since that time, the organization has been focused on assessing its landholdings across Canada. The assessments looked into the historical, environmental, ecological, and topographical properties of the land.
The information from this assessment will be used to determine future action taken by the Franciscans.
The event is meant to both inform Cochranites as well as to receive input from them.
“We know people have been asking around,” said Tamille Beynon, communications advisor for B&A Planning.
“We’re hoping people might give us some ideas.”
The event also hopes to raise awareness of the Franciscan Friars in Cochrane and their role in the town.
