The Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce welcomed the town’s three mayoral candidates, kicking off debate season for the upcoming municipal election.
David Smith, Joann Churchill and Ivan Brooker discussed several issues Cochrane will face in the coming years, including welcoming new immigrants into the community and progress on major projects such as the Arts Centre, Curling Club, transit and Aquatic Centre.
Churchill and Brooker both came out in support of the new pool, with Churchill saying she would only give the project the go-ahead if the funds were there.
“I will not allow us to go into debt from this,” said Churchill.
Brooker said the Aquatic Centre is the community’s top priority, and believes ground could be broken sometime late next year.
Smith, who has been vocal about his desire to take a business-like approach to all major projects if elected mayor, said he does realize the pool needs to be replaced, but with the large price tag of the new facility, it needs to be revisited.
“It needs to be staged for development,” said Smith, adding that he would not want the pool’s operational costs to impact taxes.
Candidates were also asked to give their list of top priorities going into the next four years.
Brooker said he would love to have a new Bow River bridge tops on his list, but that its development is reliant on the town’s community development, and is most likely five years out.
Brooker listed the Aquatic Centre and economic development as his top priorities, with the Arts Centre being last, due to the fact that he believes the project would not be ready for another five years.
Churchill said economic development is very important, as the town’s tax base must shift from its current 87 per cent residential, 13 per cent business model.
The pool, RCMP station and Bow bridge rounded out Churchill’s list.
Smith echoed Churchill’s sentiments on economic development. He said traffic fell into his second slot, with the RCMP station and pool rounding out his top four.
“I came from the world of business,” said Smith, admitting that it was difficult to ‘blow his own horn.’ “It’s time for a change and that change needs to come from the top.”
Churchill touted her six years of experience on council, as well as her economic development experience. She focused on bringing business into Cochrane and the need to adhere to the town’s 10-Year Financial Plan.
Brooker spoke of his love for the community, saying that he wanted to make a difference.
“This town has been great to me,” he said. “Cochrane is home.”
Brooker said as mayor he would build relationships with residents, businesses, service organizations and developers.
