Cochrane council members endorsed its top three priorities May 27 for 2014, setting the wheels in motion for the town’s Strategic Plan to also be approved.
At the top of the priority list was the completion of the design for the new aquatic centre, meaning the project will be shovel-ready with sufficient fundraising being complete to allow for construction to launch.
Fostering economic growth through the implementation of actions identified in the Integrated Downtown Action Plan came in second on the list.
Two highlights of the plan were the Centre Avenue beautification project and the redevelopment of the old Town Hall site. The third priority is to develop Cochrane’s Renewable Energy Framework – a guideline for future energy-efficient initiatives – which has temporarily put a halt on Cochrane High School’s wind turbine project.
Council’s approval of the priorities allows administration to begin preparing the 2014 business plans and budgets.
The 2014 Strategic Plan was also adopted. In years past, the plan was presented to council for approval in principle only, but with this being a municipal election year, the plan was provided for final consent. Future plans will be presented to council on a multi-year basis.
Council approved the distribution of $20,043 in community grants to a variety of organizations.
Cochrane and Area Events Society (CAES) received $6,000 for three separate endeavours – the Labour Day Parade, SummerFest and WinterFest.
The Lions Club of Cochrane, Bow Valley Habitat Development, Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society, Holy Spirit Catholic School Parent Advisory Council and Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area all were provided $2,000, equal to what each requested.
Cochrane Minor Soccer received $1,500; Seniors for Kids Society $1,000; All Saints Family Centre Society $893; and Nakoda Cochrane Pickin’ Party Music Jam Society got $650.
Two organizations did not receive any of the funding they requested.
Bow Valley Rugby Club was denied $2,000 for the purchase of a cargo utility trailer. The town indicated that the request did not meet the criteria for capital improvements, as it did not benefit the community and was focused on one specific group.
One Rock, a music festival being held at St. Francis Retreat Centre July 26-28, also did not see any grant funding, as the organization is not located within the Cochrane town limits.
Unlike years past, grant funding will only be distributed once in 2013. The deadline for applying was May 1.
