January
Rocky View Schools began to host public consultations to share information and address concerns on the proposed accommodation option for Kindergarten to Grade 8 students in Cochrane. The student population in Cochrane has been increasing by about 250 per cent annually. Rocky View Schools Board of Trustees has said the projected growth trend indicates Cochrane schools will be utilized over 100 per cent within the next five years unless new facilities are approved
The first COVID-19 cases are confirmed in Canada. The first reported cases of the virus were identified by the Government of Ontario on Jan. 25 involving a man who had been to Wuhan, China. On Jan. 29 the man’s wife was confirmed as the second case of COVID-19 in Canada.
February
The Young Professional Rotary Club of Cochrane officially launched on Feb. 10. The new club focuses on three fundamental goals— Connecting with like-minded individuals while cultivating ongoing growth both personally and professionally all while contributing to the core values held as a community. The goal of the club is to continue down the road of success set forth by Rotary by engaging with the younger population in town.
Town Council passed a revised day home bylaw that will permit day homes in residential areas in Cochrane. The new regulations permit day homes to accommodate six children at any time. Operators are also allowed to increase the size of their day home signage to half a metre squared.
Town Council approved the 2020-30 Business Development Strategic Plan at the Feb. 24. meeting. The plan outlines four strategies intended to fuel local business development and innovation— Proactively promoting the innovation sector in Town, proactively strengthening relationships with existing business groups, companies and major developers in Cochrane, and proactively planning and implementing initiatives to enhance Cochrane’s economic ecosystem.
Town of Cochrane Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Dave Devana, tendered his resignation to Cochrane Town Council on Feb. 24. Devana joined the Town of Cochrane in October of 2017. Town council named Drew Hyndman Interim CAO until a replacement for Devana could be found.
March
The first case of COVID-19 is confirmed in Alberta on March 5. On March 11 the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. On the same day, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal government would provide $1 billion to help provinces in the wake of the virus. At the time more than 120,000 cases had been confirmed worldwide and 4,300 people had died.
Cochrane reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 16. On the same day, the Town announced the closure of town-run facilities to help limit the spread of the virus. The first case came after the Town of Cochrane enacted the Municipal Emergency Response Plan and Alberta students moved into virtual classes on March 13. Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre was also indefinitely shut down.
The Alberta 2020 Budget unveiled a new model for education in the province. The budget included an increase of $100 million in operating expenses to $8.2 billion for the 2020-21 school year. As part of the new model, school jurisdictions are expected to use their revenue and reserves as the government transition to the new Kindergarten to Grade 12 Funding and Assurance Model. The new model removed government regulation and administrative costs to direct more dollars to each school division.
Southland Transportation Ltd. began the search for a new bus depot. Town council decided at their Mar. 9 regular meeting a small direct control district, which would have accommodated Southland, was off the books. Council agreed with a proposed amendment by planning services to designate the 160-acre parcel of land as a public service district. The land will still accommodate the Horse Creek Sports Park and high school to build in the future but excludes the seven-acre Direct Control (DC-1) district set aside for Southland’s development.
Cochrane Council approved the waving of late utility bill penalties for four months and the deferral of utility bills for residents in need on March 23. The transit system COLT was also made free to residents. The steps were taken by Council as a preliminary measure to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.
April
A group of 25 doctors penned a collective letter to Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie regarding the Provincial government’s decision to unilaterally abolish its contract with medical doctors. The letter states doctors are fearful primary care in Cochrane will be negatively impacted. The master agreement with physicians ended on March 31. The former contract was terminated by the UCP in February amid negotiations with Alberta Medical Association.
Cochrane Council approved the launch of the Social and Economic Recovery Task Forces at the April 14 council meeting.
On April 14 the provincial government announced a Cochrane Kindergarten to Grade 9 Catholic school would begin construction in September 2020 with occupancy set for September 2022.
Kelly Sinclair was elected the new president of The Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce. Mehtab East Indian Cuisine owner Jag Thind was elected Vice President, Cochrane Lanes co-owner Dwayne LaMontagne was elected treasurer and former Cochrane Eagle marking representative Julie Tuite was elected secretary.
Rocky View Schools announced modifications to seven of the town’s school attendance boundaries and four school grade configurations over the next two years at the April 23 board of trustees meeting. For those living in Heritage Hills, their designated schools will become kindergarten to Grade 5 at Elizabeth Barret Elementary School, Grade 6 to Grade 8 in École Manachaban Middle School and Grade 9 to Grade 12 at Cochrane High School. For those living in Heartland, students will be designated to Glenbow Elementary School for kindergarten to Grade 5, Mitford School for Grade 6 to Grade 8 and Bow Valley High School for Grade 9 to Grade 12. In September 2021 Glenbow and Elizabeth Barret schools will have their grade structure adjusted from kindergarten to Grade 5 to kindergarten to Grade 4. Manachaban and Mitford schools will adjust their grades from Grade 6 to Grade 8, to Grade 5 to Grade 8. In the past five years, student growth has been increasing between five to six per cent annually.
The Calgary Stampede announced on April 23 that the Greatest Show on Earth would be cancelled for the first time in its 108 years history. The cancellation occurred due to the COVID-19 public health measures in place.
May
The Government of Alberta announced its three-stage Economic Relaunch Strategy would begin on May 14. Stage One included the reopening of retail services, hair styling and barbering, daycares, restaurants, cafes and bars with a 50 per cent occupancy limit, museums, art galleries, additional outdoor recreation and allied health services. Stage Two included the reopening of personal services, massage, reflexology, summer camps with limited occupancy, movie theatres with restrictions and additional elective surgeries. Stage Three included the reopening of swimming pools, gyms, arenas, nightclubs, industry conferences, festivals and major sporting events with restrictions.
Cochrane was designated a Family Resource Network hub that will fall under a new province-wide well-being and resiliency model "A Framework for Supporting Safe and Healthy Children and Families." The new network will ultimately become one community powerhouse of support, entertaining a wide spectrum of services and resources for families to access while also tending to the 6-18 age gap. Cochrane Family and Community Support Services holds the contract for the Family Resource Network hub and was awarded two spokes— Early Childhood Development Programs, which supports 0 to 6 and Parent Capacity Building, which is parent education and support for 0 to 18. The Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area was also awarded a spoke for Youth Programming. The Children's Cottage was awarded the Home Visitation spoke as they provide more intensive in-home support for families with children age zero to six. The Cochrane and Area Family Resource Network will be located in the old Parent Link centre.
The Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre parking lot became the new home for the Cochrane Farmers’ Market during the COVID-19 pandemic. The market celebrated its 22nd year of operation, but visiting the market was a different experience for customers due to public health measures. The first market of the year took place on June 6.
A group of post-traumatic stress disorder survivors officially launched the WineGlass Wellness Retreat fundraiser, now known as the Wayfinders Wellness Retreat, on May 24. The goal of the retreat is to create a safe space for first responders, military personal and their families to heal from wounds inflicted by post-traumatic stress disorder through a blend of traditional and alternative healing methods.
Rocky View Schools Board of Trustees approved the 2021-22 Budget at a meeting on May 21. The school board anticipated an enrolment increase of 3. 9 per cent and an increase of 1.4 per cent in government operating revenue. The budget had $281.4 million of revenue and $282.6 million in expenditures.
Cochrane Council provided up to $1.5 million to the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre to help the facility weather the COVID-19 storm. Council also approved an additional $165,000 for emergent capital requirements at the May 28 Council meeting. The request was approved 4-3 by council.
June
The Cochrane Eco Centre reopened to the public on June 2. Modified measures were put in place for public safety during the pandemic.
The Young Professional Rotary Club of Cochrane hosted the inaugural "Movie Under The Stars" at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre on June 6. The event served as a fundraiser for the Cochrane Activettes and featured the Pixar movie Onward.
The Cochrane RancheHouse announced it would be reopening its doors to the public on July 2. The centre initially closed on March 13 due to COVID-19 public health measures.
Hundreds of protesters peacefully marched through Downtown Cochrane in support of the Black Lives Matter movement on June 14. The goal of the rally was to highlight the need to educate and bring resources to help break the cycle of racism and discrimination in communities.
Cochrane High School and Bow Valley High School students celebrated modified in-person graduation ceremonies. St. Timothy High School hosted a special drive-thru graduation celebration on May. 29.
The Town of Cochrane approved an additional $4.78 million in funding for capital projects in 2020 at the June 22 council meeting. A major project included in the funding is the Highway 1A/22 utility relocation. The area is part of the Alberta Transportation Highway 1A and 22 interchange project. Focus on streamlining traffic in Cochrane, the Range Road 262 was also approved for an upgrade in 2020 at a cost of $100,000. The funds will be drawn from reserves. The River Heights Reservoir Preliminary Design was included in funding approvals. The last 2020 capital project approved at the meeting was the Sanitary Sewer Inspection Camera at a cost of $40,000.
July
The Cochrane High School Sustainable Development Committee were crowned the winners of the Alberta Emerald Award for Climate Change. The group took home the award for their work on the Sustainable Development Project Phase IX Rooftop Solar Array. The Alberta Emerald Foundation award celebrates the outstanding environmental achievements of large and small businesses, individuals, not-for-profit associations, community groups, youth and governments.
New funding from the provincial government allowed for three new police officers to join the Cochrane RCMP detachment. The front-line officers will serve as RCMP members who attend emergency calls. They will also patrol areas in rural communities to try as a deterrent to crime.
At the Monday, July 13 Council Meeting Cochrane Council approved a $750,000 funding request from the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. Of the funds, $5000,000 was earmarked to help recover the costs of when the building was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 public health measures introduced in Alberta. An additional $165,000 was granted for critical capital work at the facility. The centre began a phased reopening on July 1.
On July 29 Cochrane Council passed a bylaw making face coverings mandatory in all indoor public spaces with a 5-4 vote from councillors. For the bylaw to be enacted the Town was required to report 10 active cases of COVID-19. If the Town reports 10 cases or below for 14 consecutive days the bylaw will be rescinded. A sunset clause was included with the bylaw and it will expire on Feb. 1, 2021, unless renewed by council.
August
The Cochrane Lions Club announced that it would be cancelling the 2020 Lions Club Rodeo over concerns about COVID-19. The Lions Club replaced the rodeo with a fireworks display, and the Fill a Chute Food Drive, to help out the Cochrane Activettes and local veterans.
Cochrane’s COLT transportation system resumed charging standard fares. COLT began offering free services in April to ensure people were able to make essential trips during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cochrane celebrated its first-ever Pride Week, which kicked off with the raising of the Progress Pride Flag at the Cochrane RancheHouse, special screenings of LGBTQ2S+ films at the Cochrane Movie House, and two separate drag shows that featured local drag royalty.
The Town attempted to ease mounting tensions as kids prepared to go back to school by hosting an online seminar to relieve back to school anxiety on Aug 26. A few days prior, outside of MLA Peter Guthrie’s office, parents, teachers and students rallied, calling on the provincial government to take additional steps to ensure that the return to classrooms was as safe as possible on Aug. 19.
Minister of Finance Travis Towes visited the Cochrane RancheHouse to discuss the UCP’s plans to get Alberta back on the road to economic prosperity, through the reduction of red-tape regulations in the province, reduced taxes and investment in “key” infrastructure projects.
September
Students were back in the classroom for in-person learning on Sept. 2, prompting a range of emotions from parents in the community. From anxiety and trepidation to relief and excitement, parents from the community shared their views with The Cochrane Eagle as their kids’ studies resumed.
The Cochrane and Area Events Society threw the annual Labour Day Parade with some COVID-19-friendly alterations. More than 800 members of the community showed up to take a walking tour past the stationary displayed floats, the Stoney Mini Thni dancers, the Philippine Tinikling dancers and other cultural displays.
Member of Parliament for Banff-Airdrie Blake Richards was named Chief Opposition Whip in the House of Commons by the newly elected Conservative Party leader, Erin O’Toole on Sept. 2.
Town Council announced a $150,000 investment in the Think Big, Live Cochrane Campaign, looking to promote the community as an exciting place to be a part of, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the town. The campaign looks to encourage the economic growth of Cochrane, as well as its business community.
Cochrane Culture Days drew crowds of Cochranites to Cochrane Square, Centennial Plaza and the Cochrane Lions Club Events Centre on Sept. 12 and 13. The event featured live music, car shows, cultural dances and live art demonstrations for all those in attendance.
October
Minister of Agriculture Devin Dreeshen visited Spray Lake Sawmills to discuss the forestry industry’s vital role in Alberta’s recovery from the pandemic. The forestry industry saw increases in product prices, including record highs for lumber, and huge increases in plywood and oriented strand board.
Uniting the north and south sides of Cochrane with a second crossing point, the Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge officially opened to the public on Thursday (Oct. 15) with speeches from public officials, a light show and fireworks. The infrastructure project took countless hours to make into a reality with the idea to create the connection dating back to 2002. The $54 million bridge is the largest infrastructure project to date accomplished by the Town and was funded through off-site levies and provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative grants.
After reports surfaced of a Grade 7 student being bullied for wearing rainbow socks, more than 100 Cochranites rallied around their peer and organized the Rainbow Sock Walk on Oct. 13. The students wanted to send a clear message that bullying and homophobia had no place in Cochrane.
Cochrane Town Council approved $12.9 million to support highway and local roadway improvements to help alleviate the town’s traffic congestion. The $12.9 million earmarked by the Town will be used to complete highway transportation upgrades for $8.62 million and a realignment of 4th Avenue to 5th Avenue for $3.12 million in 2021, with additional construction and engineering for $885,000 paired with town enhancements on highway transportation upgrades for $275,000 in 2022.
November
Cochrane activated its mandatory indoor face-covering bylaw on Nov. 9 when the town hit the threshold of 10 active cases in the community. It was reported that there were 14 active cases in the community on Monday (Nov. 9), prompting a response from the town.
The Cochrane Legion Branch held an invite-only Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Cochrane Cenotaph. The ceremony included a reciting of the poem In Flanders Field, a wreath-laying ceremony, speeches from Mayor Jeff Genung and other dignitaries, and more.
Cochrane Fire Services, Cochrane RCMP, Alberta Health Services and the Cochrane Activettes took part in several community parades, collecting donations for the Cochrane Activettes’ Share Your Christmas Campaign.
Big Hill Haven expanded the scope of the critical services it offers after hiring a second client-facing staff member who is a trained social worker on Nov. 16. The move allowed Big Hill Haven to expand its hours to include evening and weekend coverage.
Cochrane Search and Rescue closed out November with a busy weekend (Nov. 28 and 29), conducting two separate searches over 48 hours in Cochrane and Canmore. Both searches ended happily, with the subjects of each search being located alive and in good health. 2020 has been the busiest year to date for Cochrane Search and Rescue.
December
Town Council finalized the 2021-23 budget, which includes a zero per cent tax increase for Cochranites in 2021, $60.79 million in operating expenses, and $49.4 million for 2021 capital projects.
The Town of Cochrane appointed deputy fire chief Shawn Polley to the position of fire chief of Cochrane Fire Services on Dec. 14. Polley, a long-time resident of Cochrane, brings nearly three decades of experience in emergency services to the new post.
The Cochrane and Area Events Society’s Stuff a Bus Toy Drive was a resounding success once again this year, thanks to the giving nature of Cochrane residents. The toy drive is in support of the Cochrane Activettes Share Your Christmas Campaign, which provides Christmas hampers to hundreds of Cochrane families every year.
The Kiwanis Club of Cochrane, with support from Cochrane Family and Community Support Services, provided Christmas gift bags to 123 families on Dec. 13, during the Kiwanis Cochrane Toy Project.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney introduced additional new health care measures on Tuesday (Dec. 8), explaining the intent was to bend down the curve of COVID-19 spread in the province. New health measures included a prohibition on all indoor and outdoor social gatherings, both public and private. Close contacts were limited to household members only. As well mandatory masks became required in indoor public spaces and in all indoor workplaces and facilities outside the home.
Cochrane Toyota and the Young Professionals Rotary Club handed out more than 350 children's sleighs to celebrate the holiday season. The volunteers had help from Santa and chief elf Mayor Jeff Genung to hand out the sleighs in a drive-thru style event.
Alberta marked a grim milestone on Dec. 28 with the province recording more than 1,000 deaths since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
