Anyone confused by the workings of the Town of Cochrane administration and/or council now has a unique opportunity to not only learn but take an active role in the inner workings of the fastest growing town in Alberta.
The Town of Cochrane is recruiting dedicated individuals to serve on a board, commission or committee (council committee). Fourteen public-at-large positions are available on council committees. Cochrane residents are being invited to bring their voice, vision and abilities to collaborate with members of council and administration on important town matters.
"Being a part of a board, committee, or commission is an excellent opportunity to offer guidance and insights to enhance the well-being of our residents and the vitality of our community,” said Jaylene Knight, director of Legislative and Administrative Services, Town of Cochrane.
It’s an opportunity to understand and participate in Town council’s decision-making process.
“Embrace the spirit of openness, fairness and the desire to make a difference in your community – we invite all those with these qualities to join us as volunteers on a council committee," Knight said.
The Town is accepting applications for the following vacancies:
Parks and Recreation Committee (four positions available). The Parks and Recreation Committee reviews existing community parks and recreation services, and issues and advises on future needs for programming and infrastructure.
Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Advisory Board (three positions available). The FCSS Advisory Board helps identify and address social issues through program delivery to enhance, strengthen and stabilize family and community life.
Cochrane Planning Commission (CPC) (one position available). The CPC considers development and redesignation applications and acts as the approving authority on development and subdivision matters to the extent required by the Land Use Bylaw (Bylaw 01/2022).
Subdivision & Development Appeal Board (SDAB) (three positions available). The SDAB hears appeals regarding decisions made by the development officer, the Development Authority or the Cochrane Planning Commission with respect to subdivisions, development permits or stop orders issued by the Town of Cochrane.
Library Board (three positions available). The Library Board is responsible for managing and regulating the operation of the library and encouraging the development of services and activities. Preference will be given to individuals with fundraising backgrounds, or experience in the planning or development of new infrastructure/facility projects.
Depending on their mandate, boards, committees and commissions provide advice to council on specific referred issues, or act in a quasi-judicial capacity to hear appeals and render a decision based on evidence presented at a hearing.
While all interested, eligible, public-at-large members may apply, applications are reviewed to evaluate the skills of the applicant and the needs of the council committee. For example, as previously stated, in this year’s public-at-large recruitment the Cochrane Library Board will provide preference to applicants with experience in fundraising, planning or development of new infrastructure projects to support the purpose and current needs of the board.
Council committees vary in time commitment, while some meet once a month others gather on an as needed basis. To better understand the commitment, interested applicants can review the previous agendas and minutes of committee meetings at cochrane.ca/AgendaCenter or review the terms of reference for individual committees.
The Town of Cochrane Legislative Services reviews submitted council committee applications for all vacancies, interviews candidates and presents a number of recommendations to council. Council appoints members from the applications received during a regular council meeting in late 2023.
Any Town of Cochrane resident (or Rocky View County resident for the Library Board), 18 years of age or older, may apply.
Appointed public-at-large members from this year’s appointment will begin their term in January 2024. Applications must be submitted through Cochrane.ca/committees by Oct. 27.
For more information, visit Cochrane.ca/committees or contact [email protected].
