The pace of Cochrane's growth is staggering. Every year, the census reveals significant jumps in population and while government naturally proclaims more and more citizens are great for community vibrancy, it does come with its challenges. More often than not, those challenges cost money. The need for improved or expanded infrastructure, more social programs, enhanced cultural opportunities and increased capacity facilities such as schools and libraries. Cochrane is seeing those needs starting to pile up. Multi-million dollar road and bridge projects have either began or are on the horizon, plans are in the works for a new RCMP detachment, ideas have been floated for a cultural hub, an innovation centre through a library expansion and the list goes on. Last week, both the Cochrane Museum, operated by the Cochrane Archival and Historical Preservation Society (CHAPS) and Seniors on the Bow went to council, demonstrating their respective needs for operational funds out of the town's 2019 budget. As the town grows, both organizations are seeing their expenses outpace their revenues due to increased usage and a desire to offer enhanced services. Both these groups offer valuable services and the argument as to whether they are needed services would likely be long and heated and entirely subjective. What is not subjective is the cost. Meeting the requests of Seniors on the Bow and CHAPS would be relatively inexpensive, amounting to a total of less than $10 per Cochrane household per year in taxes. However, there are a lot of things on the wish list each year that amount to a few dollars per household annually. Like a shopping spree at the Dollar Store, a million items costing just a buck still amount to a million dollars. Eventually, regardless of the number of people who move to town, we will hit a breaking point as to how much property tax homeowners can bear. We also should not be aiming for that point and instead be considering other options in terms of funding. Fortunately, updates to the Municipal Government Act has given more power to municipalities when it comes to spending off-site levies – fees charged to developers of new residential and commercial areas. Those expanded powers mean monies can be directed to projects such as RCMP stations, alleviating some pressure on taxpayers. There is no question supporting seniors and preserving our past is important. Both provide important links to how this town was established and why it has become as successful as it has. That being said, as more and more requests for funding come in, the town will have to start asking if user pay models make more sense than simply piling on more taxes.
