Soon we will be deciding if we want to keep the Cochrane Rodeo Grounds at its historic location, or move it out of town. The Cochrane Lions Rodeo is one of our town’s most iconic traditions and I think it's important for our municipal government to protect it. Cochrane has long prided itself on our country western heritage and having a rodeo and dance right in town is a huge part of our Albertan identity. Combined with the parade, the Labour Day weekend is becoming our own little “Cochrane Stampede”. I am worried that if we move the rodeo out of town, we will be ruining a lot of what makes that weekend so great. Having the rodeo in the middle of town creates an environment that pulls the whole community together and makes it easy to shop, eat and drink at local businesses. On the flip side, if we move the rodeo grounds out of town, it will be out of sight and out of mind. People who do go, will be stuck there for the day and will no longer be able to bounce between the rodeo and local businesses. The days of walking from the rodeo to our local restaurants and pubs would be over. Having grown up in Cochrane, I know that rodeo weekends can be some of the best weekends of the year, especially for all the young people in town. That being said, I understand that our rodeo grounds need to be utilized for more than a few weekends per year. To address this, the Cochrane Lions have been clear that if the Town gives them a long-term commitment on the land, they will take the lead on improving the property and create more opportunities for community use. That’s why instead of forcing the rodeo out of town, I would like to see our council sign a 20-plus year commitment with the Cochrane Lions. The decision that faces Council before the end of the year about what to do with the rodeo grounds is part of a larger overall decision about what happens on three parcels of land in our downtown core:
1. Fifth Avenue site (former location of the Big Hill Leisure Pool and including Lions Rodeo Grounds)
2. 1 acre site east of the library
3. former Esso Bulk Station site
