Cochrane, Alberta

10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 That was pretty influential in establishing a better road network, but also philosophically connecting communities, which is one of our priorities.” Expressing that the new bridge was a $53 million project which was paid for primarily by new growth and grants, without relying on the tax base, Genung says the town has started another major undertaking, the 1A project. One part of this traffic improvement will be done through the province of Alberta, creating an interchange between highways 1A and 22 in the community, and easing congestion. “With COVID and some of the grant opportunities the province presented, we were able to do our own 1A project, which is currently underway on Cochrane Hill. We’ve had long lineups of vehicles, trying to traverse those networks, and so we’re twinning the highway right through our community,” he expresses. This project is a $28 million investment, which includes upgrades to make navigating the roads easier for drivers, as well as a three-meter wide paved trail through the community. “We always have a vision to not only make it easier for people to drive through our community but walk, cycle, run, whatever. We’re quite proud of the trail network that we have,” boasts the mayor. Cochrane is also investing in flood mitigation efforts, with two projects completed this year, and more in the plans. Looking to the future, the town of Cochrane will continue to focus on its strategic priorities, the first of which is identity. “We’re being quite deliberate in not being engulfed by the City of Calgary. We’re trying to be very intentional, creating a real sense of arrival when you reach Cochrane,” says Genung. The second priority is protecting and nurturing open spaces and natural areas as the town grow. “Where we are situated, we feel we have a responsibility to be quite deliberate in how we protect and enhance where we live so that we can pass this space on to future generations,” he asserts. Ensuring a livable community is another area of concentration, along with a vibrant economy. COCHRANE , ALBERTA