Just 22 kilometres west of Calgary, steeped in history and western culture, Cochrane is the hidden gem of western Alberta; and although a gorgeous physical location and surrounding beauty are a big part of the town’s appeal, the warmth of the residents and the many quaint retailers are what keeps people coming back.

“Part of Cochrane’s charm is that it still has a small town feeling, even though it has the amenities of a larger centre,” says Gerri Polis, Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce manager. “The population is growing considerably…but there’s still a really good feeling of community here.”

Founded in 1881 by Québec businessman, Senator Matthew Henry Cochrane, the Cochrane Ranche was the foundation of the beef cattle industry in Alberta during the time that the Canadian Pacific Railway was expanding from the eastern provinces to link the prairies and British Columbia. Nestled at the base of Big Hill in the Valley of the Bow River, the area seemed like an ideal place for settlers because of the great water source and lush greenery. After the Canadian Pacific Railway granted the townsite and named it after Senator Cochrane in 1885, the hamlet of Cochrane became a village in 1903 with a population of just 153 people. The population then hovered around 300 residents until after the Second World War when the community was incorporated as a town with a population exceeding 800.

Today, Cochrane boasts more than 14,000 citizens, dozens of thriving retail businesses, recreation facilities and of course, the renowned MacKays Ice Cream store serving homemade ice cream in countless lip-smacking flavours. Strolling along Main Street, a western heritage flavour can be felt with architectural markings of the cowboy life long ago.

New communities are constantly on the rise as the town’s enviable location is perfect for young families. “There’s just lots for families here, plus there’s the safety of being in a small community,” says Polis. “(Parents) want to have the proximity to be able to go into Calgary to work and come home to that small town feeling knowing that their families are safe at night.” About 28 per cent of Cochrane residents are employed outside of the town and commute to places like Calgary, Exshaw and Airdrie, and with an abundance of schools, recreation facilities and outdoor activities to pursue, it’s easy to comprehend Cochrane’s appeal.

The Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre features not only an indoor hockey rink and soccer pitch, but also a running track, gymnasium, work-out facility, sports physio- therapy clinic, University of Calgary gymnastics centre, and more. It is currently being expanded to include two more ice surfaces and either a climbing wall or squash courts.

Annual events like the Taste of Cochrane, which began last year, has visitors and residents flocking downtown to sample goodies from more than 40 food and drink establishments. “It’s a walking tour of all the restaurants,” says Polis. “That’s another thing that people are surprised by is the number of places there are to eat in Cochrane.” Some of Polis’ favourite restaurants are the Canyon Rose Steakhouse located at the historic Rockyview Hotel and the Olive R’ Twist Bar and Bistro on Main Street. “And if I just want a quick, homemade meal, I go to Norma’s Place,” she adds.

The Links of GlenEagles is one of Alberta’s finest courses and allows avid golfers to revel in the beautiful mountain scenery. Travelling just ten short minutes from the outskirts of Calgary, The Links of GlenEagles and the Cochrane Golf Club make great additions to the outdoor lifestyle enjoyed in Cochrane.

New developments like Sunset Ridge, Heritage Hills, Jumping Pound Ridge, TRC Ranch and West Pointe are all in various building stages and are attracting more people everyday. “It’s just a very friendly, warm community,” comments Laurie Drukier, communications co-ordinator for the Town of Cochrane. “I love the fact that no matter where I go, I almost always see someone I know and I love the fact that I know my neighbours. If my neighbour is feeling energetic, he’ll shovel my sidewalk when he’s shovelling his, and we do the same.”
With scenic city, mountain and river views, downtown charm and a friendly community, who wouldn’t want to live in Cochrane?

New communities in cochrane
The town of Cochrane has grown continuously over the past 10 years, with new communities blooming in its outskirts, taking advantage of the fantastic views the small town west of Calgary has to offer. One thing that hasn’t changed is the small town character and Western Heritage appeal that Cochrane has always been known for. The following lists some of the town’s newest communities and the builders involved in their development.

Heritage Hills
• Assured Developments Ltd
• Stepper Custom Homes
• Trico Homes

Jumping Pound Ridge
• WestView Builders
• Baywest Homes
• Kingsmith Homes

Monterra on Cochrane Lakes
• Astoria Custom Homes
• Brooklyn Custom Homes
• Cornerstone Homes
• Modena Homes
• Prominent Homes

Riversong
• Calbridge Group
• Innovations by Jayman (Phase II)
• Jayman MasterBuilt
• NuVista Homes
• Sabal Homes (Phase II)
• Morrison Homes

Sunset Ridge
• Calbridge Group
• Innovations by Jayman
• Janssen Homes
• Jayman MasterBuilt
• Kingsmith Homes
• Lupi Custom Homes

TRC Ranch
• Shane Homes
• Trico Homes
• Excel Homes
• Sterling Group of Companies
• Streetside Development Corp.

West Pointe Estates
• Kingsmith Homes
• Mapeland Homes