Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, the town of Cochrane sprouted from the province’s first large-scale livestock operation: the Cochrane Ranche. Established by Senator Matthew Cochrane of Quebec in 1881, the site of the original ranch house now serves as the town hall, information centre, and heritage museum complex.

This rugged area tamed by ranchmen and cowboys finds itself today on the cusp of new growth, having recently completed annexation of 3,300 acres in 2005, and is looking to re-brand itself for the future. But the town itself has never really strayed far from its western heritage.

“People in Cochrane will always be proud of their pioneer past, what we’re doing is just presenting this in a different way,” says Cochrane Community Economic Development Manager Maggie Armstrong.

Twist Marketing was hired for the job and they say their challenge is to “articulate a brand and create a visual identity that is both strongly tied to the community’s strategic aspirations, and is bold enough to get the attention and interest of target audiences.”

“By getting at the heart of what makes Cochrane distinct and memorable,” says Twist Marketing Director Catherine Proulx, “we will weave the Cochrane character into a brand that is truly unique.”

Roping knowledge-based industries
Armstrong says that the Town is actually aiming to attract more knowledge-based industries like IT firms, the ‘green’ industry, and research entrepreneurship. Of course, its scenic location by the Bow River and close to the Rockies has fostered a growing artistic community as well.

“We have the perfect environment to draw these kinds of industries. Cochrane is the perfect place where you want to work and live, close to nature and away from the big city but still pretty accessible to its amenities.”

She adds that the Town has devoted 45 acres in downtown for commercial development, and although not everyone agrees to the idea, she says big box stores might be in the town’s future.

“A lot of local businesses think of these box stores as a threat, but not if you are able to create a niche in the market you can specialize in, and Cochrane has a lot of those unique shops that will always attract tourists and buyers.”

There are no particulars yet on which big chain is coming to town, but Armstrong firmly believes that Cochrane will be the better for it. “What big box stores do is keep the people in your community, they don’t have to drive down to Calgary for their needs, and at the same time provide the same service to nearby communities.”

The growing herd
Cochrane has grown plenty over the last few years, with population now hovering near the 15,000 mark, but Armstrong says the town has coped well with the growth. “Growth has actually leveled off, and is at a very manageable four per cent right now,” she adds.

New communities have been sprouting all across town. Denise Staples, one of the most prominent real estate agents in town, says there is still much to love about Cochrane.

“People still see the enormous potential of living here: a small town atmosphere, great outdoor recreation and still just a few minutes away from Calgary,” she says.

Right now, the Riversong community in the southern outskirts of town is experiencing the most activity, Armstrong says, although Sunset Ridge to the north is a close second. MonTerra on Cochrane Lakes has also opened its second phase with five new show homes.

The Town of Cochrane was officially incorporated on June 17, 1903, some two decades after Senator Cochrane established his historic ranch. This original homestead still exists at the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site, where an estimated 50,000 visitors a year visit to get a taste of early life in the prairie wilderness. But this isn’t the only thing the town has become known for. There is of course, the famous McKay Ice Cream parlour, which has become a household name nationwide for the delicious array of homemade cool treats it offers.

The cowboy spirit
A stroll down 1st Street in downtown Cochrane is just as exciting, with all the numerous and unique western and antique shops, craft stores and art galleries. It also has a dazzling array of restaurants, which are sure to please a wide variety of tastes. Small town hospitality at its Canadian best.

Hang gliding, fly fishing and golfing­ — both the Glen Eagles or Riverview Greens golf courses offer challenging 18-hole excitement for the enthusiast — are a few of the outdoor activities readily available during the warmer months. The town also has an extensive pathway system, which extends along the banks of the Bow River.

One of the most prominent features of this thriving town is its tight sense of community; it’s alive with a pioneer civic spirit that is in full evidence in the numerous neighbourhood events that happen year-round.
There is Heritage Days in the first week of August that celebrates everything about the town. There’s a distinct cowboy feel in town with the Labour Day rodeo and parade. There’s the fun, if unusual, Outhouse Race in September, and the

Christmas Light Up festival that sees Cochrane’s main street lit up for the holidays.

“All these build a strong sense of community and identity that brings our residents together in a wonderful way,” Armstrong says. NL

NEW COMMUNITIES IN COCHRANE
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. Following are 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