Happy TravellerWelcome to Cochrane, a charming town located just 18 km west of the Calgary city limits along Highway 1A in the Calgary Metropolitan Region of Alberta, Canada. With a population of 32,199 in 2021, Cochrane is one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada and one of the largest towns in Alberta. Cochrane was established in 1881 as the Cochrane Ranche, after Matthew Henry Cochrane, a local rancher. It became a village in 1903 and incorporated as a town in 1971.
Cochrane is situated at the base of Big Hill in the Bow River Valley, with an elevation of 1,186 m (3,891 ft). The town is intersected by Highway 1A and Highway 22. Cochrane has a reputation for its western culture, which can easily be felt when one wanders the streets (particularly Main Street). The town is a popular destination for ice cream and coffee in its quaint western-oriented stores as well as for windsports, golfing, hiking, and other adventure activities. Cochrane is also a small industrial center, with major industries including lumber, construction, retail, and agriculture (ranching). It is notable as being one of very few communities in Canada with no business tax.
The Cochrane Generals are a Junior B Hockey Club based out of Cochrane Alberta Canada. They are members of the South Division In the Heritage Junior Hockey League. They have been playing out of the Original Cochrane Arena from (1984-2001) – (2018-Present).
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Cochrane had a population of 32,199 living in 12,096 of its 12,578 total private dwellings, a change of 24.5% from its 2016 population of 25,853. With a land area of 31.58 km2 (12.19 sq mi), it had a population density of 1,019.6/km2 (2,640.8/sq mi) in 2021. At its current population, Cochrane is one of the largest towns in the province and is eligible for city status. According to Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, a town is eligible for city status when it reaches 10,000 residents.
Cochrane houses attractions such as Cochrane Ranche Historic Site and Bert Sheppard Stockmens Foundation Library And Archives, located in the Cochrane Ranchehouse. Cochrane is home to many annual events each year: Pumpkin lantern festival: October Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair: Early May Canada Day (July 1) Cochrane and Area Events Society, with support from the Town of Cochrane presents the Canada Day Community Celebration: Canada Day (July 1) Labour Day Rodeo & Parade: Labour Day weekend. In 2019 the parade had over 80 floats participate. Terry Fox Run: September Christmas Light-up: Late November
Cochrane has a town council consisting of an elected mayor and six councillors elected at-large. Councillors are elected by the eligible electors by voting for up to six candidates and the six receiving the largest number of votes being elected. The position of deputy mayor is rotated through the councillors over their term. Elections are held on the third Monday in October every fourth year. As of October 19, 2021, the town council consists of mayor Jeff Genung and Councillors Susan Flowers, Patrick Wilson, Morgan Nagel, Marni Fedeyko, Tara McFadden, Alex Reed.
Cochrane is located within the provincial electoral division of Airdrie-Cochrane. It has been represented in the Alberta Legislature by UCP MLA Peter Guthrie since the 2019 provincial election. Cochrane is located in the federal electoral district of Banff-Airdrie and is represented by Blake Richards in the House of Commons.
Cochrane is home to schools from the public Rocky View School Division No. 41, the separate Calgary Catholic School District, and the Greater Southern Alberta Catholic Francophone Region #4 (CSCFSA). As of 2022, there were twelve public and separate schools in operation within the town boundaries. Rocky View School Division No. 41 Cochrane High School: Grades 9–12 Bow Valley High School: Grades 9–12 Rancheview School: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 Elizabeth Barret Elementary School: Kindergarten, Grades 1–4 Glenbow Elementary School: Kindergarten, Grades 1–4 Mitford School: Grades 5-8 Manachaban Middle School|Manachaban Middle School Grades 5-8 Cochrane Christian Academy: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 Fireside School: Kindergarten, Grades 1-7 Calgary Catholic School District Holy Spirit: Kindergarten, Grades 1–6 St. Timothy: Grades 7–12 Nôtre Dame Des Vallées: Kindergarten, Grades 1–8 (French-Catholic school GSACFR#4 or CSCFSA)
Cochrane is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Alberta. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder why Cochrane is one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Cochrane has something for everyone. Come and experience the charm of this western town for yourself!
