Cochrane (Town)

The council received status updates on Cochrane schools, including site planning and legislative changes. Members adopted the 2026 Water and Wastewater Master Plan to guide infrastructure investment. A report on long-term capital utility projects was received for information. Additionally, the council reviewed preliminary findings from a comprehensive utility rate review and heard a notice of motion regarding the expedition of non-residential development permit applications. A personnel matter was also addressed during a closed session.

Cochrane's proposed 2026-2030 Strategic Plan outlines the community's direction for the next four years, focusing on five key priority areas: responsible community growth, a strong financial strategy, infrastructure delivery, a thriving economy, and housing for people. The plan aims to balance growth, services, and quality of life for the community, ensuring the continued delivery of essential core services.

The 2026-2030 Strategic Plan for the Town of Cochrane is rooted in the land and history, connected to community and nature, and focused on protecting character while planning for the future. Its mission is to set clear direction by thoughtfully balancing responsible growth, reliable service, and quality of life for the community. The plan is guided by five key priorities: responsible community growth, a strong financial strategy, infrastructure delivery, a thriving economy, and housing for people, with a commitment to making good decisions, communicating openly, and following through.

The meeting included an update from the Cochrane Library regarding staffing and strategic priorities. Council discussed a municipal land transfer request for the Homestead property, deciding to maintain current ownership while exploring alternative partnership approaches. A new park was officially named Captain Huw Jeffries Park. The Council received the budget engagement report for the upcoming budget cycle, approved foundational elements of the Council Strategic Plan, and endorsed the 2027 Budget Principles to guide future financial decision-making.

The meeting featured a presentation from the RCMP regarding the Municipal Police Service Agreement, covering the funding model, financial planning, and local policing priorities. Additionally, the Council adopted a new Privacy, Access and Security Policy designed to establish a formal governance framework for the management, protection, and disclosure of municipal information, ensuring compliance with provincial privacy and access legislation while addressing records management and the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.