Mike Derricott

The Council meeting addressed several operational matters. Key discussions included the approval of funding recommendations for the 2026 Community Operational Grants, allocating funds to various community societies such as Big Hill Haven, Helping Hands Society, Cochrane Search & Rescue, and others. Furthermore, the Council approved the allocation of $75,000 from the General Operating Reserve to conduct a joint Owner-Led Review of the Spray Lake Sawmills Centre and Cochrane Arena with Rocky View County to establish facility condition and governance baselines. Finally, recommended changes to the Elected Officials Remuneration & Expense Reimbursement Policy were approved.

Key discussions included a presentation from the Cochrane Society for Housing Options (CSHO) regarding the need to double affordable housing units, specifically requesting the transfer of The Homestead land to support development objectives. Council directed Administration to explore all options related to The Homestead lands and report back by June 1, 2026. Additionally, Council conducted a comprehensive review of the existing Procedural Bylaw to enhance clarity, remove duplication, and improve efficiency, ultimately giving Second and Third Reading to Bylaw 01/2026, thereby adopting the new Procedural Bylaw.

This strategic plan, titled the Bow River Strategy, provides a comprehensive framework for guiding short- and long-term decisions and investments along Cochrane's riverfront corridor. It emphasizes responsible land management and environmental stewardship, balancing ecological integrity with recreational, cultural, and economic potential. The plan outlines five key goals: environmental stewardship, collaborative planning, community and economic integration, enhanced pathway functionality, and thoughtful design and placemaking, all guided by the vision 'It is Our River... to Steward... to Share... to Explore... to Belong.' The strategy considers a 20-year horizon for its implementation.

The Council reviewed and amended the Cochrane Municipal Policing Committee Bylaw, incorporating changes to Provincial legislation, including the removal of the requirement to appoint a Public Complaints Director. Council adopted changes to the FCSS Advisory Board Terms of Reference, allowing for seven Town of Cochrane public at large members, and subsequently appointed Fabian Martin and May Depositar to this board. Furthermore, Council approved the Bow River Strategy, which establishes a long-term framework for guiding decision-making along the Bow River corridor over the next 20 years, subject to amendments. The Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for February 17, 2026, was cancelled.

Key discussions included a presentation from the Big Hill Creek Preservation Society regarding their objectives and value to the Town. Council gave first reading to Bylaw 01/2026 concerning procedural bylaw and council schedule amendments, and approved the amended 2026 meeting schedule. The Council approved grant funding recommendations for the FCSS/United Way Partnership Grant, allocating funds to several local organizations. Furthermore, the Council directed Administration to enter into an initial Agreement of Purchase & Sale for the affordable housing opportunity at 359 First Street East, pending legal review. An allocation of $120,000 from the General Operating Reserve was approved to fund 2026 environmental assessments and education initiatives. The proposed process and timeline for submitting resolutions to Alberta Municipalities (ABMunis) for the 2026 Fall Convention were also presented.