The Town of Cochrane recently received multiple Alberta Community Partnership Grant applications that were addressed at council’s regularly scheduled meeting Feb. 22.
According to a report presented at the council meeting by Jaylene Knight, legislative administrator for the town, the Alberta Community Partnership program has the objective to improve the viability and long-term sustainability of municipalities by providing support for regional collaboration and capacity-building initiatives.
The first application addressed came from Rocky View County which asked Cochrane to endorse its application for a $250,000 grant from the Alberta Community Partnership Program for the purpose of assisting Rocky View Regional Handibus Society with the costs of capital upgrades.
The town currently provides the society with annual funding for continued operation for the benefit of local residents. This funding assists in covering the daily operation needs of the service to the region. The Handibus service is a consistently-used service by Cochranites in need of transportation to medical appointments in Calgary and area.
If the society receives the grant from the Alberta Community Partnership program, it would go towards upgrading the aging fleet and purchasing capital assets directed towards efficiencies so the society may operate at its current service level.
Coun. Ross Watson made a motion for Cochrane to endorse the application. It was carried unanimously.
The next application addressed came from the City of Calgary which asked Cochrane to endorse its application for a $350,000.00 grant from the Alberta Community Partnership Program for the purpose of assisting the City of Calgary 9-1-1 Centre with the costs of enhancing the Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) system and protocols.
According to Knight’s report, Cochrane currently receives dispatch services from the City of Calgary 9-1-1 Centre. If awarded, these grant funds will assist in covering the costs of upgrading the fire dispatch system and protocols currently delivered, while improving efficiency and safety for both the public and emergency first responders.
Coun. Tara McFadden made a motion for Cochrane to endorse the application, it was carried unanimously.
The final application addressed came from the Town of Banff which asked Cochrane to endorse its application for a $350,000 grant from the Alberta Community Partnership Program for the participation in a regional collaboration towards the concept of reinstating passenger rail service along the Bow Valley corridor between Calgary and Lake Louise. Banff has also requested cooperation from the City of Calgary, Town of Canmore, and Lake Louise for this grant application. If awarded, the grant would fund a Passenger Rail Feasibility Study that would look at the concept of reinstating passenger rail services between Calgary and Lake Louise.
If a passenger rail service is reinstated, it will help solve the traffic congestion problem currently plaguing the Trans-Canada Highway.
According to Knight’s report, should all partner councils approve, the Town of Banff will act as the managing partner for this grant program and assume responsibility for all administrative requirements including reporting to the project participants; and reporting to the Province of Alberta on behalf of the participants.
Coun. Morgan Nagel made a motion for Cochrane to endorse the application, it was carried unanimously.
Knight noted that Cochrane’s decision to endorse the applications carries no financial obligations on the town’s behalf.
