The Town of Cochrane has received a bit of a breather from its surging growth after the 2016 census revealed a population increase of eight per cent.
The census, which boasted a 96 per cent completion rate, came back with a total population count of 25,122. Since 2013, the population has grown by more than 25 per cent with 2015 and 2014 both recording greater than 10 per cent increases, translating into 6,372 more people.
Julian deCocq, the town’s chief administrative officer, said the growth demonstrates that Cochrane continues to offer the amenities and the lifestyle people find attractive.
He added that Cochrane has advantages over communities such as Okotoks, which is the province’s largest town at 28,016 people. deCocq pointed to the historic downtown, walking trails and park spaces, and the small-town feel.
The small-town aspect is subjective deCocq said.
“People just moving here are going to think it’s the perfect size. Those who have lived here longer miss the days when we could ride our horses downtown,” he said.
Perception aside, deCocq said he thinks Cochrane has been able to offer a very balanced approach to expansion.
“It’s a blessing and a curse,” he said of the rapidly growing population. “Along with the growth comes the aspect of providing services.”
While the town is trying to meet the expanding needs with facilities such as the new pool, deCocq said municipalities have to take a reactionary role when it comes to planning, which means they are often playing catch up when the population expands.
It’s a bit of a catch 22, deCocq said. While slowing growth allows the town to meet the pace of expansion, growth also drives the economy.
“I think 25,000 is a healthy number,” he said, adding he expects growth to slow again next year.
Within the population increase was a jump in the number of youth in the community. People under the age of 18 comprise about 29 per cent of the population from 22 per cent in 2013.
More young people is reflected in the need for more schools in town and increasing education costs.
deCocq said it also makes it interesting when trying to define the town – is it a retirement community or one of young families?
Next on the town’s to-do list is ramping up the number and types of jobs the town has to offer in hope of attracting the 18-year-old to 30-year-old demographic.
With the population breaking the 25,000 mark many are wondering if and when the town will transition to city status – something municipalities can choose to do after reaching a population of 10,000.
deCocq said as it stands city status is not something that brings many benefits to the community. In many cases city status also comes with increased responsibilities such as ownership of highways and bridges that were previously provincial domain, highways 1A and 22 for instance. Both are in need of serious upgrades.
“If that was mandatory, it would be a strong enough reason not to become a city on its own,” he said. “You will see the town be a town for a little bit longer.
The province has no mechanism to compel a community to change status, the community of Sherwood Park, population 80,000, is still classified as a hamlet.
