Cochrane campaign gets provincial recognition with award
The Proudly Cochrane campaign launched by the Town of Cochrane last winter won the 2015 award of excellence from the Economic Developers of Alberta Convention.
It started last year as a “shop local” campaign with branded shopping bags that read “Proudly Cochrane – I put my money where my heart is. I shop Cochrane.” Posters were posted around the town and stickers with the same logo were distributed to businesses.
The first phase of the “Proudly Cochrane” campaign included distributing more than 1,000 shopping bags, promoting the slogan, and asking for “shop local” stories from residents using the slogan #ShopCochrane on social media, resulting in 11 personal shopping stories on the Town of Cochrane website.
Cochrane’s Economic Development officer Mike Korman explained the campaign in a presentation to mayor and council at the April 11 council meeting, and said the next phase of the campaign was almost ready to roll out.
The next phases of the campaign will include showcasing profiles of Cochrane businesses, promoting local made products, and encouraging residents to “be a tourist in your own town.”
“We are all proud to live and work here, and we can make the commitment to be proud,” Korman said.
Update on town priorities and projects
Highlights of the update;
Rock the Waves campaign, which is helping to fund the new pool project, has raised $4.7 million
Riverfront Park is complete with the exception of a small area needing asphalt work.
Discussion with Alberta Transportation regarding solutions for Highway 1A/22 intersection will continue.
An initial meeting with the public is planned to discuss a “community cultural hub” on 5 Avenue.
The old Town Hall site was sold and council approved the concept plan.
Broadband discussed
A City of Calgary employee was invited to give presentation on broadband infrastructure to mayor and council.
David Basto, from technology services, explained the City of Calgary approach to broadband and how the town can start implementing the service in the future. While most people think of broadband for Internet, it is more for community connectivity, Basto said.
Municipalities can utilize broadband for disaster recovery, critical infrastructure, law enforcement, asset management, citizen services and public safety.
Julian deCocq, town chief administrative officer, noted at the end of the presentation that Cochrane already has fiber optics in the ground – out of 48 only 10 are in use.
“We have dark fibers that are under-utilized and I want to explore the opportunities in the future,” deCocq said.
A strategic planning session to discuss broadband infrastructure required to support technology based-businesses is scheduled for this spring.
