A place to plant your own veggies, socialize over coffee, or host private events like yoga classes or receptions.
That’s what a group of community-oriented planners from the new Cultivate Cochrane have proposed for one of the tri-site spaces located on Railway Street.
Back in late November 2018, the town’s Tri-Site team unveiled a conceptualization for three sites dedicated to serving the community at the Lions Event Centre. It includes the Fifth Avenue site (rodeo grounds and Boys and Girls Club); the Cochrane Public Library site; and the Esso Bulk Station (across from the library).
With two to three buildings per site, the vision is based on a multi-use concept and encompasses everything from expanded youth, senior and social services to library, arts/culture, affordable housing, parks and amenities as well as town hall satellite offices.
Cultivate Cochrane board members see the space near the Library as the perfect place for a greenhouse – home to community well-being activities as well as a cultural hub and hotspot for tourists.
“One of the things Cochrane does need is a really good gathering hub and a really nice way to do that is through the aesthetics of food growing,” said Cultivate Cochrane board member Darwin Wiggett. “It’s one of the essentials of life and we all want better food, and we want closer community.”
Wiggett has a background in science and creative development. His previous careers include research biologist, university biology instructor, professional photographer, magazine editor and more. He hopes to incorporate various public courses at the greenhouse.
“We’re going to have a whole bunch of interesting courses that might be considered traditional, like maybe starting seeds, or something that’s a little bit more edgy, like foraging for natural vegetation that you can eat from your yard, or from safe public spaces.”
Aside from the greenhouse element for plant growing, the group also visualizes a community kitchen for community programming or as a venue to be rented out.
The space would be ideal for small group gatherings, yoga sessions, art nights and more. There may also be an attached bistro or cafe.
To help introduce Cultivate Cochrane to the community, Samantha Chrysanthou, president, hosted a food fermenting workshop at her home where she showed had to make kimchi and sauerkraut.
Chrysanthou said though the project is still in its proposal phase, Cochranites are encouraged to join their movement.
“We’re always looking for some board members, or people who are interested in helping out and kind of getting on the bandwagon and making this happen,” Chrysanthou said.
Those interested in becoming a member can visit their website at www.cultivatecochrane.com.
