“Unless you’re dead or living in Edmonton” – to quote the man himself – you already know that Cochrane’s largest infrastructure project to date will be named in honour of Jack Tennant.
The legacy reveal of the Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge was delivered in council chambers on Monday night, with the family of the late Cochrane Eagle founder/publisher in attendance to learn of the honour.
A lengthy public engagement process arrived in its final phase at the end of February, when 2,130 people voted on their favourite moniker out of a shortlist of 11 possible names. While Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge came in with the most votes, second place was Chief Walking Buffalo Bridge (Tatanga Mani) and third was Veterans Bridge – the first name that was put forward by Coun. Morgan Nagel over a year ago.
“A man whose tireless commitment to Cochrane touched just about every corner of our community, including our neighbouring community to the west – the Stoney Nakoda Nation ... Jack was a connector, a man who had a talent for creating links and overcoming barriers,” said Mayor Jeff Genung, ahead of the unanimous vote that would officiate the public decision.
Genung suggested that given the people’s choice that came in second place and in honour of Jack’s deep connection with the nearby Stoney First Nation community that it would be fitting to incorporate some type of art or design into the bridge when that time arrives. Jack’s bestowed Stoney name was “Gentle Buffalo” (Tataga Tawachi Thnigan).
“At a time when transparency was not yet fashionable, he spoke openly and freely about his life and that engendered a level of trust with everyone he met.”
Coun. Tara McFadden put the motion forward to be adopted by council, sharing her fondness of the late Cochranite – who was involved in many charitable causes and community crusades throughout his storied journey in newspapers and as a local celebrity – noting that Jack “really did connect different worlds, different people.”
Upon learning the news, retired celebrity wrestler and philanthropist Dan Kroffat was thrilled. Kroffat took the lead on spearheading the public push to get the bridge named after his friend Jack – with the support of Kelly Kimmett of TWO Pharmacy, who originally proposed renaming a stretch of Highway 22 heading west after Jack.
“For me, this represents everything that I feel is important in a community preserving the names and deeds of our founders and dedicated citizens ... it’s our history being protected for future generations,” said Kroffat.
Jack’s wife and current Cochrane Eagle publisher, Brenda Tennant, was in attendance with Jack’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren to give her blessing and express her gratitude.
“The Tennant family couldn’t be more pleased with this bridge being named after Jack and the legacy it leaves, not only for his grandchildren but for his great grandchildren in the many years to come,” said Brenda, noting the symbolism of a bridge to honour her husband.
“That’s very much what Jack was about – connecting people ... the people of the Stoney Nakoda Nation, Alcoholics Anonymous, children and animal charities and too many non-profits and causes to count.”
Brenda laughed when picturing what Jack would say when learning that a project with a price tag of some $54M (including road alignments/work on either side) would be named after him.
“Jack would have said that a bench somewhere would have been sufficient,” laughed Brenda. “He would be quite humbled by all of this.”
Jack, who also a longtime Calgary Sun and Herald columnist, died on May 20, 2018 from kidney failure. He was 82 years old.
By the fall of 2020, the Bow River bridge connecting the south side of Cochrane to downtown will be completed and open for public use.
