As the voting for the name of the new bridge is underway there have been questions asking what each option means to Cochrane. The following is a compilation of a short description of each option to help inform people’s votes.
•Bow Bend Bridge: The name is a common description of the area where the bridge is situated. There was also a dairy called Bow Bend Dairy at the location at one time.
•Chief Walking Buffalo Bridge (Tatanga Mani): Tatanga Mani served as a councillor and chief of the Bearspaw Band and was a leader in the Morley United Church. He was also an active member of the Indian Association of Alberta whose major purpose was to maintain Indian treaty rights. In his late 80s, Mani became an advocate for helping the people and leaders, both indigenous and non-Indigenous, to act to respect and protect Mother Earth for the benefit of future generations. He brought this message worldwide speaking in 13 countries.
•Cochrane Crossing: The new river crossing will join communities in Cochrane on the north and south sides of the river.
•Cowboy Crossing: Is a testament to Cochrane’s frontier roots and cowboy heritage. Remnants of those beginnings can still be seen today in places such as the historic Rocky View Hotel and the importance the rodeo grounds and Cochrane Agricultural Society play in the community.
•Helping Hands Bridge: Cochrane is well-known for its generous nature. The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area is a group that exemplifies that spirit through its various initiatives to lend a hand to Cochranites of all walks of life in everything from snow shovelling to helping those with mobility issues get around.
•Jack Tennant (Memorial) Bridge: Jack Tennant was a well-known public figure. As the founder and former publisher of the Cochrane Eagle he was dedicated to upholding the values and integrity of journalism. He was also an active community member, giving back in as many ways as he could through his works with the charitable Cochrane Foundation, Seniors for Kids Society and as a sponsor and mentor for Alcoholics Anonymous. Tennant was also respected by the community of Morley and for many he was described as a bridge between the people of Cochrane and Stoney Nakoda.
•James Walker Bridge: Col. James Walker was born April 14, 1864, near Carluke, ON. He attended School of Gunnery which is now the Royal Military College of Kingston, Ontario. Walker was appointed Sub Inspector of the Northwest Mounted Police. He was then made Inspector and commanding officer of E Troupe and posted to Battleford. He was asked by Sir John A. Macdonald to resign his commission and become manager of a ranch in Southern Alberta that Senator Cochrane and a group had purchased. He left the Cochrane ranch after two years and established the first sawmill in western Canada west of Winnipeg.
•Moore’s Crossing: The land on the north side of Griffin Road along the river near the bridge site was owned by the Moore family who operated a dairy there for more than 25 years. Robert Moore served on town council and as mayor.
•Oyade Bridge: Oyade is the Stoney Nakoda word which means, “peace,” and by extension, “community” or “town/city” (a place where people live together in peace and harmony).
•Riversong Bridge: The bridge will give the community of Riversong another link to the rest of town.
•Veterans Bridge: The name would pay tribute to the many veterans of both world wars and other armed conflicts and peacekeeping missions attended to by Cochrane residents. The name suggestion was brought forward initially by Coun. Morgan Nagel.
To vote online, go to http://www.letstalkcochrane.ca/bridge.
