The exponential population growth of Cochrane has transformed the face of the community, and this increase in population is expected to continue for decades to come.
Cochrane’s affordable housing strategy has been front and centre during this growth showcasing the need to ensure the community’s most vulnerable community members are not left behind as the community expands.
Between 2011 to 2016 Cochrane grew by 47 per cent. This rapid growth is expected to continue with an estimated 52,210 people living in the town by 2046.
One of the core visions of the Town of Cochrane is to ensure it is a “community for everyone." A critical aspect of this philosophy is ensuring everyone in Cochrane has a roof over their head. The coming years will be crucial to ensure those needs are met.
Now that the 2020 Housing Community Housing Needs Assessment is completed the next step in town is forming a strategy and confirming the roles different groups can play in addressing housing needs— These include landowners, all levels of government, developers and local agencies.
We have the tools and the data to ensure Cochrane is a community that strives to ensure all Cochranites have a safe and affordable place to live.
Barriers to affordable housing can have terrible consequences for Cochrane families who are struggling to make ends meet. Building new affordable developments is an act of social justice that must be taken.
Our town council and administrators need to make room for real options that can change the lives of community members and respect the fundamental principle that safe shelter is a basic human right and need.
One of the key takeaways of the 2020 Housing Community Housing Needs Assessment is the requirement to ensure senior's housing is available. The study indicated that those who are 85 and above in age will see the highest increase in population by 379 per cent by 2046.
This continued need for affordable seniors housing in Cochrane is no better demonstrated than by the new location slated for Big Hill Lodge a the Tri-Site development on Fifth Avenue. The need for the new facility is more important than ever given the state of the current building which is at capacity and experiencing significant cracking and shifting.
Cochrane's seniors deserve access to safe, modern and affordable housing. There is an inherent dignity and equality in ensuring the fulfilment of this human right.
Our community has shown how valued senior citizens are and affordable housing is an important piece of the puzzle in honouring their place in the community.
One need only see the countless events that have taken place this year including drive-by parades, card campaigns and Christmas celebrations to understand the important place our elders have in Cochrane.
Our town needs to carry the spirit of community we have found during COVID-19 forward to ensure Cochrane's small-town philosophies are cherished and practiced in the decades to come.
As Cochrane continues to grow and thrive, there is an imperative to be building in tandem solutions that ensure the town has affordable places to rent, buy and live for everyone.
