Another year is in the books and for many that means a time of reflection and goal setting.
Here at the Eagle, the past year has come with a few changes. We updated the look of our paper in an effort to better showcase the stories we hope help inform and enlighten our readers.
We also have had a few staff changes over the past few months, but endeavoured to recruit new people who share the same passion and commitment to community journalism this paper has always been known for.
In the next year we will continue to strive to bring our readers interesting, relevant and compelling news stories and features. As always, our goal will be twofold: report the news that matters to Cochrane and area and to promote and showcase the people and events that make this town and our region unique and an amazing place to live.
To that end, we welcome your letters and feedback about important issues. We also welcome your compliments and criticisms to help us better understand how we can better serve this community.
To end the year, we have compiled a few hopes for the next year and reflections from the year past. We are certain there will be a few we might miss, so we invite you to share some of your own as letters in the coming weeks.
On the sports front it was an exciting year complete with storybook endings and heart wrenching defeats.
The Bow Valley Bobcats ended a triumphant season, winning their first ASAA Tier IV provincial title in 14 years. Earlier this month, during the team’s award banquet discussions were already underway about how the Bobcats might repeat that victory next season. We at the Eagle look forward to following that journey through 2017.
The Cochrane Cobras also did not disappoint this season, rocking out their third provincial championship in as many years and tallying their 14th provincial title. The team also continues to produce some of the province’s top university and college prospects, which we are sure will continue into next season.
The Bow Valley Grizzlies capped off their historic rugby season this year, taking the Division 2 title for the first time in club history. While the closely contested provincial match did not go in the Grizz’s favour, we are sure the club will come out next year hungry for redemption.
As expected, the Cochrane Generals are rolling over the competition this season. Sitting atop of the league with only four losses going into the Christmas break, we are hoping to see the team rack up another championship.
On the community front, we hope to see community business continue to be strong. While there have been some sad losses, such as the iconic Cochrane Café that closed before Christmas, last year’s push to reinvigorate Historical Downtown was encouraging. We are excited to see the continuation of the night market and hope people stay true to the town’s shop local campaign.
On the political front, we are hoping for a positive conclusion to the Ag Grounds land discussion. The Agricultural Society’s facilities and location is something that makes this community unique and many treasure it. It should stay right where it is, condos, houses and strip malls would alter the very character of this community.
Completion of bridgework on Highway 22 and expansions of highways 1A and 22 are sorely needed to alleviate the traffic nightmare this town deals with every day. The province and the town need to make this a priority that sees movement sooner than later.
With a new multiplex set to open, Cochrane will get to enjoy new curling and pool facilities, but there are other projects that we need. An arts and community hub is something Cochrane could make great use of. Unlike many communities of our size, there is no central community gathering space. While community churches graciously donate space to this end, a dedicated facility would be a boon.
We could go on and on, but there is only so much space.
Happy New Year to all.
