Nestled in a stunning river valley at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Cochrane, Alberta, is experiencing a transformation that mirrors the breathtaking landscape surrounding it. This charming town, located just a short drive from both the iconic Banff National Park and the bustling city of Calgary, has emerged as the fastest-growing community in Canada’s most rapidly expanding province.
Gord Davies, a lifelong resident, has witnessed this remarkable change unfold over the past 75 years. His childhood home, which once served as the town’s first hospital in the early 1900s, is now the Cochrane Historical Museum. Reflecting on his early years, Davies recalls a time when the town’s population was a mere 400. “We basically had the run of the town,” he reminisces, sharing insights into a simpler era.
Fast forward to today, and Cochrane has blossomed into a vibrant municipality with nearly 40,000 residents. Over the last decade, the population has nearly doubled, and projections suggest that by 2050, it could soar to 90,000. This rapid growth is drawing new residents from across the country, and Davies understands the allure.
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“Cochrane sits in one of the most beautiful geographic situations in this area, with the mountains in the distance and the river valley,” he explains. “I think that’s a huge attraction for people. Plus, it’s commutable to Calgary.”
Cochrane’s strategic location—approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Calgary and about 85 kilometers from the gates of Banff—makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between urban convenience and outdoor adventure. Lauren Lord, a recent transplant from Toronto, is one such newcomer. After relocating to Cochrane a little over a year ago, she has no regrets about her decision.
“I’m a pretty big outdoorsy person, so I really just wanted to be closer to nature and the mountains,” Lord shares. In Toronto, she rented a modest bungalow, but in Cochrane, she enjoys a spacious duplex with three bedrooms and three bathrooms for the same price.
However, this influx of new residents has not come without its challenges. The town’s infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the rapid population growth. “Traffic has been the biggest problem,” Davies notes. “You used to be able to go to an appointment five minutes before. Now it’s at least 15 or 20 before you go because you never know what you’re going to run into.”
To address this issue, a massive $95 million roadworks project is currently underway, aimed at easing congestion. The project is expected to be completed by 2026. Yet, traffic is just one of many hurdles facing the town.
Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung emphasizes the broader implications of rapid growth. “It is touching everything,” he states. “Our classrooms are over capacity. Our highways are jammed. Our grocery stores are crowded. We need more housing, schools, seniors’ centers, pools—almost every service is stretched thin.”
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The financial burden of expanding these services poses a significant challenge for a mid-sized community like Cochrane. In response, the Alberta government introduced a new infrastructure funding model in 2024 to help municipalities manage the strain. While Genung acknowledges some positive impacts from this new model, he believes it still falls short of meeting the community’s needs.
“We have to be clear with people that this is what we’re providing, this is what it costs, and if you want more, then the costs are going to have to go up,” he explains.
Despite the mounting challenges, Genung remains optimistic about Cochrane’s future. “Growth is our biggest issue and also our best problem,” he says proudly. “I’m proud to live in a community that other people are aspiring to live in.”
Back at the historical museum, Davies shares a similar sentiment. “There are lots of advantages, some disadvantages,” he admits. “It’s been fairly positive, and now they’re catching up with the infrastructure, making life a little bit better all the time.”
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As Cochrane continues to grow and evolve, it finds itself at a crossroads, balancing the charm of its small-town roots with the demands of a rapidly expanding population. The community’s resilience and determination to adapt will shape its future, ensuring that it remains a desirable place to call home.
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