FAQs

The Economic Development Strategy is a 10-year plan that will help guide how Cochrane supports local businesses, attracts investment, and grows its economy from 2026 to 2036. It will set priorities and actions to strengthen Cochrane’s long-term economic competitiveness.

• Clarity & Alignment: Establishes a shared vision for growth across Council, municipal staff, businesses and residents. 
• Proactive Planning: Moves the community from reactive decision-making to coordinated, forward-looking and engaged planning. 
• Resource Optimization: Ensures investments, incentives, and resources are well-situated and targeted where they have the biggest impact. 
• Stronger Investment Attraction: Provides investors, developers, and businesses with confidence and clarity about the municipalities priorities and direction. 
• Evidence-based decisions: Grounded in data, market trends, and economic analysis, reducing uncertainty and risk. 
• Stronger Collaboration: Creates a framework for partnerships.

Cochrane is growing, and economic conditions are changing locally and regionally. This strategy will help the Town plan ahead by identifying where to focus efforts to support business retention, attract new employers, and build a strong, resilient local economy.

Envision Cochrane 2050 sets the community’s long-term vision. The Economic Development Strategy is a practical next step that translates that long-term direction into specific economic priorities and actions for the next decade.

The strategy is being led by the Town of Cochrane’s Economic Development team, with support from Colliers Project Leaders, a consulting firm specializing in economic development and community planning.

Anyone can participate. The Town is inviting input from residents, local businesses, employers, community organizations, investors, and regional partners. Different engagement opportunities are designed for different audiences.

You can participate by:

• Completing the online survey

• Sharing input at pop-up events this spring

• Attending the community open house planned for May

Details and dates will be shared on Let’s Talk Cochrane as engagement opportunities open. Public input will help inform the strategy, but it is one of several inputs considered. The final strategy will also reflect economic data, market conditions, regional context, and Council direction. 

Businesses and employers will have targeted engagement opportunities, such as focus groups, to discuss issues related to operating, expanding, and investing in Cochrane. Residents can participate primarily through the survey, pop-ups, and open house.

All updates, engagement opportunities, and materials will be shared on Let’s Talk Cochrane. You can register on the platform to receive notifications as the project progresses.