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This article is about the town of Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. For other uses see Cochrane (disambiguation). Cochrane is a large town in the Canadian province of Alberta. The town is approximately 22 km west of the city of Calgary. With a population of 12,688 (2005), Cochrane is Alberta's largest town and was identified as the fastest growing community in Canada. It is part of Calgary's Census Metropolitan Area (1,060,300 in 2005) and a member community of the Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP), which has a population of about 1.1 million. Cochrane was established in 1881 as the Cochrane Ranche by Senator Matthew Cochrane. It became a village in 1903 and a town in 1971. Today Cochrane is booming and is experiencing rapid growth due to its proximity to Calgary. Cochrane is situated at and is at the base of Big Hill in the Bow River Valley. It sits at an elevation of 1,186 metres (3,890 feet). The town is intersected by Highway 1A and Highway 22. Cochrane has a reputation for its western and ranching culture which can easily be felt when one wanders the streets (particularly Main Street). The town is a popular destination for shopping in its quaint western-oriented stores as well as for windsports, golfing, hiking, and other adventure activities. Cochrane is also a small industrial centre. Major industries include lumber, construction, retail, and agriculture (ranching). It is notable as being one of a very few communities in Canada with no business tax. Cochrane is known for outdoor pursuits. It is a centre for paragliding instruction, with the renowned Mueller family operating a school at the top of the Big Hill. The hill is also a popular training ground for cyclists from the area, who take advantage of its 7% grade and 3.5km distance.
Attractions Annual Events Cochrane is home to many annual events each year: Demographics (according to Statistics Canada 2001 census) Local Politics Cochrane currently has a Town Council consisting of 6 elected Councillors, and an elected Mayor. Councillors are elected by the eligible electors by voting for up to six candidates and the six receiving the largest number votes being elected. The position of Deputy Mayor is rotated through the councillors over their term. Elections are held on the 3rd Monday in October every third year. The current Town Council (Elected in October 2004) consists of Mayor Ken Bech and Councillors Mary Lou Davis, Jeff Genung, Ken Hynes, Andy Marshall, Truper McBride and Larry Wackershauser. Currently all Town Councillors represent the entire Town, however discussion of moving to a ward system where each Councillor would be elected by, and represent one specific area of the Town has arisen after past elections due to the increase land area due to annexation and population increases the Town has experienced in past years. Provincial Politics Cochrane is located within the provincal Electoral Division of Banff-Cochrane. Cochrane has been represented in the Alberta Legislature by Progressive Conservative MLA Janis Tarchuk since the 1997 Provincal Election. Federal Politics Cochrane is located along the southern most boundary of the Federal Electoral district (also known as a riding) of Wildrose. This riding has been represented by Myron Thompson, who was originally elected as a member of the Reform Party in 1993 then again as a member of the Canadian Alliance and currently of the Conservative Party. Education Cochrane is home to schools from both the Public Rockyview School Division as well as the Separate Calgary Catholic School District. As of 2005, there are currently 8 Public and Separate schools in operation within the Town boundaries. In May 2006 the Golden Hills School Division accepted a proposal by the Cochrane Christian Academy Initiative Committee to setup a Christian based alternative education program in Cochrane. The start date has yet to been chosen, nor a facility obtained for running the program out of. There are currently two trustee's (one from each board) elected to represent Cochrane Schools at their respective boards. As of January 2006 these trustees are: | ||||||||
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