Small town charm remains important amidst Cochrane’s growth

There is no denying that Cochrane is on the fast track to growth, as it maintains its five per cent year-over-year population growth rate since 2011.

With the population now standing at 37,011, according to the last municipal census, it is the fastest growing community in Alberta, and 11th in all of Canada.

Housing is trying to keep pace even as more residential communities come on, including Southbow Landing by Qualico Communities which is about to open its first showhome parade, and Greystone by Burnswest Properties and Fireside by Calbridge Developments continue to attract newcomers.

Cochrane’s other communities also continue to grow, as well. Heartland, now being developed by Rohit Communities, is chugging right along; Rivercrest from Qualico and Slokker Communities is in its latest phase; while Sunset Ridge and Heritage Hills on the west side of town are that much closer to build out.

“We’re continuing to grow, and more people are attracted to Cochrane because of all that the town offers. Yet connectivity and keeping the small-town spirit remains as important to us as ever,” says Drew Hyndman, the Executive Director of Development & Infrastructure Services, for the Town of Cochrane.

Cochrane, just 20 minutes west of Calgary, has become a haven for new homebuyers, taking advantage of relatively lower land costs; it’s wonderful recreational amenities and opportunities; and its crystal-clear views of the Rockies from almost anywhere in town.

Newcomers are welcome

Brittaney Anders, a Calgarian who is moving this fall to Fireside, is excited to move into what she calls her and her partner’s “first grown-up home.”

She tells Calgary New Home + Condo Guide that the relative affordability of homes in Cochrane made the decision easy. “My job is in Calgary’s downtown, but I mostly work from home. Besides, it’s just a 30-minute drive there, and my family lives in northwest Calgary so I’m close enough to them as well.”
Cochrane is coping with the explosive growth by creating efficiencies that match the needs of the community today and in the future.

A major addition is The Station at Cochrane Crossing, a transit hub and service point that will allow residents to access amenities through COLT, the town’s local transit program, and expand their access to Calgary Universities and Downtown in partnership with On-it Regional Transit.

The Station at Cochrane Crossing is all about connection, from the pedestrian link from Historic Downtown to the Quarry shopping district, the open park space for everyone to enjoy, and the transit component, literally connecting people to our core, he adds.

The town is also in the midst of improving the Highway 1A corridor through Cochrane, with construction of a new interchange set to be completed by 2025. This will enhance the town’s accessibility and smoothen traffic flow.

The completion of the Jack Tennant Bridge in 2020 and the work on James Walker Trail extension are major accomplishments in improving accessibility through the town, and more are to come.

These improvements serve to further connect the new communities coming up especially on the southside of town, including Fireside, Greystone and Southbow Landing.

Fireside

In many ways, Fireside by Calbridge Developments, kicked off the explosive growth that Cochrane enjoys today.

Fireside was designed to please the family and heighten the sense of family-friendly values and small-town warmth that Cochrane is known for. Framed amidst the scenic countryside of southern Alberta’s foothills, it has grown into a small town of its own.

The way Calbridge has gone about it is to invest in the in-community amenities. There are 32- acres of parks and pathways connecting the community, drawing people together. Flagstone Park is a getaway for families, with a full playground for the kids and benches and picnic areas for parents to keep an eye on young ones while talking with friends and neighbours. There is also a flourishing commercial centre right at its entrance providing tons of convenience to residents.

Bulrush Park surrounds two large wetlands that sit side-by-side on the west side of Fireside. Picnic areas and walking paths in Bulrush Park provide a perfect spot for relaxing and wildlife watching. And now Central Park is coming too.

Best of all is the new Central Park that just opened last year. It has just over five acres, featuring toboggan hill, picnic areas, two pump tracks, state-of-the-art playground, fire pits and lots of green space.

Of course, the wide variety of home style that appeal to different lifestyles is another reason Fireside has won hearts and minds in Cochrane. Front-drive garage homes are from Calbridge Homes, Cardel Homes, Genesis Builders, and Janssen Homes. Laned homes are from Janssen Homes. Duplex homes are from Cardel Homes, Genesis Builders, and Janssen Homes. Street Towns are coming soon from Calbridge Homes.

For more information, visit firesidecochrane.com.

Greystone

Greystone is quickly fulfilling its full potential as the Burnswest Properties development has completed 80 per cent of the groundwork on-site, and new home construction already filling about 30 per cent of home sites, says Josh Hagen, vice-president of development for Burnswest Properties.

Greystone’s central redevelopment location in the heart of Cochrane, steps from the banks of the Bow River, Spray Lakes Sawmills Centre (SLSC) recreation complex, and downtown Cochrane, offers a unique lifestyle for its residents compared to other new areas at the outer ring of the Western Heritage town. Its plan includes a vision for a diverse mix of age groups and people from all phases of life, from single professionals, first-time buyers, families and active retirees.

“Commercial sites are under construction, including the Co-Op development which will include a 41,275 square-foot food store as well as Co-op Cannabis, Wine Spirits Beer, a service station, car wash and convenience store,” he adds. “The Ocgrow Group has also broken ground on their development of the commercial high street - Greystone Place - new businesses already slated to move into the future space, including a new childcare centre and a new dental practice.”

In Greystone, homebuyers have a range of options for affordability or expanded floorplans for growing families, he adds. “With approximately 700 single-family lots planned and over 1,500 housing units anticipated, including multi-family options, Greystone is designed with diversity in mind. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family home, an affordable duplex, or a modern townhome, you will find a home style and price that fits every phase of life.”

Single Family (move-up) homes are from Prominent Homes, Green Cedar Homes, Renova Homes & Renovations Ltd., and R Space Builders. Single Family / Duplex (starter) are from Rohit Communities, and Douglas Homes. Net Zero Townhomes are from Avalon Master Builder. And Ocgrow Group has Vertos townhomes and condos.

“Additional apartment style units are currently in the planning stages, including Broadstreet Properties, which will overlook the Plaza pond,” Hagen says.

For more, go to liveatgreystone.com.

Southbow Landing

Southbow Landing broke ground in July last year and will be opening their first showhome parade on September 28. The event promises all kinds of family-friendly fun as they introduce Laned Showhomes by Broadview Homes and Douglas Homes (starting from the mid $500s); Duplex Front Garage Showhomes by Daytona Homes and Sterling Homes (starting from the high $500s); and Single Front Garage Showhomes by Daytona Homes, Sterling Homes, NuVista Homes, and Trico Homes (starting from the mid $600s). Laned duplex homes will also be available from Broadview Homes and Douglas Homes starting from the low $500s.

Southbow Landing is the biggest development by Qualico Communities Calgary in Cochrane. Located at the corner of Highway 22 and James Walker Trail, Southbow Landing will be over 540 acres (220 hectares), the community will be built out in 15 phases and will house roughly 3,000 homes and 7,000+ residents upon completion.

“Not only will Southbow Landing provide more than 3,000 new homes for those looking to live in the growing town, but the community will also have the largest commercial site on the south side of Cochrane,” says Qualico Communities Marketing Manager, Monica Bilyk. “This provides fantastic convenience to residents who will no longer need to drive to the town centre for their everyday needs,” she adds.

Visit southbowlanding.com to find out more about the community and its grand opening on Saturday, September 28.