Cochrane’s growth is on the fast track, as new communities continue to sprout, and new infrastructure investments are being put in place - including a much-needed interchange at the intersection of Highways 1A and 22 - to try to keep pace with the needs the quick pace of growth brings.

Housing is trying to keep pace even as more residential communities come on, including Southbow Landing by Qualico Communities which has already opened showhomes, and Rivercrest by Qualico Communities and Slokker Homes is rolling along nicely. Fireside by Calbridge is growing at a healthy pace. As is Greystone by Burnswest Properties just on the south edge of downtown Cochrane. Rohit is also ramping up development of Heartland with the opening of its latest phase this summer.

New communities galore

JL Developments is confident that this small Western Heritage town will continue to grow. They have recently unveiled West Hawk on the western side of town and will soon be opening their new Sky Ranch community located just outside the Town of Cochrane in Rocky View County.

“Cochrane just has so much to offer,” JL Development’s LaFrance says. “Fantastic views, a quaint and peaceful way of life, with lots of recreational opportunities around. Biking, hiking or just walking the dog around the various interconnected pathway systems is right outside the doorstep,” he adds.

West Hawk offers something that Cochrane has yet to see, he adds. “We’re located on a quiet hillside that allows us to offer slope-adaptive homes that maintains the view corridor for every home. Over half of our homes will be on walk-out lots. It has gone so well that the 197 lots of their first phase is sold out to builders.” The Bedrock Homes showhome in West Hawk is already open and those from Cantiro and Luxuria Homes will also be ready for the community’s grand opening coming soon..

Located, just outside the Town of Cochrane in Rocky View County, JL Development is developing a second community, Sky Ranch. Sky Ranch’s first phase includes 254 residential lots with a total build out of 646 lots.

Qualico Communities is also receiving positive response for their community of Southbow Landing on the south side of Cochrane. Showhomes opened last year, and sales have been more than steady.

“Southbow Landing is already welcoming new residents and growing steadily,” says Qualico Communities Marketing Manager Monica Bilyk. “Our first park and playground is now open, adding even more to the outdoor lifestyle the community is known for. With several homes that are move-in ready, it’s the ideal option for families looking to put down roots in Cochrane.”

She adds that Southbow Landing is seeing strong interest from people who already have roots in Cochrane and want to stay close to family while enjoying better access to Calgary. “The mix of move-in-ready homes, future parks and commercial space, and the town’s natural surroundings make it a compelling choice.”

Daytona Homes is also getting in on the action big time in Cochrane, opening new showhomes in Heartland and Southbow Landing. They also have new semi-estate showhomes in the nearby lake community of Harmony, between Cochrane and Calgary.

“Heartland is a young Cochrane community that offers small town charm, proximity to nature and most importantly, a family friendly feel,” says Daytona sales consultant, Meghan Scott. “Here you’ll find the home you love for less without sacrificing the options or amenities that are most important to you.”

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.