Unless the government's stance changes, Western Rocky View Family & Community Resource Centre and the Parent Link Centre  are facing a 40 per cent reduction in funding for children's services in this spring's provincial budget.

Because Cochrane is being classified as a small town in the new funding structure, it will only be eligible to apply for $500,000, compared to roughly the $850,000 they currently receive.

Mayor Jeff Genung says the town continues to press the case that we aren't a small town. He wants to be able to apply our most current census numbers, instead of the ones from the 2016 federal census being applied.

"It's very disappointing. I know that our FCSS here in Cochrane has been a shining star on delivering social programming," says Genung.

Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie has met with Children’s Services minister  Rebecca Schulz. Genung has written a letter requesting we be considered a medium-sized community but received a flat no.

"That was a bit of a shock. I was hoping we could see some movement on that, be considered medium size, and be looking at the $750,000 instead of $500,000."

He's not about to give up and seeks an opportunity to press Cochrane's case with the minister.

"The province needs to be aware that we are different, that we have been doing more with less, and that we have been providing services at an exemplary level with minimal staffing. We should be the example that everyone is working towards."

Genung has a second meeting on the issue with MLA Guthrie next week and is seeking a meeting with the minister.