Tomorrow will be memorable for three Cochrane families from neighbourhoods surrounding the new Horse Creek railway pedestrian crossing.

They will be the first to legally cross when it opens Friday. June 19 at 2:30 p.m.

Families from the bordering neighbourhoods (West Point, West Terrace, Heartland, Heritage Hills) were invited to enter a draw to decide who would be the first.

Upon crossing, each family will be presented with commemorative certificates and some Cochrane Dollars. Those dollars are legal tender at over 100 locations in town.

Mayor Genung calls the opening uplifting.

"It's a positive thing that's finally happening. I know it's long overdue and long-awaited by the communities."

He says it's an important new connection for Cochrane residents.

"In the event of all of us being home and out and enjoying our backyards, neighbourhoods, and pathways, I'm happy that we'll have another important link."

Caution will be taken during the ceremony. Events like this are permissible, providing the number of people involved doesn't exceed 100, and safe physical distancing is maintained.

Completing the crossing took years of joint planning and development by the town and CP Rail.

It has been designed to become a vehicle crossing in the future. That won't occur until after the completion of the Hwy. 1A-22 interchange, says Genung.

The town's 10-year financial strategy pegs the total project cost at $3.5 million.

While it was not legally open, many people have been utilizing the crossing.