The Town of Cochrane has lowered its flags to half-mast and her official portrait has been draped in black as we enter into 10 days of mourning for the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.

Mayor Jeff Genung says it's part of the protocol the town has received from the Alberta government (via the Canadian government) and is reviewing what other measures will be required.

"It has been impactful on many residents of Cochrane and the world," he says. "I wouldn't say flooded, but we've received several calls asking what the town is going to do, and we've appropriately responded by lowering our flags to half-mast around town, and we'll be following the protocols that have been set."

Among them is veiling in black the official portrait of the queen in the council chambers.

Mayor Genung admired the Queen and the example she set for all of us.

"I always listened when the Queen made a statement about something. I was always impressed with her ability to keep it so high level and professional and always lead first with the well-being of others. That's always been a model that I wish to aspire to, and I think she leads that nation at a very high level."

Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards was in Cochrane when the queen's death was announced.

"When you think about 70 years on the throne, and the dignity and grace that she kept herself with through that whole time, and think about the challenges that there's been in the world in her reign and the way she has just shown that dignity and grace through all of it, I think it's a great example for all of us. It's a big loss, it's a huge loss for the Commonwealth."

Richards missed an opportunity to meet the queen about 10 years ago but unfortunately wasn't able to be on Parliament Hill that day.

"I would have loved to have, I always had a lot of respect for the queen and admired her, but sadly I never got that opportunity. But we all feel like we kind of know her."

Banff-Kananaskis MLA Miranda Rosin has released a long tribute to the queen.

It concludes, "It is with immense sadness that we say goodbye. Our world will unquestionably never be the same without Her, but it is also unquestionably a better place because of Her."

Rosin says a public provincial memorial will be held on the final day of mourning.

Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie did not respond to a request to comment.