You may have noticed some additions as of late to Cochrane's Historic Downtown.

An $840,000 budget has been granted to allow for aesthetic changes to revitalize the downtown core.

Suzanne Gaida, Town of Cochrane, Senior Manger Community Services, says so far two projects have been completed.

"In the fall we did 4th ave just south of Main Street; we added some trees and plantings in there, we changed how the parking was aligned, added some parking opportunities, increased the sidewalk space; that piece was finished by mid November. Then we've now completed the primary gateway on the west side of Main Street by the Totem building, next phases will be starting to happen for the major part on the Main Street core."

Once the snow melts away, crews will be doing mostly landscaping improvements to Historic Main.

"We will be adding more trees, benches with planters, basically from 4th Ave both sides of Main Street to right by the Royal Bank."

The town is hopeful weather cooperates to have a bulk of the work completed before May long weekend to lessen the impact on local businesses as we approach high tourism season. Gaida, adds it will be business as usual during construction time.

"It will impact, as we start to dig up sidewalks and stuff to add trees, we are going to do everything we can to make sure there's access to the businesses and we want the community to know, the businesses will be open."

Another addition being added is an art feature located off of 4th. There are five wooden frames which will eventually showcase some metal artwork.

"We haven't approved the final design yet but we are anticipating those will be going in, in March. We are looking at either two options; creating a scene out of that metal or having five separate historical landmarks for Cochrane similar to our banners."

A secondary gateway will also be completed just north of the tracks on 5th avenue across from Fas Gas, other gateways will be added as road construction and development in the downtown core are improved.

Gaida, says the project was not only created to bolster tourism but also show the downtown businesses that they are committed to keeping the street alive and thriving.

"The Historic downtown is a big part of our community and it is something we take pride in; we don't want to see it die or suffer. If we can have events, keep it vibrant, encourage lots of people down there; if you are wondering what to do on Saturday you can go for a walk downtown, look at the businesses, help the businesses and the restaurants, but also just enjoy the history of our community."