The Rocky View Schools (RVS) board of trustees has given its approval to proceed with fundraising to develop a new track and turf at the Cochrane High School, contingent upon a series of conditions.

The long-discussed improvement project is anticipated to cost between $3 and $3.5 million and will include a running track, artificial turf field, lights and bleachers. Approval by the board clears the way to complete planning and begin fundraising in earnest. June 2020 is targeted to begin construction. 

It is proposed funding for the project will be derived from corporate sponsorships, provincial and regional grants, the Town of Cochrane, various benefactors/donors and fundraising activities.

In giving their approval, the school board said it believes the field improvement will bring benefit to the entire community and to local schools. They did, however, retain the right to give approval through all steps of the planning process, ensure the group follows all RVS policies for fundraising, create a fundraising society, establish a reserve fund equal to the value of replacing the field and establish a general maintenance fund. RVS also requires consultation with the other tri-schools and the community