After suffering two floods in four months in the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site, the town and the Cochrane Historical Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS) will be working together to pursue flood mitigation measures.

Mayor Jeff Genung says he believes there is some opportunity to make changes to the grading in the park to elevate the flow around the Cochrane Museum. 

"We definitely want to look at that and make sure it's something that's not going to keep happening," says Genung.

He says the town review issues that arise after each flood event.

"We look at what caused them and see how can we alleviate them in the future."

"But, I must admit, it's kind of strange that two different events would impact the same place in such a short period of time."

The Cochrane Ranche Historic Site has not been known to flood, at least recently, yet twice this year the area has been drenched. In March, backflow from an ice jam on the Big Hill Creek overflowed into the park. On Friday, overland drainage accumulated in the county and flowed through the Cochrane and District Ag Society land, then backed up on to Glenbow Drive and into the Cochrane Ranche.

The first flood in late March caused over $44,000 in damages to the Cochrane Historical Museum. Last Friday, CHAPS president Larry Want rushed to the scene with his backhoe and was assisted by museum employee Tim Collard to strategically place gravel around the perimeter of the building. Fortunately, the water rescinded but not before the basement took some water, dampening the flooring. Carpet tiles were lifted and are currently being dried.

Want says that's the only damage they are aware of at this time.

Last night, town council provided $10,000 to CHAPS from the community grant reserve to help offset some of the cost of the March flood. To the credit of the community, $30,255 had been donated to date to help with the cleanup.

Noting a $4,000 gap between the cost of the damages and the funds raised, Mayor Jeff Genung encouraged CHAPS to approach the town again if necessary.

"I'm not suggesting we have a huge reserve, but I would not like to see the CHAPS be struck with a gap at the end of the year that could have gone to the preservation or enhancement of the museum had the flood not occurred in the first place."

Town council praised CHAPS volunteers for their endless hours of volunteering to preserve and bring attention to the town's heritage.

CHAPS Chautaugua Rescheduled

The CHAPS Chautaugua scheduled for June 23 has been rescheduled for July 21.

This special event will bring the community together to celebrate three special anniversaries of CHAPS while embracing the arts and culture of the community.

CHAPS will mark the 20th anniversary of CHAPS, the fifth anniversary of the Cochrane Historical Museum and the 110th year of the Davies "Hospital" building. They'll also be a number of performances, games and activities ideal for the whole family throughout the Cochrane Ranche.

The Chautauqua movement was highly popular in the late 19th century and early 20th century, particularly through rural US and Canada. The Cochrane area was among the communities hosting them.