Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung is hoping last night's election results will give the Alberta economy a badly needed shot in the arm.

Last night, Genung joined the celebration for Peter Guthrie, the first MLA elected in the newly created Airdrie-Cochrane riding, to extend congratulations.

"I hope that the province kicks into an air of positivity. Maybe this change in government will be what the average Albertan will see as a change for the better," says Genung.

"Whether it is or isn't long term at least hopefully that will kick some positivity into the province which I hope kickstarts our economy again. Then maybe Mr. Kenney can continue to ride that wave forward with some of their plans."

For Cochrane residents, the number one priority remains the construction of the new Hwy. 1A-Hwy. 22 interchange that is the planning stages right now. He hopes the new UCP government will fund the construction and get the job done.

"After that, it's going to be about building relationships with ministers that are going to be announced in the coming weeks, We're hoping that are representative gets a minister position and that we see a bit more favour showed in the Cochrane region for provincial funding."

Genung has also been vocal on the need for stable and equitable municipal funding from the province, getting its fair share of cannabis revenue and building a mass transit corridor between Calgary and Banff.