Is Cochrane a potential location for an Alberta summer or winter games or even a Master Games?

That's one of the areas being explored by Cochrane's Parks and Recreation Committee as part of its 2019 work plan.

Committee members James Darby, Dawn Thome and Jacques Sauve together with Community Services senior manager Gerry Murphy presented its top priorities to council last week. Besides providing an analysis of what facilities Cochrane would require to host a future major provincial games, the committee is also focusing on setting the criteria for new off-leash dog parks in existing areas and establishing a sponsorship policy.

Murphy told council the committee will also be addressing other issues, including exploring what recreational opportunities could be pursued on the land being annexed by the town north of Heritage Hills and providing input for the town's 2020-21 budget.

What is scheduled to come back to council first is an off-leash dog park criteria for existing neighbourhoods. The committee is scheduled to make a further presentation to council on Feb. 25. In November, town council reviewed an initial draft of the criteria and sought further clarification.

Committee member Darby has been involved in past games, including the 2018 Arctic Games, and is games manager for the upcoming 2020 Alberta Winter Games being hosted by Airdrie, He provided council with an overview of potential games that would be hosted here if Cochrane had the required amenities. He believes some of the deficiencies could be addressed on the new land being acquired.

Establishing guidelines and procedures for naming rights and sponsorship agreements with corporations, groups and individuals is viewed as a way of enhancing the financial sustainability for recreational facilities within the community

Delegation Day 

At its upcoming Feb. 6y meeting, the committee will be establishing the date for the first of two delegations days in 2019. Opening the door to recreational groups was one of their first priorities when the committee was established last spring. They held their first delegation in June with 10 groups making presentations.