This is the last week to fill in the Cochrane Cares Survey.

Susan Flowers, Family Community Support Services, Manager, says she is pretty happy; over 400 surveys have been submitted so far, but the push it still on.

"It's a good representation from the town of Cochrane, people still have another week to get their voices heard and I hope they fill it out and help us plan for the future of Cochrane."

The information from the survey is very important as it will shape and form services that will benefit the community in years to come.

"We used the information to state our case for needing a health centre and Seniors on the Bow centre and numerous other projects. So the data is definitely used; voiced to council and used in grant proposals, so it is really important we get some rich data." Flowers, adds the information isn't just used locally but at a provincial and federal level as well, "we share it with all the groups and stating a case for the need of added services or a change of services as Cochrane grows."

On top of the survey, the last few focus groups will be occurring this week on rural, housing, and youth services. The rural focus group will take place in Bragg Creek tonight (March 20) at the Community Centre from 6:30-8 pm, youth input will be collected within the schools, while the housing focus group will be held tomorrow (March 21) at the HomeStead Apartment building 2-4 pm/6:30-8:30 pm.

Focus groups are a great way to collaborate with others to determine what is working well, what is needed, and creating possible solutions on closing the gap on missing services.

If you haven't taken the survey yet, this is your last chance. Cochrane Cares Survey will remain open until March 26 and you can take it here.