Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan – Final Report October 2014
Household income levels –as opposed to family incomes– are slightly higher, and again consistent
with those of the entire province. The household income of couples with children in Cochrane
($74,092) is on par with the provincial median ($74,095). However, Cochrane median values are
lower than provincial numbers in all other family categories.17
Figure 4.6: Median after-tax income, by household (2006)
$80,000
$74,095
$70,000
$62,743
$58,755
$60,000
$50,000
$48,593
$46,194
$40,000
$28,622
$30,000
$20,000
$26,473
$20,451
$10,000
$0
Cochrane
Ontario
Couple households with children
Couple
hoseholds with children
Couple households
with without
children children
Couple
households
without
One person households
One-person
households
Other household
types
Other
household
types
4.1.5 Housing
Cochrane’s resource-based economy is subject to booms and busts, largely reflecting the cycles in
global commodities prices. As is typical during the boom periods in such towns, residents often
face challenges around affordable housing. Housing issues were perhaps the most frequently
mentioned concern in the Cochrane focus group sessions, public consultations, and public survey.
Pressure on housing availability has increased since the Detour Gold mine announced its reopening; both rentals and units for sale are in short supply. The Town has serviced lots available as
a result of a recent subdivision development. However, the high cost of new house construction
has created a barrier, the result of lower trades availability and increasing materials costs.
17
Ibid.
15