Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan – Final Report October 2014
purchases were for typical retail items such as gifts, clothing and electronics. However, this
number has steadily increased over the past five years, and it is unlikely the trend will slow.
4.4.2 Applications
According to the New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station, advances in technology will support
an increasing intere st in agriculture in the Cochrane District. Research on the best application of
drainage tiles is complementing longer contemporary growing seasons, the result of warming
global climate. Growers can now use inexpensive plastic mulches, high tunnels, and modern,
energy-efficient greenhouses to improve horticultural yields. WiFi-equipped soil sensors assess and
communicate precise needs for fertilizer, moisture and organic material, reducing the costs
associated with “shotgun treatments”.
4.5.Political and Regulatory Factors
4.5.1 Political Representation
Cochrane is governed by an elected Mayor and Council.
Provincially, Cochrane is located in the Timiskaming-Cochrane electoral district.65 The Member of
Provincial Parliament is John Vanthof (NDP), who was elected in 2011. Mr. Vanthof succeeded
David Ramsey (Lib), who had held the position since 1985.
Federally, the township is part of the Timmins-James Bay electoral district. The federal Member of
Parliament is currently Charlie Angus (NDP). Mr. Angus succeeded Réginald Bélair (Lib), who held
the position from 1997-2004. In 2012, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario
proposed changes to Timmins-James Bay. The proposed renamed ‘Timmins-Cochrane-James Bay’
district would be extended to the south and to the west.66
4.5.2 Relevant Legislation and Policies
Mining Act Modernization
In November 2012, the provincial government introduced new rules with respect to mineral
exploration and development. The changes include the Mining Act Awareness Program, which is
available online.67 All holders of a prospector’s license will be required to have completed the
training by November 1, 2014.
Another change since November 2012 allows Aboriginal communities to apply to have sites of
cultural significance withdrawn from the land base, to prevent claims staking on traditional land.
65
Elections Ontario. (2013). Electoral Districts Map. Available at: http://www.elections.on.ca/enCA/Tools/ElectoralDistricts/EDMaps/TimiskamingCochrane.htm
66
Ontario Commission. ( 2012). Redistribution Federal Electoral Districts Proposed Boundaries. Available at:
http://www.redecoupage-federalredistribution.ca/content.asp?section=on&dir=now/proposals&document=page6&lang=e
67
Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. (2013). Mining Act Awareness Program. Available at:
http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/en/mining-act-awareness-program
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