Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan – Final Report October 2014
7.2.2.2 Train staff on agriculture-related issues
As farming practices evolve and grow in Cochrane, municipal staff (e.g. Public Works) will need to
better understand agriculture-specific requirements, such specifications for road-clearings, bridge
loads, policy and signage.
The Town can work with the Agriculture Advisory Committee to conduct farm and infrastructure
tours to improve staff’s understanding of local needs and to help Cochrane plan for agriculture
specific requirements. In addition, the Town of Cochrane could collaborate with NeCN to identify
and offer agriculture-related training for municipal staff from across the region in conjunction with
OMAFRA staff.
Potential Community Leaders
Town of Cochrane EDO (See Project 7.1.1).
Potential Funding Sources
Not applicable. This recommendation can be absorbed into current municipal orientation and
training programs.
7.2.2.3 Highlight Agriculture information on the Town website
The Town of Cochrane amalgamated with the rural townships of Glackmeyer and Lamarche in
2000. Approximately one fifth of the population is rural in nature, with strong agriculture ties. The
Town should take a leadership role to highlight its agricultural heritage, promote resources
available to the agriculture community, and connect residents to local food producers.
We suggest supplementing the “About Cochrane” section on the website with information on the
agricultural history of the community’s rural areas. The municipal website should also include
information on local food production, links to the Official Plan zoning sections, information on
local and provincial agriculture funding programs, area studies, local land sales and the unique
local agricultural history. The municipality may wish to create a page dedicated to agriculture on
its website.
Potential Community Leaders
Town of Cochrane EDO (See Project 7.1.1).
Potential Funding Sources
Not applicable. Any costs anticipated for this project should be absorbed by the town’s current
website resources budget.
7.2.3 Promote Consumption of Local Agriculture Products
Local food consumption means different things to differen t people. It can mean buying fresh farm
products directly from local farms, local pick-your-own options, food sold at local farmer’s
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