Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan – Final Report October 2014
CIPs do not require provincial approval. However, in accordance with the Planning Act,
municipalities must consult with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on the preparation
of proposed plans, and must provide the Ministry with notice of adoption of a CIP. 100
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing offers a guide to municipalities to help them
prepare the CIP. The CIP Handbook, is found at this link:
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page1297.aspx
Many municipalities have CIP programs. The Town of Hearst established its CIP in 2009 and has
invested over $300,000 in grants to Highway 11 businesses. This generated $1.4 million in
investment from 21 local firms. 101 Results included façade improvement, bilingual signage, and
paving projects to improve parking.
Potential Community Leadership
The Town of Cochrane EDO (see Project 7.1.1) could deliver this program for the municipality.
Potential funding
Municipalities usually allocate CIP funds from their operating funds on an annual basis. Sault Ste
Marie has sought funding for its CIP and streetscape plans from NOHFC (page 100) and FedNor
(page 95).102
7.3.1.2 Develop amenities to attract truckers
There are over 700,000 freight trucks in operation across Canada. According to Statistics Canada,
over 220,000 people drive trucks, making it one of the most popular occupations in the country.103
The industry expects a 9% growth over the 2008-2018 decade. In 2011 Canadian carriers moved
over 224B tonne-kilometers of freight, which represents a 1% increase over 2010.104 Increasing
truck traffic on the roads has led to a shortage of rest stops, trucker amenities and parking at rest
areas.105
In addition to Cochrane’s location, legislated legal drive and break times position Cochrane
favorably as a truck stop centre. Truck drivers can drive up to 13 hours in a given day and must
have at least 10 hours rest time in a day.
100
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (2014). Community Improvement Plans (CIPs). Available at:
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page6850.aspx
101
Town of Hearst. (2014). Community Improvement Plan.Available at: http://www.hearst.ca/en/pressreleases/2014/03/community-improvement-plan.aspx
102
The Sault Star. (2014). Community Improvement Plan to be presented to council. Available at:
http://www.saultstar.com/2014/01/31/community-improvement-plan-to-be-presented-to-council
103
KRTS Transportation Specialists. (n.d). Industry Facts. Available at : http://www.krway.com/about/industry-facts/
104
Transport Canada. (2012). Transportation in Canada 2012. Available at:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/policy/Transportation_in_Canada_2012_eng_ACCESS.pdf
105
Montufar and Associates. (2009). Truck Parking Needs at Rest Areas Environmental Scan. Available at:
http://obac.ca/sitespice/files/misc/ENVIRONMENTAL_SCAN.pdf
60