Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan – Final Report October 2014
Typical of many small towns, Cochrane has cultivated an image of community friendliness, safe
neighbourhoods, and the type of social bonding that sets it apart from larger, more densely
populated areas. A small population by definition also means that municipal resources are limited,
but this can be balanced by highlighting the advantages that accompany the northern small-town
lifestyle, such as:
• Short commuting times.
• Lower housing prices.
• Lower crime rates.
• Very low air pollution index values.
• Inclusive, diverse neighbourhoods.
• Immediate access to nature and outdoor recreational opportunities.
The following three projects will help the community set priorities in promoting Cochrane as a
great place to live.
7.4.1 Build on Prior Attraction Campaigns to Encourage Families to Live in Cochrane
There are three tactics in this project, each of which is described in further detail:
7.4.1.1 Establish and maintain a “Jobs in Cochrane” portal on the municipal website.
7.4.1.2 Develop a resident attraction package.
7.4.1.3 Establish an annual Welcome to Cochrane showcase.
7.4.1.1 Establish and Maintain a ‘Jobs in Cochrane’ portal on the municipal website
As noted in the Environmental Scan, Cochrane has an older workforce. With the recent surge in
mining related activities, it would be wise to prioritize attracting a younger workforce. One barrier
that local employers face is the cost associated with recruitment, whether that recruiting method is
online, print based, or through other methods (e.g. job fairs). The majority of job postings are now
done online, yet the employers in Cochrane do not have a local vehicle for this increasingly
popular recruitment practice.
Timmins faces a similar challenge. Its community-based Employers Committee, in conjunction
with The Timmins Economic Development Corporation recently created a Jobs in Timmins
(www.jobsintimmins.com) employment portal. The site allows employers to post local
employment opportunities for free. The private sector, the not-for-profit sector, major employers,
and government services all use this service; as of May 2014 there are 80 active job vacancies at
the jobsintimmins.com website. This model can serve as an example for the Jobs-in-Cochrane
website.
Potential Community Leaders
Town of Cochrane (Economic Development Officer, see project 7.1.1) in conjunction with a local
human resource committee.
65