Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan – Final Report October 2014
Finally, as an increasing number of First Nation young adults complete secondary and postsecondary educations, many are leaving their home communities and moving to more urban
areas.115 Cochrane may be able to capitalize on its size and proximate location to the James Bay
coastal communities to attract many of these individuals.
Potential Community Leaders
Town of Cochrane EDO (see Project 7.1.1) in conjunction with the Board of Trade.
Potential Funding Sources
• The Town of Cochrane.
• FedNor’s Community Development Fund, page 95.
• NOHFC’s Strategic Economic Infrastructure Program, page 100.
7.4.1.3 Host a “Welcome to Cochrane” Showcase
The purpose of this Showcase is to increase new and existing residents’ awareness of and
participation in community organizations, amenities and supports. Residents who participated in
the consultations believe Cochrane is a great community with a good selection of services and
amenities. They expressed concern, however, around the lack of awareness of existing services,
and about limited opportunities to share community-wide information.
Hosting an annual “Welcome to Cochrane” evening is an engaging and educational means of
introducing people to the variety of services, activities and volunteer options in the community.
Non-profit organizations, public sector agencies and municipal departments set up tables or
booths and provide information and displays to residents and also have an opportunity to answer
questions. These events draw not only new residents, but also people who have lived in the
community for some time. These events can be a relatively inexpensive means of building social
capital, increasing volunteerism, and increasing community awareness.
The nearby city of Timmins has offered a similar event for the past twenty years. In the past, it was
organized by the local Community Futures Development Corporation and the Timmins Chamber
of Commerce, but is now coordinated by the Economic Development Corporation. Timmins
organizers anticipate that it requires about 35 hours of planning each year to coordinate the
evening.
Potential Community Leaders
Town of Cochrane (Economic Development Officer, see project 7.1.1) in conjunction with the
North Claybelt CFDC.
115
Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights. (2013). Recognizing Rights: Strengthening Off-reserve First Nations
Communities. Available at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/SEN/Committee/412/ridr/rep/rep03dec13-e.pdf
67