Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan – Final Report October 2014
2.0 Vision and Mission Development
The foundation of any long-term plan is the objectives that stakeholders want to accomplish.
Before developing tactics and strategies, the community must decide what it wants to achieve.
This is usually reflected in the Vision and Mission statements. These statements were first drafted
by the Steering Committee, then further refined during public consultation sessions.
2.1 Cochrane’s Vision
At the vision development session, participants wanted to express the inclusivity of the
community, and the need for widespread collaboration to reach its goals. Other important
concepts included the protection and enhancement of a unique lifestyle in Cochrane, the respect
for cultural-linguistic differences, and the development of a diversified economy.
Together, Cochrane residents are building a sustainable economy
that supports a culturally diverse and vibrant northern way of life.
Collaboration, partnerships and cooperation are implicit in the word together. The unique lifestyle
concept is encompassed by the phrase vibrant northern way of life. The term sustainable refers
both to the protection of a way of life, and to an economic base that withstands boom-and-bust
cycles. The phrase culturally diverse shows respect for Cochrane’s three main cultural-linguistic
groups, while opening the door for newcomers to find their place in the community.
2.2 Cochrane’s Mission
Cochrane’s mission statement will guide decision-making throughout the life of the plan.
Our mission is to provide residents with exemplary municipal
services through positive leadership, innovation and an
entrepreneurial spirit.
The mission expresses the following sentiments:
•
Purpose: The purpose of the plan is to provide municipal services that allow Cochrane
residents to celebrate and promote the unique quality of life they envision.
•
Operations: Participants wanted to convey the notion that real change needs leadership,
from both the municipal government and the community at large. It will also require an
innovative and creative approach that may involve new learning curves.
•
Values: Participants wanted to express quality, positive thinking, creativity and
entrepreneurship. These are reflected in the phrases exemplary, positive, innovation and
entrepreneurial spirit.
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