After nearly a decade of visioning, planning and collaboration, Cochrane Council has approved a key step forward in the development of Horse Creek Sports Park, including site servicing for a future high school and recreational amenities.
At the June 9 regular Council meeting, second and third readings were given to Bylaw 11/2025, authorizing the Town to borrow $10.83 million. These funds will support detailed design work for Stage 1 of the Horse Creek Sports Park site and complete the servicing and grading required to prepare the Rocky View Schools-owned land for school construction. An additional $600,000 will be contributed from municipal reserves, bringing the total approved budget for this phase to $11.43 million.
This partnership between the Town of Cochrane and Rocky View Schools provides an innovative and efficient approach to delivering urgently needed infrastructure. In exchange for the land acquisition, the Town is leading the servicing of the site ensuring it is "shovel-ready" for a new high school that will serve Cochrane's growing student population.
Mayor Jeff Genung said the approvals represent more than just progress on a park project. "This project has been thoughtfully developed over time, and we are excited to see it moving forward," said Genung. "Horse Creek Sports Park will bring important recreational opportunities to our community and make way for a shovel-ready high school site. Both are critical in supporting Cochrane's growth, meeting the needs of our residents and shaping a vibrant future for our town."
The funding also supports the start of a detailed design process for the broader Horse Creek Sports Park guided by Cochrane's Parks, Culture & Active Living Masterplan, which is currently underway. These amenities are based on extensive community engagement and data-driven analysis of resident needs.
While this phase includes site servicing and design only, construction of Stage 1 park amenities, such as quad diamonds, a washroom facility, partial parking lot, and integrated pathways, will be considered as part of the 2026 capital budget process. If approved, construction could begin in 2026, with the potential for the park to open for play in 2027.
Michelle Delorme, Director of Parks and Active Living, emphasized that the project reflects the values and priorities expressed by Cochrane residents. "This project reflects what Cochrane residents have told us they value access to outdoor space, opportunities to connect, and thoughtful growth. By using a data-driven approach, we're making sure this investment meets real needs today and sets the stage for future growth tomorrow."
Horse Creek Sports Park has been in development since 2015, shaped by ongoing public engagement and adapted to meet the needs of Cochrane's rapidly growing population. Development of the site will continue in phases, based on available funding, community demand and long-term planning objectives.
More information about Horse Creek Sports Park is available at cochrane.ca/HCSP
