The Town of Cochrane is encouraging Cochranites to get behind their recently launched ‘Rock the Waves’ campaign — which seeks to fundraise $10.6 million to give the green light on the proposed aquatic/curling club facility.
The project has received a preliminary approval by council with a $45 million budget. Should the fundraising campaign pick up momentum, this would influence council’s decision to either give a go-ahead on the project this fall or to scale the project back.
“People are starting to talk about it in the community,” said Suzanne Gaida, senior manager of community services for the town. “All stakeholder groups are working hard to get conversations going.”
Gaida said major players including the Cochrane Curling Club, the Cochrane and District Warm Water Therapy Pool Society (WWTPS) and the Cochrane Comets Swim Club are working on their own fundraising campaigns to raise money for the community project.
As part of their grand opening, Sunset Ridge Pharmacy will be holding a draw for two Katy Perry tickets, running from July 2-12. While the draw is free to enter (as per Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission regulations) donations will be accepted and funds will be given to the Rock the Waves campaign.
Anita Cumbleton of Sunset Ridge Pharmacy explained that the project aligns closely to what the pharmacy fosters — active, healthy living.
“(The pool and curling club facility) is an intergenerational way to promote active and be healthy,” said Cumbleton, adding that the pharmacy is very supportive of the WWTPS and having a warm water therapy pool built in Cochrane as part of a holistic approach to assist those living with a variety of conditions and ailments, and those recovering from a range of injuries and surgeries.
Gaida stressed that no donation is too small, “every little bit counts…it’s a matter of the community stepping forward,” and that the goal is to get as close to the $10.6 million as possible over the next few months.
So far, $1,274,430 has been raised, including a $1.1 million donation from Jayman MasterBUILT that earned them naming rights for the aquatic centre; Jayman MasterBUILT and developer Tamani (sister company) have been a major presence in Cochrane communities such as Riversong, Riviera and Sunset Ridge.
Gaida said they are currently working on a naming sponsor for the curling club and anticipate to make that announcement at the end of summer or by early fall.
Other project funding sources include $21.1 million ($16.3 million from MSI grants, $4.2 million from community enhancement levies and a top-up from land sales); $2.2 million commitment from Rocky View County; and $5 million from developer community enhancement fees.
To learn more about the project, visit rockthewaves.ca.
