Current Projects
The Monumental Tournament of Aces
The tournament in 2024 will mark the 17th year for this important, high-profile event. The Monumental Tournament of Aces first began in 2008 following the tragic passing of Dr. Lindsay Leigh Kimmett, daughter of local Cochrane residents Kelly and Dianne. The Kimmett family, in honor of Lindsay, established the Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundation in order to continue to fulfill Lindsay’s dream of making the world a better place. Over the years, the MTA has played an integral part in raising funds for vital community projects. Beginning in 2013 the Rotary Club worked with the Kimmett family to assist in the planning and management of the event. In 2014, Rotary began taking on more responsibilities to enable the transition of event operations to free the Kimmett’s to focus on other important Foundation matters. The event will continue to respect the legacy of both Lindsay and the Kimmett’s and as such will always be an honored partner.
Over the 15 years, this event has raised almost 1.25 million dollars for local community needs. This year, the funds will be divided between the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane, the Friends of Glenbow Education Society, Big Hill Lodge, and the Friends of Westbrook School Society. Some of the other projects over the years have included:
2008 and 2009 - Spray Lake Sawmills Family Recreation Centre twin arenas
2010 - Cochrane Arts & Culture performing arts centre
2011 - University of Calgary School of Medicine “The Lindsay Project”
2012 - Cochrane Activettes, Boys & Girls Club, Victim Services, FCSS, Boma La Mama
2013 - Mitford Project
2014 - Cochrane Urgent Care and STARS Air Ambulance – ultrasound and medical equipment
2015 - Warm Water Therapy Committee
2016 - Cochrane Search & Rescue and RancheView School Playground 2017 - Cochrane Search & Rescue; Lindsay’s Kids Sport Sponsorships and the Rotary Club of Cochrane Youth Exchange Program
2018 - Variety Club of Calgary’s Cochrane Centennial East End fully inclusive Playground Project
2019 - Girl Guides Camp Jubilee renovations and upgrade project.
2020 - Cochrane Activettes building facilities financing fund.
2021 - Big Hill Haven Women’s Emergency Shelter Society
2022 - Helping Hands Society; Frank Wills Memorial Hall Society; Cultivate Cochrane; Cochrane Indigenous Centre; and Big Hill Haven Women’s Emergency Shelter Society
The Trail
The Cochrane Rotary Club’s signature project serves to connect the trails of Calgary to Cochrane to Canmore, Alberta. Upon completion, this trail will become part of the 28,000 kilometre Trans Canada Trail Network.
The Trail will be a multi-use pathway and regional connector in the Bow Valley and will offer a diverse range of opportunities and recreation, tourism, and commuting. People of all ages and abilities will be able to explore the scenic prairie, foothills, and mountain landscapes along the length of the The Trail.
More than 60 people, the majority of which are volunteers, are working to develop and oversee the project. This project is proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cochrane, working closely with the Owners’ Council which includes representatives from the Town of Cochrane, City of Calgary, and Alberta Forestry, Parks & Tourism.
The first stage of the project will be the trail connecting Cochrane to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, a bridge across the Bow River, and a CPRail Crossing.
A lot of work has been done but there is still a lot of work to do!
For more information on The Trail, checkout the website at: https://www.connectingthetrails.ca/
Bow RiversEdge Campground Society
In 2003 an agreement was developed that included five (5) partners: Bow RiversEdge Campground Society (BRECS), the Municipal District of Rocky View (now Rocky View County), the Town of Cochrane, Cochrane Lions Club, and the Rotary Club of Cochrane. Construction of the new campground began in early 2004, under a 15-year lease of just over 12 acres of land adjacent to the Bow River. The campground, complete with 144 fully serviced sites, was officially open in 2005. The campground has ready access to an extensive network of walking, biking and off-leash dog areas. It is located adjacent to the multi-purpose SLSFSC (Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre), has ready access to downtown, and maintains a 5-Star rating with Tourism Alberta. With the expiration of the 15-year lease in 2018, BRECS negotiated a purchase of the campground from Rocky View County and now owns and operates the facility, furthering the goals and 20-year partnership between the Lions and Rotary Clubs of Cochrane.
The founding premise of the enterprise was to return 100% of profits to the community and surrounding area. While some of the revenue has been retained for expansion and capital expenditures, to date $928,000 has been re-invested in the community including $100,000 in support of the new pool at SLSFSC. The re-investment process has supported:
• Lions Events Centre.
• Medical equipment for Cochrane’s Urgent Care Facility.
• Youth campgrounds.
• Youth sports teams
- Youth development programs.
• Football field (artificial turf) at Bow Valley High School.
• Trail development in Cochrane.
• Cochrane Public Library.
• Community support agencies; and
• $30,000 annually to each of the Lions and Rotary Clubs for individual projects.
Find out more at https://bowriversedge.com/
House of Oneness Wazin Ichinabi Ti
Wazin Îchinabi Ti (pronounced wah-ZHEEDN een-chee-NAH-bee TEE), Lyahre Nakoda for “House of Oneness”, is committed to creating a space for Indigenous teachings in Cochrane. Oneness is about unity, being together and connected with each other, same heart, same mind and spirit that comes from a good place.
The Rotary Club of Cochrane, along with engagement with Indigenous advisory (and Cochrane residents) established a board and not-for-profit status. Grant funds were received to open a centre for programming. To date, 14 learning circle sessions have been hosted and 10 at the new centre. The end goal will be to be operationally independent in 2025.
Find out more at https://wazinichinabihouse.ca/