Cochrane has grown to nearly 40,000 people, and through it all, the spirit of community has remained our strength. The next chapter is about keeping our small-town feel as we grow, making daily life easier, affordable and connected to neighbours, services and spaces that matter to you.
Managing Growth Wisely
Protecting Cochrane’s small-town character while planning for smart growth.
Plan ahead so neighbourhoods have schools, services and recreation spaces close to home.
Improving Daily Access
Manage business, traffic and housing planning so it’s easier to get around
Create more people spaces so everyone can connect, relax and explore.
Listening to You
Easier ways to connect and share your voice and ideas with Council.
Regular progress updates and real conversations for real solutions.
Change: Growing in ways that strengthen our town, not strain it.
Outdoors: Trails, parks, and play spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Neighbourhoods: A town where you can live, work, shop & play.
Nature: Protecting the environment for today and tomorrow.
Empowerment: YOU have a real voice in decisions.
Community: Spaces and events that bring people together and keep that small town feel.
Trust: Governing Cochrane as a trust — with openness, honesty, and follow through.
Over the past 18 years of dedicated service to Cochrane, I have had the distinct privilege of being engaged in a number of organizations and committees. I love this town and all it stands for and am proud to be part of it’s growth and direction.
Here are some recent articles in regards to Tara’s work in our community:
Cochrane Eagle – Written by Izaiah Louis Reyes Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, 3:00 pm Councillor Tara McFadden has announced that she will be running for a sixth consecutive term at the upcoming 2025 elections. For Coun. Tara McFadden, public service is a serious commitment– one she constantly re-examines to ensure she’s up to the task. “Do…
McFadden’s Campaign focuses on balancing growth with community spirit Cochrane Now – Written by Noel Edey Friday, Aug 29 2025, 10:23 AM Longtime councillor Tara McFadden is seeking re-election, pledging to balance the town’s rapid growth with the “small-town feel” Cochranites treasure. McFadden was one of five candidates officially added to the candidates’ list today for…
Awarded by public voting through Cochrane Eagle. This year, Tara was awarded the Bronze Award for Reader’s Choice of Best politician/councillor!
Cochrane Today – Oct 6, 2021 9:00 AM By: Jessica Lee Tara McFadden said she wants to strengthen Cochrane’s connectivity, improve infrastructure and broaden engagement with residents in her run for re-election on town council. McFadden, who has served four terms on council, said her passion for community service and creating positive change is what has kept her coming back since…
Written by Noel Edey Thursday, Sep 23 2021, 6:00 AMCochrane Now Tara McFadden wants to continue to make a difference in Cochrane and is seeking a fifth term on town council. “For me, it’s that continued passion for Cochrane and that desire to make a positive difference in my community for my family, neighbours, and everyone here. Cochrane…
Seen in the Cochrane Times. Written by Patrick Gibson Publishing date: Sep 15, 2021 While Cochrane town councillor Tara McFadden is overall proud of the approach she and her colleagues took to their last four years, she says COVID-19 left the term feeling incomplete. “That’s perhaps what was so hard with this term is that…
Written by Noel Edey Wednesday, Aug 04 2021, 2:30 PM The future Horse Creek Sports Park took a small step forward last night, Aug. 3, with the approval of a revamped concept plan by the Cochrane Parks and Recreation Committee. The elimination of a Southland Transportation operation from the landscape meant the park would increase in…
With the hot days here, it is time to relax, recharge, and enjoy summer. With no Council meetings in August, this Council’s term is winding down. The break has given me time to reflect on the accomplishments of the last four years. With the hot days here, it is time to relax, recharge, and enjoy…
Written by Noel Edey Thursday, Jul 15 2021, 4:00 PM Cochrane town council has accepted the Cochrane Corridor Plan that will help future planning and development decision-making for four major downtown corridors. The plan outlines specific directions for Griffin Rd, River Ave., Railway St., and 5th Ave. Council debated whether it should delay approval of the plan and…
Written by Noel Edey Sunday, Apr 04 2021, 12:00 PM Revising plans for the future Horse Creek Destination Sports Park is top of mind for the town’s parks and recreation committee. Committee chair and town councillor Tara McFadden says the focus this spring and summer will be to have a plan completed by the fall so…
Written by Noel Edey Thursday, Mar 04 2021, 12:00 PM A $75,000 Community Initiatives Program (CIP) operating grant is helping the Big Hill Haven better serve women and children subjected to domestic violence in the Cochrane area. Chair Valerie Gilmore accepted a ceremonial cheque from Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie yesterday to officially acknowledge the contribution. “This…
Written by Noel Edey Monday, Nov 16 2020, 9:51 AM In advance of the budget deliberations, Councillor Tara McFadden asked her fellow councillors to remember the needs of residents recreating in open spaces and parks. McFadden chairs the town’s parks and recreation committee and says they have heard from user groups anxious to move forward with…
Written by Noel Edey Thursday, Jan 09 2020, 5:00 AM Cochrane is charging forward into a new decade, built upon a foundation laid in the transformative 2010s. Tara McFadden, the only member of the council who served through all of it, stopped and collected her thoughts on what has transpired in the last 10 years. One…
Written by Noel Edey Wednesday, May 16 2018, 4:41 PM Town Councillor Tara McFadden isn’t thinking about today or tomorrow. She’s looking to the future of the Griffin Road corridor as it evolves into the third section of our downtown. At Monday’s council meeting, McFadden gave notice of a motion to have the town administration investigate…
Written by Noel Edey Tuesday, Jan 23 2018, 7:56 AM One committee is being pursued; another has been left dormant. New Parks and Recreation Committee Cochrane town council supported Councillor Tara McFadden’s initiative to create a parks and recreation committee that will include members of the public. Administration has been asked to develop the terms of…
Annalise Klingbeil • Calgary Herald Publishing date: Jul 19, 2015 Just over four months ago, the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation announced a fundraising campaign with a mission to collect $100,000 in donations to begin construction of Bearspaw Trail, the first phase of the massive $7.5 million pathway network. Over the weekend, the organization announced $194,732.48 in donations…
We need to get the word out that Tara McFadden is running for re-election this year! Tara is busy knocking on doors and listening to constituents to stay on top of the issues that matter to the people of Cochrane.
Check out what people say about Tara!
As your representative with Town Council, Tara welcomes any opportunity to connect with you!
