Design and Construction Update October 2026
The Cochrane Lake Improvement Plan Project has been tendered and awarded to Everest Construction Management Ltd. Construction is planned to begin on October 13, 2026.
The construction of a new 270 m spur raw water line and valve chamber connecting to the existing raw water pipeline from the Bow River to the Monterra Water Treatment Plant is to be completed by December 15th, 2026. This will be constructed via both open excavation and directional drilling to minimize environmental impacts. Electrical and commissioning of this scope of work is to be completed in Spring of 2027.
Clearing and Grubbing of Zone 1 Pathway area located north of Cochrane Lake Trail is to be completed in Fall of 2026. Pathway construction of the Zone 1 area is proposed to begin in June of 2027. Zone 2 pathway construction is proposed for summer 2027, pending landowner approvals. Agreements with landowners and community residents directly affected are to be finalized in Fall of 2026 and early 2027 to prepare for pathway and fencing construction in 2027. Residents can expect increased construction traffic and temporary restrictions on access to the lake's edge in work areas. Residents must comply with all construction signage, notices, and barricades and maintain a safe distance from all construction traffic and heavy equipment.
The design of existing Discharge Pump Station Upgrades is in progress with construction proposed for these upgrades in Fall of 2027.
All the required regulatory approvals for the new raw water line and pathway works have been obtained from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA), Alberta Forestry and Parks, and Alberta Arts, Culture, and Status of Women.
A scope of work plan can be found here [PDF/254KB].
Inquiries may be directed to:
Linda Hajjar, Rocky View County
Phone: 403-520-8185
Email: lhajjar@rockyview.ca
Carla Crews, Macdonald Communities Limited
Phone: 403-874-5401
Email: carla@macdevcorp.com
Steven Lee, EXP Services Inc.
Phone: 587-216-1157
Email: steven.lee2@exp.com
Thank you to the community for your continued support, patience, and understanding during construction, particularly as the work may result in increased traffic in the area. Your cooperation helps the project proceed safely and efficiently.
Project Scope
Cochrane Lake is a provincially owned natural stormwater pond north of the Town of Cochrane that has experienced ongoing flooding, water quality, and odour issues. The Cochrane Lake Improvement Plan proposes targeted upgrades to improve stormwater management, increase lake storage capacity, enhance water quality, and deliver a regional recreational amenity while protecting the surrounding environment.
Key improvements include a new inlet to convey raw water from the Bow River, upgrades to discharge pumps to increase outflow to Horse Creek, and construction of a paved pathway around the lake. Fresh water from the Bow River will improve circulation, supporting better water quality. Pump upgrades will allow lake levels to be managed more effectively during flood events, while increased storage capacity will permit natural fluctuations between normal and high-water levels. The pathway will both define the future high-water level and provide community connectivity.
The project aims to allow lake levels to fluctuate without impacting nearby residents, improve stormwater infrastructure resiliency, and enhance public access around the lake. Together, these upgrades will strengthen resilience to droughts and floods, reduce recurring algae blooms, and address a long-standing public health concern.
This project is a joint initiative between Rocky View County and Macdonald Communities Limited.
The link to the FAQ sheet shared with the residents at the September 15, 2025, Community Open House is found here [PDF/1.2MB].
The link to some project reference drawings is found here [PDF/6.2MB].
Construction is planned to begin in 2026 pending regulatory and landowner approvals.