To cap off the Labour Day long weekend and Alberta Day, Premier Danielle Smith headed west to serve as parade marshal for Cochrane’s annual Labour Day parade.
Smith was invited as an honourary marshal alongside local Indigenous organization Wazin Îchinabi Ti (House of Oneness). From her place in the parade, she was able to take in the sights of Cochranites lining Railway Avenue and 1st Street East, cheering on floats, local businesses, and community groups.
“I think everyone’s just excited to be out for the final long weekend before the fall begins,” Smith said. “I saw a lot of young kids full of enthusiasm, and families were just really pleased to be out today.”
It was her first time experiencing the long-standing community tradition, and after speaking with organizers, Smith was quick to credit the hard work behind the event.
“It really takes a very committed group of volunteers to put something like this together,” she noted. “There’s so much support in Cochrane: for local businesses and for the community itself which is wonderful to see.”
The Premier also remarked on the town’s vibrancy and rapid growth, calling Cochrane one of Alberta’s fastest-growing communities.
“Cochrane is just the place to be,” she said. “Not only is Alberta booming, but Cochrane is the fastest-growing city in the province and you can see why. It’s beautiful, close to the mountains and to Calgary, and it has such a great community spirit. I can see why people are making this their destination.”
After the parade, Smith was set to attend the Cochrane Lions’ 59th annual rodeo and meet with Mayor Jeff Genung to discuss upcoming projects and initiatives.
“I understand that we got a couple of schools that are being built the interchange will be completed soon, which will be a huge benefit for commuters,” Smith said. “I just want to learn more about what the town’s priorities are moving forward.”
