After 29 years with the Town of Cochrane, Jim Anderson is retiring.

His last day as the director of operational services is on Sept. 15, but as he thinks back to when he started in 1980 the changes in the community have been enormous.

His first job for the town was the director of parks and recreation, and as he stepped into his new role there were many challenges ahead of him.

Anderson managed a number of projects: the construction of the Big Hill Leisure Pool, the development of Mitford Park, the construction of ball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer fields, playgrounds and parks, and he initiated the development of the town pathway system.

“It was very enjoyable,” said Anderson.

Jim Anderson

“There was a lot of good community involvement . . . One of the highlights is the Big Hill Leisure Pool built in 1990, and it has proven to be a very nice swimming pool, which is turning out to be a little small for our population now.”

Anderson said he looks forward to seeing a new pool in town, which currently has a feasibility study underway to see where and how much a new pool will cost.

He said another key development was starting the pathway system. “It has expanded to the pathway it is now, and is one of the gems of Cochrane,” he said.

Anderson took over as director of operational services in 1995.

“At that time the town was in dire straits with our water treatment plant being maxed out,” he said.

He managed the construction of a new water treatment plant, sewage pump station and a 24-kilometre pipeline to the City of Calgary.

Anderson also led the town in upgrades to underground utility systems and water reservoirs, and some serious road construction projects — including upgrading Griffin Road to four lanes, signal lights at Griffin Road and Hwy. 22, and the River Avenue upgrade.

Jim oversaw construction of the Nan Boothby Memorial Library, the Downtown Revitalization Project, and renovations to the former Western Heritage Centre to develop the Cochrane RancheHouse.

Since he started he has seen a population growth from 3,200 to more than 15,000.

“Certainly there has been a dramatic change in Cochrane, a dramatic physical change,” said Anderson. “In the 1980s there was no development west of Hwy. 22, and up in Riverview. I think Cochrane has been able to maintain a small town friendly atmosphere though.”

He leaves with the upgrade to water treatment nearly completed, which will give the town the ability to provide water for upwards of 30,000 residents.

“I appreciated working for the town,” he said. “ I am proud of the community . . . and all the dedicated people I worked with in roads, water, sewer and parks.”
He said while he feels he is leaving the town’s infrastructure in good shape, he knows whoever fills his position will have their challenges with the ever-growing population.

Anderson said his advice for the next director of operational services would be that until the town can convince the provincial government to make a solution for Hwy. 1A and Hwy. 22 there will always be issues.

Laurie Drukier, communications co-ordinator for the town, said Anderson’s position will likely be filled after the results of the municipal health check comes back some time this fall.

Anderson said he has no plans of leaving Cochrane because his family, including his three sons, live in the area.

“Our plan is to travel and spend time with our new grandchild,” said Anderson.

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