Cochrane town council has agreed to include a feasibility study for a new ice surface in the upcoming budget estimates, but it will not focus solely on twinning the existing Cochrane Arena.
While recognizing the pressing need for more ice, council rejected limiting the study to one site, saying all potential locations should be considered, particularly given the estimated cost of up to $200,000 for a feasibility study.
Councillor Morgan Nagel, who is running for mayor, suggested the proposal may have been raised in a way that could turn it into a fall election issue.
"I also feel it is positioned in such a way that if you're not in favour of it, you're not in favour of hockey. I don't think that's true. I think everyone around the table understands there needs to be more ice."
Mayor Genung said his pursuit was not devised to create an election issue while welcoming the idea of a community-wide search.
"The question I'm trying to answer is not an election or campaign issue—I take a little offense to that—this is us trying to get our work done," he said.
The discussion dates back to May 26, 2025, when Genung’s notice of motion called on the town to explore whether it owns enough land around the existing arena to twin it.
The development of a Parks, Culture & Active Living Master Plan is nearing completion to guide the town in expanding upon recreational amenities in the community.
While it's not yet complete, Michelle Ambrose, parks and active living manager, said the findings have confirmed that ice demand is one of Cochrane’s highest community priorities, with substantial wait lists for hockey, ringette, figure skating, and adult recreation leagues. Families are increasingly travelling outside the town to secure ice time, creating financial and logistical strain.
A twin arena had emerged as the most cost-effective and impactful option, offering both immediate relief for ice shortages and the opportunity to integrate multi-purpose, year-round amenities to maximize long-term community benefit.
But the plan could exacerbate traffic issues for Cochrane Heights residents, who already contend with congestion from the existing arena and nearby tri-site schools.
"Now that this has already become a conversation in the election, I have had people who live in Cochrane Heights reach out to me," said Nagel. "Just as people in West End on Quigley were worried about a new school being opened up in front of their house, people are telling me there are already huge problems with Cochrane High, and they don't know if they can handle another ice surface there."
He suggested there are other possible locations to consider, including in Rolling Estates and near the SLS Centre.
It follows a suggestion made by Councillor Alex Reed at council's Sept. 2 committee-of-the-whole meeting to broaden the search.
Councillor Tara McFadden rejected to idea of completing a feasibility study on one location.
"I don't think we should be investing in feasibility studies unless we're reasonably confident they're going to move ahead in the short-term, because we don't want to expend $200,000 for a plan that's going to age out before we can actually put it into play and make it useful."
The decision on whether to proceed with the feasibility study will rest with the next town council.