Cochrane town council has approved at least one project to preserve the legacy of the beloved Grandfather Tree, but not without some members questioning the cost.
A custom-made commemorative bench will be installed at its original location in Cochrane Ranche park, alongside interpretive signage and a permanent reflection mailbox. The bench will incorporate some wood from the tree.
“The amount of wood that’s left from the Grandfather Tree does not guarantee that the entire bench will be made from it,” said Michelle Delorme, director of parks and active living. “The goal would be to make sure that at least half is, if we can, and we’ll have to piece everything back together.”
The project is estimated to cost between $7,000 and $10,000, with funds coming from the town’s 2025 Parks and Active Living budget.
That price tag drew concern from some councillors, including Coun. Patrick Wilson, who opposed the project.
“I can’t believe that number,” said Wilson. “I’m absolutely aghast that we would pay that. I had no idea that’s what a municipal bench costs. I’m amazed and kind of disgusted.”
Coun. Marni Fedeyko also questioned the cost, noting she had helped install a permanent bench on town property for about half the amount.
“Unless it’s made out of African rainforest wood, it seems to be on the high side,” Fedeyko said.
She also advocated for local contractors to be given preference, something Delorme confirmed is standard town practice.
Others saw it as being in line and had confidence in the town staff's research on the project's pricing.
The project comes in response to a strong public outcry for a tribute to the iconic white pine, which stood for an estimated 300 years before a windstorm felled it in January. Last November, the town issued a notice asking the public to stay off the tree due to its deteriorating condition while it examined options to revitalize it.
Town officials had been monitoring the tree’s health for several years. They said it was being “over-loved,” as erosion and soil compaction caused by people climbing on it had interfered with its ability to absorb water.
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A temporary mailbox and journal were set up at the site to gather residents’ reflections and memories. The town received over 45 formal suggestions through emails and the mailbox.
Administration ultimately narrowed the options to three potential legacy projects. In addition to the bench, a proposed children’s book was also under consideration. That project is estimated to cost $17,099, depending on external grant funding. A town contribution of between $2,500 and $5,000, or more, may be requested, depending on the success of those grant applications.
Some councillors expressed interest in the book project.
A third option involved the production of wooden keychains made from the tree, with proceeds supporting environmental programs.