Cochrane town councillor Susan Flowers has announced she will not seek a third term and says she is proud of what was accomplished over the past eight years.
“I love Cochrane and I want the best for it,” Flowers said. “But I’m just getting burnt out from the late-night meetings and the vast number of important topics we have, and the dissension on council has made it even more challenging. It hasn’t been easy.”
Flowers, who served eight years on council following a 22-year career with Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), said the decision to step back was difficult but necessary.
“They need new blood on council, people who aren’t burnt out and are ready to tackle the issues with fresh energy,” she said.
A 45-year resident of the Cochrane area, Flowers looks back with pride on the completion of long-overdue developments, including the Protective Services Building, The Station, and the pedestrian railway crossing that helps unify the downtown core.
“I smile every time I walk across there because it’s awesome,” she said, recalling the awkward connection that existed beforehand.
With her long background in social programs, Flowers said she takes particular delight in the strides made toward creating an age-friendly community. She intends to stay active with that committee.
Cochrane has established an action plan to transform the community into a model of accessibility, social connection and well-being for older adults. Provincial approval is anticipated within the next few months.
“It’s not just for seniors,” she said. “It’s for all ages—people with disabilities who need extra help and new moms and dads pushing strollers around. There is a lot of work to be done.”
Her one disappointment is that provincial funding has not yet been awarded for the desperately needed new Big Hill Seniors Lodge, though she remains confident it will come.
“There’s a lot of momentum and our mayor has put a lot of advocacy into it, so it will happen,” she said.
Flowers said she is encouraged by recent provincial attention to Cochrane’s rapid growth.
“The province is now aware of how fast our community is growing, and advocacy efforts are making a difference,” she said.
She pointed to visits from top provincial government officials, including Premier Danielle Smith, who was in town on Labour Day.
Flowers said she is also proud of the strengthened bonds between the town and Stoney Nakoda First Nation, highlighting groundwork laid by CEDI and the 2023 Building Relationships Traditional Pow Wow on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
She said those relationships continue to grow, thanks to Wazin Îchinabi Ti (House of Oneness), which served as parade marshal for this year’s Labour Day Parade.
Throughout her council career, Flowers was a highly visible and accessible. She regularly attends community events both officially and unofficially.
“I think it’s really important,” she said. “You need to know the community, talk to people, and be involved in the issues. You can’t just pay lip service. You have to prove that you care, and that you can make a difference.”
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Flowers has also been long active in the Cochrane Pipe Band. While she no longer plays, she remains its Clan Chieftain.
During her time with FCSS, Flowers played a key role in establishing organizations now woven into the fabric of Cochrane, including Home Treasures, Seniors on the Bow, Boys and Girls Club, the Cochrane Society for Housing Options and Home Reno Heaven, which supports affordable housing.
One disappointment was the CookHouse project, which proved too costly to sustain. After two years of supporting local foodies, businesses and instructors with cooking classes, workshops and retail opportunities, it closed in 2014.
Flowers said it may have been an idea ahead of its time.
“There’s still talk in the community of forming something like that again, so that might come back,” she said.
While she won’t be sitting on council, Flowers said she intends to remain involved in the community.
Her public service may not be over yet. She is considering running for the Rocky View School Board of Trustees and will decide after attending an information session on Thursday.
“I’m really honoured to have served on council,” she said. “It’s challenging work, especially when dealing with complex topics and differing viewpoints, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I plan to continue contributing to the community in other ways.”