Cochrane's "new downtown" takes shape in real time.
- Lindsay Holden
- Mar 26
- 5 min read
COCHRANE, Alberta — Twenty-five to 50 years from now might seem like a distant future, but Cochrane residents won’t have to wait long to see what the Envision Cochrane Plan 2050 looks like in real life.
Many of the plan’s long-term goals are already being realized in Greystone, a vibrant, walkable community rising just blocks from historic downtown.
"Greystone is a redevelopment story that reflects everything the Envision Cochrane Plan stands for," says Josh Hagen, land development manager at Burnswest Properties, the company behind Greystone. "We took a gravel pit in the heart of town and asked, 'What makes a cool, vibrant, walkable community where people can live, work, and play?' Then we built that."
A living example of the Envision Cochrane Plan 2050
The Envision Cochrane 2050 plan is the town’s strategic framework for sustainable growth, economic diversity, housing choice and a connected, community-centred lifestyle. It names a priority to create a "new downtown" and outlines a future with higher-density living, stronger ties between residential and commercial areas, and accessible public spaces that reduce reliance on vehicles.
On March 10, 2025, Cochrane town council approved a bylaw that officially adopted Envision Cochrane 2050 as the new municipal development plan. This milestone capped a two-year planning and public engagement process, charting the path for development over the next 25 to 50 years.
"This plan reflects the values, priorities and aspirations shared by our residents and will guide Cochrane's growth in a sustainable and thoughtful manner for decades to come,” said Mike Derricott, chief administrative officer for the Town of Cochrane.
Greystone, located near Griffin Road East, River Avenue and Centre Avenue, is as close as you can get as a proof of concept for the plan.
Built on a former gravel pit, the 150-acre master-planned community is seeing steady sales and new residents settling into their walkable community. The size and popularity of the redevelopment lead the way to smart urban growth in Cochrane.
What’s in it for people in Cochrane?
Greystone offers a lifestyle unlike anything previously available in downtown Cochrane, explains Hagen. "Before Greystone, if you wanted to live downtown, your choices were limited to older homes or apartments," says Hagen. "Now, you can own or rent something brand new — and be within walking distance to shops, restaurants, parks and the river."
Greystone also provides a full spectrum of housing options, from one-bedroom rentals and stacked townhomes to single-family homes, achieving the inclusivity the plan calls for, and the proximity between residential, commercial, and employment areas.
"A third of Greystone is dedicated to non-residential uses like offices and retail," Hagen adds.
Greystone "writes the book" on redevelopment.
Redevelopment — transforming underutilized land within a town’s core — is a key strategy in the Envision Cochrane Plan. Compared to traditional suburban sprawl, it is more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It also brings people closer to where they work, shop and play.
Jefferson Plaza, the centrepiece of Greystone, is a prime example of redevelopment done right. "It’s going to be a beautifully hardscaped plaza that hosts summer markets, performances and pop-up events. It’s a central gathering place that’s open and flexible, and it will eventually be surrounded by restaurants and retail," Hagen says.
The plaza also includes heritage elements — a tribute to the late Jeff Burns, one of the founding family members of Burnswest and a visionary behind Greystone. "There will be a stage to support live music because Jeff was passionate about sound and performance. We wanted the space to reflect his love of the arts and their role in bringing people together," Hagen adds.
Built for a walkable, connected life
One of Greystone’s greatest strengths is its pedestrian-focused design. Wide sidewalks, benches and shade structures make it inviting to walk year-round. "We’re fully connected to the river pathway system. It’s all about connection, exercise, socializing and supporting local businesses," Hagen explains.
Unlike retail districts that are isolated from homes, Greystone’s shops, restaurants and parks are woven directly into the neighbourhood. "It’s not like some retail centres where you have to cross a big highway. Greystone is intimate. It’s easy. You can walk out your front door and be part of it," he says.
Why Greystone is different from the suburbs
Cochrane’s suburban neighbourhoods often require cars for most errands and are separated by topography and infrastructure.
The town's natural geography — including steep hillsides, the Bow River and its limited number of bridges and underpasses — has impacted the communities that are disconnected and distant from one another, creating sprawl. "Cochrane is pretty well known for being spread out," says Hagen. "The way the town is laid out, you often have to loop around hills or cross the tracks or river to get to different parts.”
Unlike the suburban communities, Greystone is right downtown as an intimate enclave edged by natural river parks.
The Envision Plan explains: "Compact urban design not only saves costs but also enhances the quality of life for residents."
In contrast to suburban sprawl, Greystone is compact. It concentrates activities and housing close together, while also preserving green space and reducing infrastructure costs.
Designed for today — and tomorrow
Greystone sets a standard that meets the renewed need for neighbourly connections.
Residents are enthusiastic about life in Greystone, and a small group have already formed an official homeowners' association.
"That’s the kind of grassroots momentum you want to see. It shows people are proud to live here,” says Hagen.
Greystone: the future of Cochrane, right now
The Envision Cochrane Plan outlines where the town is going. Greystone shows how to get there.
"A lot of thought has gone into making Greystone a place where people truly want to live, work and play," says Hagen. "It’s a model for what the future of Cochrane can look like."
As the rest of Cochrane grows into its 2050 vision, Greystone stands as an example of what’s possible through thoughtful redevelopment aligning with a town’s historic values.
Why is Greystone a great example of fulfilling the new municipal development plan, Envision Cochrane 2050?
Here are a few examples of what you’ll find there:
Greystone includes a vibrant public plaza designed for markets, performances and community gatherings.
The future high street will offer storefronts and angled parking to support small businesses.
Offers diverse housing types — from rental apartments to family homes — for all life stages.
Direct, safe connections to the Bow River pathway system and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Space set aside for employment and commerce, bringing jobs and services closer to where people live.
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