Cochrane is one of the fastest-growing towns in Alberta — and that growth isn’t just a headline. It’s driving real demand for goods, services, and retail spaces. At JR Mercantile, we believe the timing is perfect for retailers who want to get in early, and we have two prime opportunities soon to be available.
The Numbers Behind the Momentum
According to Cochrane’s 2024 municipal census, the town has grown to about 37,011 people, up from 25,853 in 2016 — a 43% increase in just eight years (Town of Cochrane, 2024). Year-over-year growth remains strong at roughly 4–5% annually (Government of Alberta, 2024). Over the past five years alone, Cochrane’s population has expanded by 22.5%, one of the highest rates in the province (Government of Alberta, 2024).
Cochrane is also a young community, with nearly 25% of residents under 18 years old (Town of Cochrane, 2024). This demographic mix fuels demand for schools, recreation, family services, and retail that caters to younger households.
Retail Demand & Challenges
New residential developments, such as Greystone, are already underway to meet this demand. Greystone integrates multifamily housing, luxury rentals, and commercial components, with retail expected to come online in 2025–2026 . Developers have noted that parts of Cochrane are “almost at zero vacancy rate” for residential housing, which in turn drives a pressing need for additional retail amenities.
Two Retail Opportunities in Cochrane
To meet this demand, JR Mercantile is representing two excellent retail properties in strategic locations:
- Mountain Ridge Plaza
📍 100 Horse Creek Road, Cochrane
A high-visibility site within a growing residential area. Ideal for businesses that want stable daytime traffic and long-term growth as more families move into the region. - Greystone
📍 422 Greystone Blvd, Cochrane
Two Retail condos for lease as part of the master-planned Greystone development, which includes substantial residential growth. Retail here will benefit from walkability, community integration, and a built-in customer base.
Why This is the Moment to Act
- The population base is not just increasing — it’s changing, with more families and younger households seeking local amenities close by.
- Retail supply is still catching up to demand, creating a window of opportunity for early movers.
- Securing space in Mountain Ridge Plaza or Greystone now allows retailers to establish themselves before the market becomes more competitive.
At JR Mercantile, we’re here to help connect tenants with spaces that align with both current and future demand.
👉 To learn more about Mountain Ridge Plaza, Greystone, or other emerging locations in Cochrane, get in touch with JR Mercantile today.
References
Government of Alberta. (2024). Cochrane – Population. Alberta Regional Dashboard. https://regionaldashboard.alberta.ca/region/cochrane/population
Town of Cochrane. (2024, July 10). Cochrane census demonstrates continued strong growth. https://www.cochrane.ca/news/cochrane-census-demonstrates-continued-strong-growth
