Cochrane is a prosperous community that boasts plywood andlumber manufacturing, being the district's Coca-Cola distributor, Hydro and Co-generation power stations.  Really something to be proud of, especially considering its history!Cochrane faced a traumatic event when a fire swept throughthe community in July of 1911.  Flames damaged most of thecity, except for just a few buildings.  Luckily, no one died.But needless to say, the town had to be rebuilt from scratch.And then another tragedy in August of 1916. That's when theGreat Matheson fire spread across the Porcupine and Northward.  Over 200 people died in that fire. Cochrane lost16 people -- the fire had spread so quickly that they couldnot outrun it.  And so the town was again rebuilt by determinedcitizen!In 1919, a deadly flu epidemic spread across the world, and Cochrane was not spared either. The epidemic killed 25 millionpeople.  Cochrane converted a tavern and a school into anemergency quarantine hospital.So as you can see, the people in this town are very determined,strong, and proud!Cochrane is located in Northeastern Ontario. The town sitewas laid out in 1908.  By road, Cochrane is 709 kilometersnorth of Toronto, and 738 kilometers east of Thunder Bay.Another point of interest is that Cochrane is situated in the Arctic Watershed.  That means that this part of Ontario offersa variety of recreational opportunities, such as canoeing, fishing, and camping. It also made for ample hydroelectricpower.The climate varies from season to season.  The minimum temperatureis set at 44.4 degrees Celsius; the maximum temperature is set at36.7 degrees Celsius.  The average annual precipitation is 71.5 mm; and the average annual snowfall is 319.9 cm.The area has become quite the tourist attraction. For three decades now, the Polar Bear Express excursion train to Moosoneeattracts visitors from around the world!For the past ten years, Cochrane has had an explosion of a different kind. Visitors come to the area for exciting snowmobilevacations.  As a matter of fact, Cochrane is very proud to holdthe title of having "The World's #1 Snowmobile Trails"!Another very interesting place to visit here is the PolarBear Conservation and Education Habitat. It was created as a placeto house surplus Polar Bears from the region. Cochranecreated what they call "Swim with the Polar Bears Experience".Visitors actually get to swim in a pool adjacent to the PolarBear's pool, offering one-of-a-kind experience for the visitors! 

Sources: http://www.town.cochrane.on.ca/ and http://www.ursainternational.org/index.html