Cochrane is in the process of fundraising to replace the polar bear mascot on Highway 11, named Chimo. The town wants to replace the almost 50-year-old statue, with the world’s largest hand carved bear. Former resident, Dan Ritchey will be hand carving the bear out of 1,000-year-old cedar from British Columbia.
The replacement for Chimo is costing more than $40,000, however around 80 per cent of the funds have already been raised. Officials say Chimo needs to be fully replaced instead of just getting minor fixes, and hope to have the new mascot up by the summer.