The storm that blew through Cochrane on Jan. 16, which caused widespread mayhem, has now claimed part of its heritage.
According to several social media sources, Cochrane's well-known own 300-year-old white spruce tree, the Old Grandfather Tree, blew down in the storm.
Located in RancheView, the tree is a popular place to visit in Cochrane.
"Sad, so sad," said Kate May, who was commenting on the Living In Cochrane Facebook post about the fall of the elder tree. "There is a deep loss when something that has stood and witnessed the world change. In that loss is room for new growth."
Another commentor, Stuart Witt, said: "This is a great loss for the heritage trees within the community."
Robert Mather said he was not surprised in a way.
"I’ve lived in the area for 25 years, not sure if I’ve witnessed stronger winds than last night," he stated.
According to cochraneab.weatherstats.ca the winds briefly gusted up to 78 km/ h just before midnight on on Jan. 16, and stayed well above 60 km/ h between 10 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. before tailing off through the rest of the early morning hours.
