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 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. 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.
