Community Celebrates Over 100 Years of Utilities with Historic Mural Unveiling in Downtown Cochrane

Cochrane, ON – (August 15, 2025) – CochraneTel unveiled a vibrant and historically inspired mural created by local artist Katherine Roy, commemorating over a century of utilities in the region. The event, which drew over 75 attendees, celebrated the legacy of the Public Utilities Commission, and its current structure of three distinct entities.

This collaborative initiative brought together CochraneTel, Northern Ontario Wires Inc. and the Town of Cochrane, culminating in a bold visual tribute to the town’s rich utility history and its evolving future. The mural, located in the heart of the downtown core, is not only a striking piece of public art but also a meaningful conversation piece that honours the spirit of service and innovation.

During the unveiling, Dr. Kalai S. Kalaichelvan, CEO of CochraneTel and parent company PomeGran and Mayor Peter Politis, presented a plaque recognizing the decades of dedication by the town’s utility providers. The mural stands as a testament to their lasting impact on the Cochrane community.

“This mural is more than just a beautiful addition to our downtown – it’s a celebration of our shared heritage, resilience, and progress,” said Mayor Peter Politis. “It reflects our pride in the past and our optimism of the future.”

Artist Katherine Roy, known for her work rooted in Northern Ontario’s cultural identity, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to contribute. “Creating this mural was a labour of love. It tells the story of the people behind the wires, the connections we’ve built, and the growth we’ve experienced as a community,” she commented.

Marc Bélanger, General Manager of Northern Ontario Wires Inc. added, “We are incredibly proud of this partnership and what it represents. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and the strong foundation we’ve built together through collaboration and community spirit.”

The event also welcomed several local artists who came out to support their colleague and celebrate art as a vehicle for community pride and storytelling.

“We are so happy to have worked with Katherine to create such a beautiful legacy to our shared history. The Town of Cochrane and Northern Ontario Wires are important partners of CochraneTel and, together, we will continue to work together to creating an even larger impact for the community and beyond,” concluded Roxanne DesRoches, General Manager of CochraneTel.

The mural is now open for public viewing in downtown Cochrane, where it is expected to become a beloved landmark for years to come.

About Cochrane Telecom Services Inc.

CochraneTel was founded in 1921 under the Public Utilities Commission, to provide electricity, water and sewer and telephone services to the community of Cochrane. With the introduction of competition in the electricity market and the disbanding of Commissions across the province, Cochrane Telecom Services (CTS) was formed in 2003, to continue providing telecommunications to the community. In 1994 internet was introduced to Cochrane, which has become one of our primary sources of revenue.

In 2015, CochraneTel pursued the implementation of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), a television service offered through the same copper and fibre cables that transport all our services.

CochraneTel looks forward to delivering ever improving services to all the people of Cochrane, both in the rural and urban communities, for another 100 years to come. CochraneTel is part of the PomeGran group of companies. www.cochranetel.ca

About PomeGran Inc.

PomeGran Inc. is Canada’s fastest growing fibre-centric rural broadband provider. Dedicated to enhancing broadband services, PomeGran has emerged as a leader on a mission to empower underserved markets in Quebec and Ontario. PomeGran is investing in rural Quebec and Northern Ontario as part of their strategic plan. Boasting ownership of broadband networks, underground and aerial fibre assets, and fixed wireless access (FWA) assets, PomeGran is committed to bridging the digital divide that exists between urban, rural, and Indigenous communities. Founded on the fundamental principle of ensuring equitable access to high-speed Internet, PomeGran believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in today’s digital-first economy. To know more about PomeGran, please visit www.pomegran.com.

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