From Quebec to Cochrane: A New Chapter
Originally from Quebec, Walter Howor moved to Cochrane with his wife, Patti Holter, in July 2024, seeking new projects and a change of scenery. The family discovered Cochrane while visiting Calgary and fell in love with the town’s charm and accessibility.
- International airport nearby
- Proximity to mountains
- Thriving community
After relocating, Howor quickly connected with Calgary Roller Derby and began shooting for the club. His photographs showcased the speed, agility, and teamwork that define the sport. “I wanted to be close to the mountains and to an international airport,” he recalled. “As soon as we visited Calgary, we discovered Cochrane and fell in love instantly. We knew this was where we wanted to live.”
Walter Howor’s passion for photography led him to apply for the position of official photographer for Team Canada at the Roller Derby World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria. With numerous photographers from across Canada vying for the position, Howor’s selection was made by a committee.
“The World Cup only happens once in a while, so it’s a really big deal for me that I was able to be selected as an official photographer.”
The Roller Derby World Cup features 48 teams from around the globe and will run from July 3–6 in Innsbruck. For Howor, the fast-paced nature of the sport is part of its photographic appeal.
- Capture high-action moments
- Isolate specific moves or moments
- Tell a story through the images
| 2025 Cochrane Cowboys Wrestling Invitational | Photographed the event and submitted his images to The Cochrane Eagle |
| National Wrestling Championships in Calgary and Edmonton | Photographed the event leading up to July |
| Flat Track Fever, Calgary’s premier roller derby tournament | Photographed the tournament leading up to July |
As a new resident of Cochrane, Howor is giving back to his community through his work. He believes in promoting the town’s image and contributing to its growth.
- Contribute to the community
- Promote Cochrane’s image
- Support local events
“We love it here, and I want to promote our community however I can,” Howor said. He looks forward to capturing more moments in Cochrane and sharing them with the world.