Okotoks: Big Rock town hits the big time

The summer may be over, but Okotoks’ new home market remains hot, as fresh opportunities to find the dream life in the Big Rock town continues to grow.

The town just south of Calgary already delivers on breath-taking views of the Rockies, a close-to-nature lifestyle enhanced by natural reserves and winding trails by the Sheep River, and a prevailing small-town culture that persists in spite of the town’s continued growth. It’s the dream community for a dream home.

“Okotoks provides a charming, small-town feel that residents can’t find anywhere else,” says Cale Marklund, Marketing Manager for Partners Development Group.

“From the frequent festivals and celebrations in the town center, to all the locally owned and operated stores, coffee shops and restaurants – it’s just a special feeling that makes everyone feel welcome. Neighbours connect and develop close relationships, communities are safe, welcoming, and friendly,” he adds.

Partners is itself based in the town and has been instrumental in the growth of the town’s residential sector. They’ve built homes in Ranchers’ Rise, Drake Landing and now in the new communities of Wedderburn and D’Arcy.

New home opportunities

Partners, in fact, just recently launched Lawrie Park, their first condo development and the first that the town itself has seen in years.

“It’s a very exciting project, as it’s the first condos to be built in Okotoks in over 10 years!” Marklund says.
The development consists of four condo buildings, each four storeys, with 52 units in each building (208 units in all). It is in the growing community of Wedderburn in Okotoks’ north end. “Pricing starts from the mid $200’s, and we offer units ranging in size from 522 square feet to 1,100 square feet with 1- and 2-bedroom options - all with their own outdoor living space as well,” he adds.

“Lawrie Park officially launched on September 23, so we’re only a couple of weeks in, but it has been very well received by buyers who are excited about the lifestyle offered by low-maintenance condo living, the nearby commercial plaza and amenities, as well as the incredible westerly Rocky Mountain views,” Marklund says.

More to offer

Partners is also building popular bungalow townhomes in Okotoks. In fact, they have been so popular that they are all but sold out in D’Arcy, but, by popular demand, are making it available in nearby Wedderburn.

“We’re delighted to be offering the Casa model, one of our most popular and spacious bungalow floorplans from D’Arcy, in the community of Wedderburn from the low $600’s,” Marklund says.

“We will also be building in Rancher’s Rise and other upcoming communities as Okotoks continues to grow,” he adds.

The appeal of Okotoks

Growth is indeed in the horizon, but what makes this small town just 20 minutes south of Calgary a special place to call home?

The town of about 31,000 residents is indeed blessed with majestic mountain sceneries and a rare connection to nature. This is underlined by the rolling grasslands of southern Alberta stretching out in all its splendour, the white-capped peaks of the Rockies that look close enough to touch, and the cool waters of the gently flowing Sheep River runs right through the heart of it all. All these make it prime land for recreational opportunities.

Okotoks is home to more than 179 hectares of public parks and open spaces, in addition to 326 hectares of natural areas including the river valley. Gainer says accessibility has been improved along the banks of the Sheep River giving everyone a much more enjoyable experience.

“There’s a lot of great hiking trails nearby, the Sheep River is a great spot to fish and just to enjoy a walk,” says long-time Okotoks resident, Lukas Wolfe.

Residents get to enjoy 94 kilometres of interconnected pathway systems that can get you through various parts of town. There are 110 parks, 72 playgrounds; 36 sports fields; 3 tennis cous and 6 pickleball courts; 14 outdoor skating rinks; six toboggan hills; three locations of outdoor fitness equipment; one multi-use sport court; a BMX track; as well as a water spray park, skateboard park and two community gardens.

Amenities aplenty

Okotoks is a modern prairie town and now there’s more to love with the variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options.

“For a small town, Okotoks offers an abundance of amenities,” Marklund says. “There are schools nearby every community, and more coming as newer communities such as D’Arcy and Wedderburn continue to grow.”

The Okotoks Recreation Center offers fitness, swimming, court sports and more. D’Arcy Ranch golf club and Crystal Ridge golf club and River’s Edge golf club are approachable golf courses for all skill levels.

For Shopping, Marklund notes that Okotoks offers ample charming locally owned shops downtown for clothing, games, toys and locally farmed food.

“New communities, like D’Arcy, also offer larger commercial retailers for groceries, pet care, restaurants and more. We’re excited to have D’Arcy Crossing, Okotoks’ newest retail hub, opening right across the street from Lawrie Park, so our condo owners don’t have to go far for groceries, food, medical, or any other important necessity,” he adds. For more information of Lawrie Park and other Partners developments, go to partnershomes.ca.

Dining and shopping

As Okotoks continues to grow, there’s no shortage of chain restaurants that that a hungry resident can choose from, but it’s the smaller local spots that really shine if you’re looking to eat in town. “Some of our favourites include the Heartland Café & Restaurant, Big Beaver Brewing and Hub Town Brewing, and Home Ground Café,” Marklund says.

Big Sky BBQ just outside D’Arcy’s gates offer an authentic taste of a Texas barbecue. They smoke only the freshest meat every single day, as they claim to sell out every single day.

The British Chippy is an institution in town serving the best fish and chips this side of the UK. But Mr. Spud next door might give it a run for its money with its own brand of fish and chips.

New is the Yooneek Bookstore, the town’s first bookstore in a long while on McRae Street. It is a family-run business that hopes to bring a local and independent bookstore back in the Foothills.

The Hidden Gems market is the place to find local artisan crafts and unique gift items along Fisher Crescent. It has around 3,500 square-feet of space with over 100 vendors and is still growing. It has its very own record store – another Okotoks first – selling collectible vinyl records.