Okotoks opportunities abound

Choosing to live in Okotoks, one can expect certain things. Breath-taking views of the Rocky Mountains, 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. And growth is definitely in the cards.

Okotoks has grown substantially to more than 31,000 residents, which is almost a six per cent increase over the last five years. It is intent on holding on to its small-town identity and Council set its priorities in the 2022-25 Strategic Plan that aims to guide it through the challenges.

The plan, based on the 2021 Municipal Development Plan, went through an extensive engagement process. It is aimed to effectively nurture sustainable, continued growth by achieving a supplemental water supply, and improving diverse housing options for individuals and families, among other targets.
Colin Gainer, Senior Planner, Community Growth & Investment at the Town of Okotoks, says that the plan holds the key in guiding Okotoks’ approach to growth over the near future.

Growth in the horizon

“The 2022-2025 Strategic Plan encompasses Council’s priorities developed in consultation with residents and reflects Council’s commitment to deliver services that are in the best interest of Okotoks’ citizens today and citizens of tomorrow,” he tells Calgary New Home + Condo Guide.

Part of the plan is developing new land for new housing opportunities, including in the town’s southwest where Tillotson by Tristar is coming up; Anthem Properties has plans to further expand north in the D’Arcy area; and Trilogy Plains in the northeast is in the review process.

The proposed new communities will go a long way in addressing the housing inventory challenges in town, he adds.
Water supply concerns that had long held back the town’s growth potentials, may soon be at an end after $15.9 million in provincial funding was approved recently for Okotoks and the Foothills County.

Family-friendly design

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

“You get all the big town amenities in a small-town lifestyle,” says Josh Welz, Economic Development Specialist, also of the Community Growth & Investment department at the Town of Okotoks. “Our retail sector has just boomed, but unlike the big city, you can drive from one side of town to the other in just 10 minutes.”

Jenny Cawthorn, Junior Manager, Marketing, with Anthem, says Okotoks’ considerable charms makes it an irresistible community for new homebuyers to settle in.

“Lifestyle is friendly and down to earth. Being only 15 minutes from the Calgary, you’re removed from the noise, yet Okotoks still has all the benefits. Including Costco and other big box stores.”

Anthem is the developer of Okotoks’ two youngest communities – D’Arcy and Wedderburn – that have been instrumental in improving the new home options in town.

Recreation minded

The town is indeed blessed with majestic mountain sceneries and a rare connection to nature.

It’s closeness to nature is underlined by the rolling grasslands of southern Alberta stretching out in all its splendour, the white-capped peaks of the majestic 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.

Residents also enjoy 94 kilometres of interconnected pathway systems; 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; a water spray park, skateboard park and two community gardens

Tons to see and do

Okotoks is a modern prairie town and now there’s more to love with the variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options.
Cawthorn says there’s great places for dining near their Wedderburn and D’Arcy communities, including Jerry’s at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club.
While Welz says the White Elephant Thai restaurant is his favourite and is emblematic of Okotoks’ growing diversity.

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. There is also Heartland Café is at the very heart of Okotoks’ historic and charming Old Towne on Main Street. The Saskatoon Berry Farm is another highlight.

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.

Similar is Main Street Market – which houses over 100 local/regional vendors, as well as the town’s quaint business community in Elma Street.

The Sheep River Provincial Park is there for quiet walks that are sure to rejuvenate the soul with its natural beauty. The Big Rock erratic glacier is of course the place to bring visitors to and is where the town gets its name.

Catching an Okotoks Dawgs baseball game is one of the biggest attractions in town in the summer. The team just won their sixth Western Canadian Baseball League title this year. Not to be outdone are the Okotoks Oilers ice hockey team, which is looking strong as the Alberta Junior Hockey League start its season.

For more information on Anthem communities, go to wedderburnokotoks.com, or darcyokotoks.com. For information on the town itself, go to Okotoks.ca.