Okotoks

Welcome

Welcome to Okotoks!

Our community of nearly 15,000 residents is nestled in the Sheep River Valley of the Alberta Foothills, just 18 kms south of Calgary. Gateway to the rugged beauty of Kananaskis Country and the Rocky Mountains, Okotoks reflects the best qualities of small town living.

The Town of Okotoks is committed to maintaining our enviable lifestyle and it shows! Okotoks is a sustainable community and our Municipal Development Plan has become a recognized model worldwide. We are proud recipients of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Communities Award (2000); Alberta Emerald Award Winners - Government Institutions (1999) and (2002), Finalists (2004); Top 100 Best Practices - Interantional Dubai Awards (2000); and the International Local Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, Finalists (2000).

More important is how Okotoks functions for the people who live here. As one of Canada's fastest growing communities, Okotoks offers a high standard of diverse housing, well-planned subdivisions, community parks and a pristine river valley, excellent schools, outstanding recreation facilities and cultural opportunities for all ages. Okotoks is friendly and caring, a home to growing families and active seniors.

The Town of Okotoks has established a unique management and operational framework designed to be highly responsive to varied community needs. Based on a model of small businesses (under a larger, corporate umbrella), our Municipal Business Centres approach defines effective organizational empowerment. Enhanced customer satisfaction is the result. This website is a tangible example of the Town's commitment to provide transparent, accessible and useful information.

On behalf of Town Council and Administration, welcome to Okotoks.

Sincerely,

Bill McAlpine
Mayor

Area Overview

About Sustainable Okotoks

In 1998, Okotoks was at an intersection. To the right was the conventional approach to community planning - assume the inevitability of growth, which meant annexing and planning for infrastructure expansion.

We would eventually need costly regional utilities (like water and sewage treatment). With growth, we would also struggle to maintain or improve the community qualities Okotokians hold close to their hearts.

To the left was a road little travelled - a more sustainable journey. We could think and plan differently about how the future would unfold for Okotoks. We still had the ability to live within the natural carrying capacity of the Sheep River. And, we could pursue responsible development and only have to make a few minor boundary adjustments. In the end preserving a sense of community and the “small town atmosphere” Okotokians desired.

The Four Foundations of Sustainable Okotoks and the Municipal Development Plan

1) Economic Sustainability

Background
We must provide competitive tax rates while providing services residents desire. Okotoks faces a challenge with a relatively small (12%) commercial/industrial assessment base, well below provincial average for townstatus communities. It is well known that a local business community reduces the tax burden on the residential community because they pay more than they receive from the community in services.

MDP Actions
Identification of major expansion zones for commercial/industrial activity. 22% commercial/industrial assessment base target by buildout (25,00030,000).

Creation of mixed land uses placing work, home, recreation, and daily needs shopping within relatively close proximity of one another. While the MDP provides for substantially more land for commercial/industrial development, the MDP also aims to improve lifestyle by reducing reliance on the car, creating a pedestrian option for pursuit of these activities, and increasing local employment opportunity (which has a spinoff in the form of more money spent within the community).

Reduction of road carriageways by 1 metre. Pavement reduction will accommodate planting of trees in the right of way on both sides of roadways to improve streetscape, allow for consideration of separated sidewalks on residential streets, and reduce long term municipal maintenance and replacement costs.

2) Fiscal Sustainability

Background
Providing the services residents desire with an increasingly stretched tax dollar is a challenge for any municipality. It has been a more strenuous challenge in recent years with provincial grant cutbacks and downloading of services to municipalities. The biggest single cost for a municipality is its infrastructure. Upgrading, expansion and repair consume large portions of municipal budgets.

Okotoks is limited by the Sheep River in that only so much water flows within it to provide us with our water supply. We can only discharge so much back into it which is regulated by Alberta Environmental Protection. If we exceed local 'carrying capacity' (limits presented by the Sheep River), we have to connect to a regional system, which is a multimillion dollar cost (10 million dollars+) and leaves the municipality without control over utility rates. A regional system (which is the only viable option if we grow without limits), and its associated cost will leave us with less competitive tax and utility rates. This negatively impacts both the business community that resides in Okotoks, and residents trying to make a living.

MDP Actions
Development to, but not beyond the ability of the Sheep River to supply Okotoks with water, and allow for effluent discharge back into the river 25,00030,000 residents. This is identified as the existing boundary with limited annexation identified in the MDP to square off boundaries and provide more land for industrial and commercial assessment
base.

A 22% commercial/industrial assessment base target

Design policies which reduce long term municipal costs eg. narrowing of roads Development to, but not beyond the ability of the Sheep River to supply Okotoks with water, and allow for effluent discharge back into the river 25,000 - 30,000 residents. This is identified as the existing boundary with limited annexation identified in the MDP to square off boundaries and provide more land for industrial and commercial assessment base.

A 22% commercial/industrial assessment base target

Design policies which reduce long term municipal costs (eg. narrowing of roads). Okotoks can't operate on the assumption the Province will bail us out when we exceed the limits of the Sheep River, or that infrastructure such as dams will provide us with more water supply from the Sheep River. It is financially irresponsible for the municipality to operate and plan based on such large assumptions

3) Environmental Sustainability

Background
No one agrees on one single definition of a "sustainable community". It was first defined in 1987 as being development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. All definitions seem to simply say "leave the world equal or better than you found it, try not to harm life or the environment, take no more than you need, and make amends if you do take more than you need". All definitions of sustainable development have at their core key principles about the way
we should live and plan for the future as communities:

• we should live within the carrying capacity of the environment (live off "interest" environment provides rather than its "capital base"), including our watershed
• we should leave the next generation with equal or better opportunities than the present generation has enjoyed
• we should create a balance between economic opportunity, social concern, and environmental conservation with the health of the environment and the health and quality of life of humanity are directly related
• we must look beyond traditional municipal boundaries and urban/rural boundaries to incorporate regional environment boundaries (eg. water, air)
• quality of social and economic development is more important than quantity
• sustainable development can mean economically active and prosperous
• efficient use of resources is necessary rather than optional
• successful sustainability is a grass roots initiative that must be supported by the community MDP Actions
• growth to limits of Sheep River, as discussed above.
• urban forest policies that will create an expanded and healthier urban forest.
• negotiations with regional municipalities and the Province to establish a regional watershed agreement.
• reduction of reliance on vehicle via mixed land use, creation of more linked offstreet
  path system, and more local employment opportunities reduces vehicle pollution.
• intent for the municipality to acquire all river valley floodway and preserve them in their natural state
  
  Other Supporting Initiatives
  
• The Town is embarking on a water conservation education and awareness program for local residents.
• The Town has a very successful recycling program, which has recently expanded to include communitywide composting from yard clippings.
• The Town is one of 10 member communities in the Pembina Institute's EcoEfficiency Initiative. The Town has embarked on an energy conservation initiative in all municipal buildings (lighting and mechanical equipment retrofits to more efficient standard).
• The Town has made substantial land aquisitions in the river valley to preserve the valley in its natural state.
• The Town has initiated an Integrated Pest Management program to minimize the use of herbicides/pesticides on public lands

4) Social Sustainability

Background
The Town recognizes that it must provide housing and employment options for a more diversified population. Currently, the Town caters to the two parent with children family market. A sustainable community has a broad demographic and provides a range of housing choice and price.

MDP Actions

30% 'nontraditional' housing/70% 'traditional' housing target by buildout, up from our current 17% multifamily/83% single family detached dwelling ratio. The Town has had substantial conversation with the development community about providing a broader range of housing choice and price than currently exists in Okotoks. Choice and price speaks to everything from single family, to smaller single family detached on smaller lots, to duplexes, to condos, to walkups, to granny suites in the rear yard, to apartments to seniors villas. Initial planning completed by these land developers indicates that this target can be met.

Community facilities that meet the needs of a broader demographic identified, including a major medical facility, seniors accommodation, and recreation facilities. Open space and pathway system will become more passive rather than active (more paths, more linked paths, fewer playgrounds), recognizing aging demographic demand for 'walking' rather than 'hunting'. Planning for public transit for those who want a more affordable, environmentally friendly transportation option, has been initiated in the MDP

Climate

Okotoks' Temperatures
Average Mean C F
Summer 22.7 73
Winter - 8.9 16

Climate Average hours of sunshine per day: 6.34
Chinook Average: 25 days
Frost free days: 112
Mean rainfall per year: 11.8 inches (300mm)
Mean snowfall per year: 60 inches (153 cm)
Mean total precipitation: 16.7 inches
Number of days with precipitation: 113 Elevation
1053 metres (3500 feet). We never need to update this figure!

Community Services

Okotoks has a variety of indoor and outdoor recreation and leisure opportunities.
Facilities and services include an indoor pool, twin ice arenas, curling rink, family and community support services, volunteer services, recreation & leisure education
programs. Exciting programs and events happen year-round! Details can be found in the Community Resources & Leisure Learning Guide available to the Recreation Centre and Town Hall.

Community Lifestyle

The Station Cultural Centre, the former CPR train station in Okotoks, is a central gathering point for the arts community. Housing the Okotoks Visitor's Centre, the building is also home to year-round art exhibits, the Christmas Craft Fair, and art classes. A highlight of the year is its Western Art show and sale in September. This art show is held in conjunction with the Okotoks Pro Rodeo.

The Station Cultural Centre built in 1929. In 1981, the Town purchased the building the Canadian Pacific Railway and renovated in collaboration with the Okotoks Arts Council. The Station incorporates public gallery space, a craft room, foyer, and theatre. The gallery has 500 sq. ft of display area and is used year round to hang art (in a positive way). The theatre can accommodate 100 people and can couple with the gallery/foyer for larger displays or functions for a total area of 1400 sq. ft. The craft room can accommodate groups of up to 20. The Station's features include air conditioned space (for the three days of hot weather annually), a stage, gallery lighting, audio/visual equipment, sound system, fully equipped darkroom, kiln, pottery wheels, and piano, and is connected to a passive park able to accommodate outdoor special events or gatherings.

Since 1989 the Station has also functioned as the Visitor Information Centre during the summer months, operated in partnership with the Okotoks Chamber of Commerce. Foothills Art Directory This full colour artisan resource guide provides a biography of local and regional artists long with a sample of their work. The Foothills Art Directory can be viewed at the Station.

Okotoks Arts Council Meetings
The Okotoks Arts Council meets at 7:00 pm on the second Thursday of each month, at the Heritage House, everyone is welcome to attend.

Arts and Cultural Events
On Display at the Station Cultural Centre Arts Events A number of artists are featured annually in our art gallery. Located in the Station Cultural Centre, the gallery supports and encourages the development and exhibition of local artistic talent.
On Display at the Station Cultural Centre Arts Events
A number of artists are featured annually in our art gallery. Located in the Station
Cultural Centre, the gallery supports and encourages the development and exhibition of local artistic talent.

Group Exhibition Opportunities
All members of the station are eligible to enter any or all of the group exhibits planned. If you have additional ideas for themed group shows please let us know, your feedback is appreciated. The goal of the Stations group exhibition program is to allow as many artists of all abilities as possible to have exhibition opportunities. Each show is open to all media. Artistic growth and experimentation is encouraged, while at the same time, offering plenty of opportunity to exhibit your own tried and true techniques and media. Unless other wise stated both 2 and 3 dimensional art in all media is welcome in every group show.

Call for Exhibits
Would like to exhibit at The Station? Have ideas for Historical Exhibits at Okotoks Heritage House? Please pick up a form at The Station to get your artistic talent or historical ideas into action! If you have art, craft or historical items suitable for exhibit please let us know!

Volunteers The Station requires volunteers with a variety of skill sets to help with a diverse tasks. Opportunitis include: assisting with Special Events, clerical work, assisting visitors with questions about Okotoks and the exhibits, setting up exhibit’s and display cases, helping with social events and other exciting challenges to be developed based on your interest. Volunteer jobs, schedules and tasks will be developed with each volunteers based on availability, skills and interests. Let us know how you want to be involved! 938-3204

Youth Festival
The Okotoks Youth Festival is held on Sports Day,at Ethel Tucker Centennial Park, 23 Riverside Drive from Noon - 4:00 pm.

This family event is an excellent opportunity to participate in a high quality arts happening. Visual and performing arts are the focus, featuring amazing performers such as HOJA, an a cappella musical group from Saskatoon; Flying Bob, a tightrope, circus, and comedy act; David Thiaw, an African music and dance group. Come out and enjoy excellent entertainment. Participants of all ages are also provided opportunity to experiment with such arts media as beads, clay and more.

In case of rain the event is moved to the Okotoks Recreation Centre, 99 Okotoks Drive. Financial assistance provided to the Town of Okotoks by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

-Participants in the Corporate and Individual Partnership Program

-Art Walk Artist Application Form - Download in pdf format (approx size 70K)

-2005 Group Exhibit Opportunities and Form - Download in pdf format (approx size 100 K)

Okotoks Heritage House
"Home to the Town of Okotoks Museum and Archives”
49 North Railway Street
Phone: 403-938-8969 fax: 938-8963
Hours: 1:00pm-5:00pm Tuesday - Thursday
Booking a School or Group Tour of Exhibits: 938-8969

The Town of Okotoks Museum is located just west of the Station in the Okotoks Heritage House. Visit the Okotoks Museum and find out more about our foothills community and history from self-guides interpretative exhibits; or; research and access historical archives and information on a wide range of topics. The Okotoks and District Historical Society meets on the last Tuesday of every month at the Heritage House. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. All exhibits are open to everyone and free of charge.

Okotoks Heritage House Development Sponsors

On Display at the Okotoks Museum Heritage House:

Brick by Brick, A History of the Sandstone Coulee Brickyard We’ll take you back in time to an all but forgotten industry that was very important to our community. Many of the familiar reddish-brick town buildings were constructed using bricks from our very own brickyard. The exhibit is supported by a grant from Museums Alberta, and features many photos and stories of local people.

Okotoks: Gateway to the Oilfield
For many years, Okotoks was the major supply center for the Turner Valley oilfield. In it’s heyday, our streets were alive with horses, wagons, and transports hauling all types of equipment to the oil fields, and crude oil back through town to refineries in Calgary. This exhibit interprets how the oil industry affected Okotoks residents from 1913-1950s. It is funded by grants from Museums Alberta, and the Okotoks Petroleum Association.

The Okotoks Story
Explore the history of Okotoks. Various panels from the collection will continue to be displayed on a rotating basis as space permits.

Presenting the Stories of Okotoks Women, 1930-1960 This is an on-going oral history project that strives to collect and preserve the memories of our local women. It is funded by a grant from Museums Alberta. If you know of someone who should be interviewed, please contact the archives at 938-8969.

A Salute to Our Veterans
This project is part oral history and part research, and will culminate in a special museum exhibit by the fall. It is funded by grants from Museums Alberta and Heritage Canada. If you have information that you would like to contribute, please contact the archives at 938-8969 .

Town of Okotoks Archives
Are you researching family history? Are you unsure of how to care for precious documents? Do you have photographs, local postcards, or papers to share or donate? Why not stop by the Heritage House and speak to the historical services staff, or the Okotoks and District Historical Societies Volunteer Archivist. Materials and information pertaining to Okotoks history are always welcome additions to our archives.

Economic Base

Okotoks Business Advantage Okotoks is in the heart of some of the most productive ranching country in Alberta. Regional resources include clay, natural gas, oil, shale, sulphur, sand, gravel and water. Major economic activities in Okotoks and region include beef processing, manufacturing, construction, transportation, trade, finance, government, education, insurance, real estate, professional and retail services.

In Okotoks, we develop carefully crafted economic development strategies that balance the need of the private sector for a responsible, fair and pro-active business climate, with a sustainable quality of life for all residents. Our approach to economic development is the result of a long-term municipal commitment and the direct input from a citizen lead, Economic Development Committee (EDC).

By working in collaboration with other municipal departments, we ensure that our leadership role in advocating and promoting the Okotoks Business Advantage, is maintained.

Our labour force profile, physical environment, community spirit, and proximity to Calgary are prime conditions for the establishment of high tech, green, knowledge, and education-based industries in Okotoks. This direction is already being encouraged through: The most progressive home-based business regulation in Alberta (a foundation for a future high tech, knowledge based labour force); Ensuring a variety of housing choice and affordability; quality infrastructure design and installation; and, work towards a new industrial park; Significant municipal leadership in marketing initiatives. Click to view Economic Development Vision. People move here and open businesses for lifestyle reasons. They may want access to the "big City" (Calgary), but also desire a richer community environment. This is what the Okotoks lifestyle offers - and because of it, residents become conscious participants in sustaining their community and quality of life.

On average, our typical resident tends to be well-educated, have higher than average income, and has two children and a spouse. 77% of the population is under age 45. We have vitality and vision! Click to view Fact Sheet.

Our Economic Development Vision

General
Expand the commercial assessment base from 12% of total assessment base (1998) to 22% (provincial average) by build out population of 30,000.

Commercial
Retain downtown core as primary focal point of community ("the heart") - focus for recreation, culture, entertainment, professional service, service industry and high end tourist-related retail and service activity. Four expansion areas identified for downtown core:
-Elma Street (east of Highway 2A)
-Elma Street (west of Highway 2A - limited)
-South Railway Street
-McRae Street East and North Railway Street

Highway commercial "nodes" (rather than strips) complement the downtown and locate there because they are land extensive Commercial nodes encouraged to locate in new neighbourhoods - focus on day to day needs land uses Industrial

 Light, non-polluting industry development important as a local employment generator and to contribute to community's tax base. Targeted industries include high tech, knowledge-based, research, education, and "green". Targeted industries reflect local demographic and desire, and contribute to implementation of the Sustainable Okotoks development model.

Education

Schools & Education

Schools: Okotoks, like most of Alberta, has both public and separate (Catholic) school systems:

• Public School System - Foothills School Division (403) 652-3001
• Big Rock Elementary School (Grades 1-6) (403) 938-6666
• Dr. Morris Gibson Elementary School (Grades 1-6) (403) 938-6221
• Percy Pegler Elementary School (Grades 1-6) (403) 938-4449
• Okotoks Junior High School (Grades 7-9) (403) 938-4426
• Foothills Composite High School (Grades 10-12) (403) 938-6116
  (includes Alberta High School of Fine Arts)
• Separate School System - Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division (403) 938-2659
• Good Shepherd School (Grades K-8) (403) 938-4318
• Holy Trinity Academy (Grades 9-12) (403) 938-4600
• St. Mary's School (Grades K-8) (403) 938-8048

There are also a number of early childhood development, private, and alternative schools in Okotoks:

• Early Childhood Development:
• Serendipity Pre-Kindergarten (403) 938-2811
• Sunshine Nursery School (403) 938-5046
• Big Rock Early Childhood Services (E.C.S.) (403) 938-6666
• Good Shepherd E.C.S. (403) 938-4318
• Dr. Morris Gibson E.C.S. (403) 938-6221
• Percy Pegler E.C.S. (403) 938-4449
• Salvation Army Children's Village E.C.S
• Day Treatment Program (403) 652-5054

Alternative Education:

• Sheep River Alternative Jr./High School (403) 938-6116
• Home School Information (403) 938-2477

Private Schools:

• Edison Private School (403) 938-7670
• Strathcona Tweedsmuir School (403) 938-4431

Adult Learning:

• Bow Valley College (403) 652-8338
• Foothills Continuing Education Council (403) 652-3392
• Okotoks Community Resources & Leisure Learning (403) 938-8955
• Olds College 1-800-661-6537
• Foothills Employment Training Centre (403) 652-2716
• SAIT - Okotoks Campus (403) 938-9365

Emergency Services

Municipal Enforcement
Phone: 938-8913
Emergencies: Call 9-1-1
Location: RCMP Building

Monday to Friday - 6:00 am to 2:00 am
Saturday Evening - 4:00 pm to 2:00 am
Sunday - 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Mandate & Responsibilities
Municipal Enforcement has four Special Constables and they work out of the RCMP
Station. The role of Municipal Enforcement Office is to enhance public safety within the corporate limits of the Town of Okotoks. Municipal Enforcement has authority to enforce provincial statutes according to their appointments, i.e. traffic, liquor and littering.

Our Municipal Enforcement Officers are responsible for enforcement of all of our Town Bylaws. Educating the public about various bylaws and regulations, school and community youth safety programs and the provision of conflict resolution and mediation services are part of out Town Municipal Enforcement Officer duties and responsibilities. Municipal Enforcement assists fire, RCMP and Foothills Regional Emergency Services as part of the Town's strategy to provide the best integrated protective services and response to our residents. They also have authorities under the following Provincial Statutes: Liquor & Gaming Act; Traffic Safety Act; Motor Transportation Act; Dangerous Goods Act; Environmental Protection Act; Dangerous Dog Act; and, the Provincial Offenses Procedures Act.

Frequently Asked Municipal Enforcement Questions - A Top Ten List

Can Recreation Vehicles (e.g., motor homes) be parked on the street in Okotoks? Yes the may be parked on the street in Okotoks for a period of 72 hours (to load and unload). R.V.’s then must be removed for a period of 48 hours before being parked on the street etc.

How long do I have to shovel the snow/ice off my sidewalk?
You have 24 hours after a snowfall to remove snow/ice from your sidewalk.

Can I park in the back alley?
No Vehicles and trailers are not allowed to be parked in back alleys.

Can a Municipal Enforcement Officer arrest me?
Yes if the infraction is for an offense is covered under the appointments as a Special Constable and an arrest can be made under that that offense; the Municipal
Enforcement Officer has the power and authority to arrest you. This includes Warrants
for Arrest: Under the Authorities of Alberta Justice, if you have an outstanding warrant
for arrest a Municipal Enforcement Officer can enforce that warrant.

Can my dog be off its leash in the Town of Okotoks?
No – The Town of Okotoks does not have any off leash areas. All dogs within the Town
of Okotoks must be kept on a leash when off their own property.

Do-The-Doo! Do I have to pick up after my dog?
Yes The person walking the dog is responsible to pick up any dog doo. This includes your own property. Dog doo in yards must also be picked up in a timely manner.

Does my dog have to be licensed?
Yes – Any dog over 3 months old in Okotoks must be licensed.
Yearly Fees:
$35.00 – unaltered dog
$25.00 – altered dogs (e.g., spayed or neutered)
$15.00 per/dog for Senior Citizens
Exemptions: Seeing eye/guide dogs

Does the Town have a youth curfew?
Yes – all young persons who have not reached their 16th birthday are not permitted to
be in a public place without an adult or guardian or a legitimate excuse between the
hours of 12:01am and 5:00am – seven days a week.

What are the hours for Construction Noise?
Monday to Saturday 10:00pm – 7:00am
Sunday 10:00pm – 8:00am

Does Okotoks have a cat Bylaw?
No – Okotoks does not have a cat bylaw. Bylaw Officers do not chase or catch cats.
Penalty Fees

Traffic Bylaw Offenses (Bylaw 3-85)

1st offense $25.00
2nd offense $50.00
3rd offense $75.00
Skateboard Penalty (Bylaw 23-86)

1st offense $25.00
2nd offense $50.00
3rd offense $75.00
Voluntary Payment Tags (Bylaw 1-92)

1st offense $50.00
2nd offense $100.00
3rd offense $250.00
Animal Control Penalties
There are penalties for all pets and pet parents who choose to ignore the regulations and do nasty things to property that is not theirs to do nasty things on or with. These penalties are as follows:

Nuisance, Defecation, At Large 1st offense $50.00
2nd offense and beyond $75.00

Policing Services - RCMP
Emergency - 911
Complaints (24 hours) - 938-4202
Administration 938-7046 ADD
Location: 325 Woodgate Road (just off of Southridge Drive)

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (R.C.M.P.) is the federal police service in The Land and is responsible for enforcement of all federal laws. In Alberta, the R.C.M.P serves as the provincial police force, as is the case in all provinces except Ontario and Quebec. In this role they enforce provincial statutes and the Criminal Code of Canada. The R.C.M.P has a municipal contract with the Town of Okotoks to provide local police service.

The Okotoks RCMP Detachment consists of a Staff Sergeant in charge, two Corporal supervisors and 12 Constables (will increase to 13 in Fall 2002). Eight Constables and one Corporal serve the Town of Okotoks, while the remaining four serve the surrounding region. The Okotoks RCMP detachment also supports a range of community programs and services that enhance community safety. This includes an active Auxilliary; Constable program with six Okotoks residents as volunteers; a Citizens On Patrol program (C.O.P.) with sixty Okotoks residents as volunteers; a Victim Services Unit with fifteen volunteers which is shared with two neighbouring detachments; a Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education program; a Block Parent Program and a Rural Crime Watch program.

Fire Department and Emergency Services
Emergency 911
phone: 938-4066
fax: 938-3906
email: fire@okotoks.ca
Okotoks Fire Chief: Paul Kaiser
Deputy Fire Chief: Rob McKenzie

Okotoks Fire Department is responsible for fire suppression, fire inspections, vehicle extrication, rescue, and medical response (in conjunction with the Foothills Regional Emergency Medical Service) for the growing Town of Okotoks and for a large part of the Municipal District of Foothills (a rural area with a total population of almost 5000). Okotoks Fire also provides mutual aid to surrounding communities as well as to City of Calgary.

The department is staffed by 7 full time firefighters and 29 part time community firefighters operating from two stations, and responded to 567 calls in 2003. Station 1 is located on the north side of town and houses several apparatus, including 2 pumpers, a rescue truck, a tanker, bush truck, a department car, and a 4x4 truck. Station 1 duty crews consisting of a fire officer, pump operator, and four firefighters provide first alarm response in conjunction with the Station 2 duty crew. Additional firefighters are available by pager when needed. Station 2 is located on the south side of the Sheep River and houses a pumper and the aerial. By mid-2004, Station 2 will also have a bush truck. Station 2 was built to provide decreased response times south of the Sheep River in the one of the most rapidly growing areas of town. The duty crew from Station 2 consists of a fire officer, a pump operator and four firefighters.

Firefighters receive training courses to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 requirements through local programs and at the provincial fire school in Vermillion. Community firefighters must also be certified through the Alberta College of Paramedics to a minimum of Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), while all full time firefighters and several community firefighters are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-A). Other training courses are also provided by various external agencies. Firefighters must also attend weekly training sessions to maintain fire fighting and medical skills, and are tested annually to ensure that they continue to meet the department's standards.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal
Bill McAlpine
Mayor
Email: mayor@okotoks.ca
Town of Okotoks P.O. Bag 20 Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1K1
Tel.: 403-938-4404
Fax: 403-938-7387

Shane Olson
Economic Development
Town of Okotoks
Tel: 403-938-8907
Cell: 403-819-5643
E-Mail: solson@okotoks.ca

Provincial
Walter Valentini, Director
Alberta Economic Development
#300, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 0M9
Tel: 403-297-8920
Fax: 403-297-6168
Email: walter.valentini@gov.ab.ca

Dianne Fitzsimmons, Information Officer
Email: dianne.fitzsimmons@gov.ab.ca

Mr. George Groeneveld (PC)
MLA for Highwood

Constituency Office
P.O. Box 5243
103 - 3rd Avenue West
High River, AB
T1V 1M4
Phone: (403) 652-7100
Fax: (403) 652-7757
highwood@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
721 Legislature Annex
9718 107 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 1E4
Phone: (780) 422-7199
Fax: (780) 422-1671

Federal
Ted Menzies
Member of Parliament[MP]
Macleod Constituency

Parliamentary Address
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6 Telephone: (613) 995-8471
Fax: (613) 996-9770
E-Mail: Menzies.T@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Address
4925 1st Street West, P.O. Box 40
Claresholm, Alberta
T0L 0T0
Telephone: (403) 625-5532 1-866-636-9437
Fax: (403) 625-5592
TTY:
E-Mail: menziest@telus.net

Location

Okotoks' Beginnings
First Nations peoples had led a nomadic existence in the Okotoks area for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the Europeans. The First nations people left us with a legacy in the name of Okotoks, which is derived from the Blackfoot name "Okatoks", which means "rock".

Plains Tribes did not use rivers to travel on, a good river crossing was important, like the one near the present day Town of Okotoks. "Okatoks" was an easy name to choose as tribes used the “Big Rock” as a reference marker in their journeys. The Sarcee called the place "chachosika" meaning valley of the big rock. The Stoney name is "ipabitunga-ingay", meaning "where the big rock is".

How did the Big Rock get where it is? According to Blackfoot legend, one of the first people to live in this area was Napi (The Great Spirit), a warrior of great courage. Napi was strolling through what is now Waterton National Park in southwest Alberta. Along the way, he loaned his coat to a large rock, but later sent a coyote to retrieve it. When the rock refused to hand over the garment, Napi went back and seized it. Enraged, the rock chased Napi across the prairie. Fearing for his life, Napi sought the aid of his animal friends. Flocks of birds descended, chipping away at the rock, until finally a nighthawk struck it and it fell dead where it is today. For generations, native tribesman approached Big Rock respectfully and deposited gifts for the Great Spirit at its base.

The scientific explanation tells us - the “Big Rock” is a glacial erratic (boulder) left following retreat of the last ice age 10,000 years ago. Erratics are rocks that are not native to the area where they are found, but were transported in the ice of a glacier during the ice age. Big Rock comes from the Wisconsin glacier (Jasper area).

Big Rock is located 7 km west of Okotoks. It measures 40 metres by 18 metres by 9 metres, and weighs 18000 tons. Big Rock is North America's largest glacial erratic. Big Rock is the biggest among thousands in a 644 km chain called the Foothills Erratic Train. First Nations "Pictographs"; can be seen near the top of Big Rock. The depression around the rock was created by Plains Bison, which used the rock as a rubbing stone. The Stitt family, who once farmed on the Big Rock property, had to fence a crevice of the Big Rock after finding the bones of their lost cows there. On May 16, 1978, the Big Rock was the first "natural feature" to become an official Provincial Historic Site under the Alberta Historical Resources Act.

David Thompson explored the region in 1800, and others soon followed his path. Trading posts sprang up, including one established in 1874 at the Sheep River crossing -- on the trail leading from Fort Benton, Montana to Calgary. The "intrusion" of this new lifestyle created conflict with the nomadic, buffalo-focused existence of the Blackfoot tribes. A culture wanting to maintain an independent spirit and a government encouraging permanent settlement met at Blackfoot Crossing in 1877 to sign Treaty #7. The Blackfoot, Blood, Peigan, Stoney, and Sarcee bands were thrown into culture shock by the Treaty, as development and the concept of property ownership were introduced where only nomadicism was known. The killing of the last buffalo in the Okotoks region in 1879 and government leasing of land for one cent per acre starting in 1880 ensured that the prairie would undergo a revolution. A new era and a new legacy began. Alberta Map

Town of Okotoks Location Map

Taxation

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate	7.3030	7.3030
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	3.0570	4.7670
Education Opted Out Tax Rate	3.0570	4.7670
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	.0940	.0940

Tax Facts - Your Guide to Taxes
This is your guide to property taxes in Okotoks. It will explain methods of payment,
school declaration and other information. You will find how your tax dollars are allocated
to the services provided within our community.

School Declaration
The Town of Okotoks is required by legislation to bill and collect the school taxes on behalf of the Provincial Government (Alberta Learning) and the Christ The Redeemer Catholic School Division. While the Town bills and collects school taxes, the town has no jurisdiction or control over school board budgets or operations. School support is shown as "undeclared" unless a declaration of school support is filed by the owner. If you wish to change your school support designation, a declaration may be obtained by calling 938-8919 or in person at Town Hall. The change does not take effect until the following calendar year.

Local Improvements
There may be additional charges on your tax bill for previously approved 'local improvements'. Local improvements include new or replacement construction projects intended to upgrade specific areas in communities throughout the Town. Examples are street paving, driveway crossings, sidewalk replacement, lane paving, and curb and gutter replacement. Please note: Local improvement levies include the cost of financing, but may be paid out in any year during the amortization period to avoid further interest charges.

Supplementary Tax Bills
If a new building or an addition to an existing building is completed in the calendar year, a supplementary tax bill will be issued by the end of the year. The supplementary tax bill will reflect the number of months the building was completed or occupied during the year. To avoid penalties, supplementary tax bills must be paid by the due date as noted on the tax bill. If you participate in the Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP), your supplementary tax bill will show the adjusted monthly payment amount.

Method of Payment

Financial Institutions:
Payment can be made at most financial institutions. To avoid a penalty, please allow sufficient time for your payment to be received by the Town on or before the due date. If you use a banking machine, retain your receipt as proof of the date and time of payment.

Mail:
Send a cheque or money order (do not send cash). Record your roll number or property address on the cheque and enclose the return portion of your tax bill. The envelope must be postmarked by Canada Post on or before the due date, otherwise late payment penalties will be added.

Posted-dated cheques:
Post-dated cheques will be accepted by the Town, but to avoid a penalty, the cheque must be dated for the due date or earlier.

In Person: Payment may be made at Town Hall 14 McRae Street, Monday to Friday between: 8:30am-4:00pm & Thursday 8:30am-8:00pm. (Interac debit card service is available; taxes cannot be paid by credit card.).

After Hours:
A night depository box is located at Town Hall 14 McRae Street.

Mortgage Company Payments
If you are paying PIT (principal, interest and taxes) to your mortgage company, the company will receive an invoice for your taxes, and you will receive the original tax bill for your records. The property tax bill will show an abbreviated version of the name of your mortgage company. If the mortgage company name does not appear on the bill and you believe you pay PIT, contact your mortgage company immediately. Property tax payments still remain the responsibility of the property owner.

Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP)
If you are a TIPP participant, your taxes are paid in monthly installments. Each year after taxes are levied, your installment is adjusted to reflect the change from the previous year's taxes. Your property tax notice indicates the adjusted monthly installment.

Selling Your Property?
If you terminate your TIPP participation for any reason, including the sale of your home, you must provide written notice to the Town not less than two weeks before the next payment date in order to ensure your bank account is not debited for the installment amount.

Changing Banks? If you change banking information, please advise the Town by providing a new VOID cheque , at least two weeks before the next payment date. Please record your tax roll number or property address on the front of the cheque.

Buying property already on TIPP? If you are a new property owner, you can assume the TIPP payments for your new property by making an application. TIPP payments are not refundable and may not be transferred from one property to another.

What Your Tax Dollar Buys
62 cents of each tax dollar goes directly to municipal services and programs. 38 cents of each tax dollar goes to the provincial government and other organizations - Schools, Foothills Foundation and Library. These services are not under the direct financial control of the Town, but are eligible for municipal tax support. How Your Tax Dollar Supports Specific Programs and Services

Protective Services:
Police (RCMP) & bylaw enforcement, fire, disaster & emergency services.

Community Services: Recreation centre, (pool, arenas, indoor facilities), community volunteers, special events, community continuing education & leisure learning programs, arts, cultural & history.

Operations: Maintenance & construction of roads, streets, sidewalks, lighting & traffic lights, snow removal & sanding, street sweeping, cemeteries, parks, playgrounds, pathways, urban forests and river valley management, horticulture extension services, weed & pest control, solid waste management, recycling, water & energy conservation, eco-efficiencies, potable drinking water supplies & distribution, wastewater treatment, environmental protection.

Development: Land use & planning, zoning, economic development, measurement & monitoring of the Legacy Plan, facilitation of new business development, promotion of commercial & light industrial land development, engineering services, building services, safety codes.

Other: Family and Community Support Services, Community Access Program and general programs.

Legislative Services: Administration of bylaws & policies, grants in aid, community survey, municipal contribution towards the Calgary Regional Partnership, council.

Corporate Services:
Information and technology, corporate finance services, market value assessment/taxes, human resources, communications and Town Hall customer services.

Infrastructure Recapitalization:
Lifecycle maintenance and rehabilitation of streets, sidewalks, pathways and municipal buildings.

Future Recreation Facilities: Reserve fund for the expansion of indoor recreation facilities (arenas and aquatic facilities).

Seniors and Youth Centres: Funding for seniors and youth centre facilities construction. The Market Value, Taxation Link In 2003, there will be no increase in the overall combined municipal tax rate. However individual components of the tax levy will vary (school taxes go down, a future recreation facility levy is introduced, etc.). Over the last 7 years, the strength of the real estate market has increased the market value of a typical home in Okotoks. For 2003, a typical residential property valued at $128,000 in 1997 (total taxes payable - $1,927.50) is valued at approximately $177,530 in 2003 (total taxes payable $2,048.70). Taxes payable on the typical home will increase approximately 3.9% ($77.00). The total change in taxes over 7 years is $121.00. A gross tax increase of a little less than 1% each year. Some properties have experienced stronger market value growth than the typical home and therefore pay proportionately more total property taxes. Others may have experienced less market value growth than the typical home and therefore pay proportionately less total property taxes.

Municipal Tax Facts
In 2003, the Town of Okotoks will collect $10.8 million in property taxes. The property taxes you pay are directly related to the assessed market value of your home. Your annual property tax bill includes collecting funds for municipal operations $6.8 million (62%); including, recapitalization to repair and replace aging infrastructure, the new Future Recreation Facilities levy, seniors and youth centres construction as well as a broad range of other municipal services and programs (e.g., Protective Services, etc.). The remaining $4.1 million (38%) are payments that are made as a result of requests by other governments and organizations for municipal funding contributions. This includes the collection of school public and separate school taxes on behalf of the provincial government; the Okotoks Library and the Foothills Foundation which provides housing for seniors within the region. These are not under the direct financial control of the Town. Text for left of Operating Budget Graphic

Operating Budget
How Much?
The total Municipal Operating Budget for 2003 is $14.4 million. Monies for the Municipal Operating Budget come from two sources. Municipal Property Taxes will contribute about $6.8 million (47%); and, Municipal Revenues of $7.6 million (53%) generated by our Recreation Centre, Utilities, Solid Waste Services, permit fees, penalties, investment income and other sources.

2003 Service Highlights
Residents and businesses of Okotoks receive a broad range of quality municipal services and programs that reflect priorities that have been identified in numerous user surveys as well as the general household questionnaires (1997 & 2000). Another household questionnaire will be delivered to your home this fall.

The 2003 Operating Budget maintains historic service levels and provides for selected service improvements and upgrades. Examples include improved maintenance of Northridge and Southridge Drives (formerly HWY 2A), reinvestment in our community open spaces, continuing our progressive infrastructure recapitalization reserve fund as well as establishing a newFuture Recreation Facilities fund to ensure that our popular indoor recreation facilities (pool and arenas) will meet the needs of our growing community.

Residents have consistently indicated community safety, policing, fire protection, emergency medical services, bylaw enforcement, quality of life, open spaces (parks and pathways), protection of our natural environments and availability of recreation facilities as the most important local issues.

What to Expect - 2003
School Taxes will decline (approximately $20.00 Alberta Learning and $8.00 Christ the Redeemer).

A new Future Recreation Facilities fund (approximately $66.00 on a typical home) will generate about $340,000 per year towards a reserve fund for the expansion of indoor facilities (arenas and pool).

Open Spaces: Increasing the investment in the river valley, parks and pathways will add $84,013 to improve service levels of our rapidly expanding parks and natural areas systems.

Protective Services: Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Police, Bylaw will also receive an increase of $164,212 per annum. Infrastructure Recapitalization: Payments will increase enabling approximately $600,000 to be allocated towards building lifecycle maintenance and rehabilitation of our streets, sidewalks, pathways and municipal buildings. Utilities: Water and sewer utilities, as well as solid waste services and recycling will continue to be user-paid services.

Important Reminders
Taxes are due June 30, 2003 If you are a current TIPP participant, no payment is required at this time. If you are mailing your payment, please allow ample time for your payment to be postmarked by Canada Post on or before the due date. When paying at a financial institution, please allow sufficient time for payment to be received by the Town of Okotoks. Penalties will apply if payment is not received by the due date.

Questions about taxes?
If, after reading this information, you still have questions, please contact the Tax Clerk: Fax: (403) 938-7387
Email: taxes@okotoks.ca
Phone: (403) 938-8919

Visit: Town Hall 14 McRae Street
We would be pleased to assist you.
Hours of operation for telephone or walk-in services are:
Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm
Thursday 8:30am - 8:00pm

Transportation

Location

• to Calgary City Limits - 18 km
• to Calgary International Airport - 64 km
• to Edmonton - 328 km
• to the U.S. Border - 287 km

Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Okotoks Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Okotoks Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Okotoks Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Family Expenditure

Okotoks Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Projects

Summary of Projects in Okotoks as of September 2006

Value of Projects by Sector (as of September 2006)

Largest Projects in Okotoks as of September 2006