2009 community report_2010

2009 c o m m u n i t yr e p o r t

Introduction 1

Vision 1

Message from Town Council 2

Key Result Areas

Manage Community Growth 4

Ensure Quality Infrastructure 5

Nurture Economic Vitality 6

Provide a Safe Community 8

Promote Environmental Responsibility/Stewardship 10

Sound Fiscal Management 12

Promote Good Governance 14

Organizational Excellence 15

Facilitate a Healthy Community 16

Sustainable Okotoks – Where to From Here? 18

Planning for the Future 20

table of contents

The Town of Okotoks is pleased to present

the 2009 Community Report. This publication

serves as a report to our residents showcasing

progress and achievements towards the

key result areas identifi ed in the 2008-2010

Business Plan.

In the year 2030, Okotoks is a leader

in sustainability, driven by an involved,

connected and creative community. Through

visionary leadership, citizens are engaged

in maintaining a safe, caring and vital

community that honours our culture, heritage

and environment.

introduction vision

Town Council had another busy year, working on

long term strategies to guide and protect our future

generations’ lifestyle, while managing today’s issues

and needs. Results from the 2009 Community

Survey indicate that Okotoks continues to be a

desirable place to live as residents enjoy easy access

to parks, recreation facilities, schools, a small town

atmosphere and good value for tax dollars.

The top priority for our community in 2009 was

securing funding for the construction of the

32nd Street Bridge. The need for a second bridge

in Okotoks was fi rst recognized in 1991 when

Alberta Transportation approved a conceptual

road alignment for the 32nd Street corridor. It was

announced in September 2009 that the $33 million

dollar project would fi nally come to fruition. In a joint

effort with the federal and provincial governments,

each contributing $11 million, construction has

commenced with completion set for March 2011.

Two million of the Town’s $11 million contribution is

coming from reserve, with the remaining 8.5% from

debenture borrowing.

The Town had several other projects completed in

2009. Some highlights include: re-alignment of 32nd

Street in preparation of the bridge, the Off Leash

Dog Park at 32nd Street and Drake Landing opened,

introduction of the hugely successful Curb It and Cut

‘n’ Call collection programs, the fi rst online census

and community survey, which had strong resident

participation, and studies to determine feasibility of

two regional facilities: a fi eld house (indoor soccer,

lacrosse, etc.) and a performing arts centre.

Commercial business activity continues to be strong.

The Southbank Business Park, where Home Depot

is located, will be welcoming many new retailers

including: Costco, Winners, The Brick and West

49. These additions continue to showcase Okotoks

as the major economic hub between Calgary and

Lethbridge, bringing stronger economic vitality to

our region by generating local employment and

diversifying the tax base.

message from town council

2 www.okotoks.ca

The Town has purchased the land at the corner

of Southridge and Woodhaven Drives (next to the

new KIA dealership) to house the new Emergency

Services Centre. Design of the facility will commence

in 2010. The Water Spray Park adjacent to the

Recreation Centre will be open for the 2010

summer season. Our young families are anxiously

awaiting this facility, which is a great addition to

our community.

The 2009 census indicates Okotoks’ population is

now almost 22,000 (8.4% growth) and this rapid

growth has brought additional services, amenities

and created some challenges. Council is committed

to maintaining Okotoks’ well-planned, safe, friendly

neighbourhoods, as well as enhancing a robust

and diverse business community. Okotoks was well

prepared and looks to be coming out of the slump

faster in 2010, compared to other municipalities.

Okotoks Town Council Mayor Bill McAlpine

Councillors Stephen Clark, Beth Kish, Naydene Lewis,

Bill Robertson, Ed Sands & Ralph Wilson

2008-2010 Business PlanKey Result AreasThe next sections in this publication will provide

a few highlights from each of the nine Key Result

Areas identifi ed in the 2008-2010 Corporate

Business Plan:

1. Manage Community Growth

2. Nurture Economic Vitality

3. Ensure Quality Infrastructure

4. Provide a Safe Community

5. Promote Environmental Responsibility/Stewardship

6. Promote Good Governance

7. Sound Fiscal Management

8. Facilitate a Healthy Community

9. Organizational Excellence

The full 2008-2010 Business Plan can be viewed at

okotoks.ca.

2009 community reportMayor McAlpine, MLA Groeneveld and MP Menziesat the 32nd Street Bridge Funding Announcement

The Town of Okotoks is a recognized leader in

sustainable community development. Our vision

includes a continued focus on building a sustainable,

socially, environmentally and economically viable

community through our policies, initiatives and

actions that include the latest innovations, best

practices and partnerships.

Community SurveyResidents of Okotoks are surveyed as a means for

the Town to measure citizen satisfaction with Town

operated services and facilities and to gain insight

into community issues.

Almost 3,000 households completed the 2009

household survey using both the online and paper

options. Some highlights include:

• 97% of respondents felt that the quality of life in

Okotoks is good or very good.

• 94% of respondents rated the overall safety in

Okotoks as good or very good.

• 87% of respondents said the Town was doing a

good or very good job of facilitating and support-

ing the character and spirit of the community.

managecommunitygrowth

Joint Planning InitiativeThe Town of Okotoks and MD of Foothills

commenced the Joint Planning Initiative in the

fall of 2009. This initiative is intended to increase

certainty and predictability of future development

patterns in close proximity to Okotoks, ensure fair

and equitable arrangements for service delivery to

future development areas, improve communications

between the Town and MD with respect to

development referrals and reduce disputes and

appeals regarding development proposals in close

proximity to Okotoks. A facilitator was hired by the

Town and MD to assist in this project.

All members of Council from the Town and MD

are engaged in this project which is expected to

be completed by spring of 2010. Once the Joint

Planning Initiative concludes, the Town and MD

intend to update the Town of Okotoks/MD of

Foothills Inter-municipal Development Plan.

macogro

4 www.okotoks.ca

32nd Street Bridge Conceptual Design

The rapidly growing population is placing demands

on our infrastructure, resulting in a need for

substantial upgrades and expansions to continue to

meet demands.

32nd Street Bridge& Railway Crossing32nd Street has already been re-directed east of

the Recycling Centre in anticipation of the bridge.

The $33 million cost will be shared equally between

the Town, Province and Federal Government. The

bridge will serve as a vital second river crossing for

residents and emergency services. Construction

will be fast tracked with completion anticipated by

March 2011.

Off-Leash Dog ParkThe new 23 hectare (50 acre) Off-Leash Dog Park,

located by Drake Landing & 32nd Street, opened

spring 2009. The park is well utilized and has

proved to be a very popular spot for dogs and

their owners.

ensure qualityinfrastructure

Outdoor RecreationFacility EnhancementWith growth comes increased usage and our

outdoor facilities are no different. Major soccer

fi eld redevelopment was completed at Big Rock

and Dr. Morris Gibson school sites to improve the

quality of the fi elds. Financial assistance to the

Town was provided through Federal Government

grants. Additional grants were received in late 2009

and many other outdoor facilities will be upgraded

in spring 2010.

Water & Sewer Service LineReplacement The south water line replacement project, including

replacing the main water feed from the Water

Treatment Plant to the top of Woodhaven escarpment

was completed. Additionally, new water mains and

sanitary sewer mains were installed on McRae St.

and Poplar Ave., including full road reconstruction.

Planning for Future NeedsThe Towns of Okotoks and Black Diamond and the

MD of Foothills collaborated on a feasibility study for

a future regional indoor fi eld house. Discussions will

continue in 2010 to determine potential timing and

funding options.

Okotoks Off-Leash Dog Park

2009 community report

While Okotoks has experienced signi cant growth in

the residential and commercial sectors, there is a need

to create additional local employment opportunities

and to diversify the property assessment base. A

focus on light industrial/business commercial

development along with downtown vitalization will

create a balanced approach to meet business and

community needs.

Industrial DevelopmentIn 2009, the Town began to market and sell

approximately twenty Town-owned small industrial

lots in the Okotoks Business Park (next to 32nd

Street and Seaman Stadium). There is signifi cant

interest in Phase 1, due to comprehensive

marketing/advertising strategies. These lands will

develop in 2010 and beyond as the 32nd Street

Bridge construction is completed.

nurtureeconomicvitality

Commercial DevelopmentA variety of new offi ces, retailers, restaurants and

business park tenants opened in 2009, which is a

strong indicator that Okotoks has a robust local

and regional economy. There are now over sixty

eating establishments in Okotoks with several

major commercial developments completed or

opened in the following areas: Olde Towne Okotoks

(downtown), Southridge & Northridge Drive,

Westmount, Okotoks Business Park, Drake Landing

and the North Gateway (ie: new car dealerships).

Business SupportBizPal is a one-stop online resource for new and

existing businesses to obtain license and permit

information from Municipal, Federal, and Provincial

Governments. For more information on BizPal, visit

okotoks.ca.

The Starting a Business Guide publication was

created and is available at okotoks.ca. The Guide

provides information on the steps required to start

a new business.

nurecovita

6 www.okotoks.ca

The Town, in partnership with various industry

leaders, offered eight educational workshops for

the local business community such as employee

retention, developing marketing plans and

employee work/life balance. Well over 150 local

and regional business people participated in these

sessions in 2009.

The Town continues to encourage regional business

owners to consider tele-work options with their

employees. Grant research into a possible distributed

work centre for tele-workers will continue in 2010.

Tourism InitiativesA comprehensive print tourism campaign was

refreshed in 2009 to target day trip visitation to

Okotoks. Sporting and special events, arts & cultural

experiences, integrated pathways, camping, golfi ng,

speciality retail shopping and dining were reasons

Foothills residents and Calgarians visited Okotoks.

An impressive 4,000 visitors were logged at the

Visitor Information Centre at The Station from May

to August 2009. The exceptional personalized

customer service visitors receive from local

businesses is a frequent comment that is received.

Home Based BusinessesHome based business growth achieved a major

milestone this year by exceeding an impressive 500+

home based businesses in Okotoks. This growth

is lifestyle driven and is refl ective of the proactive

home based business legislation adopted by

the Town of Okotoks during the 1998 Municipal

Development Plan.

Regional ProjectsRISE - A Business Development Initiative of the

Alberta Foothills Region www.albertafoothills.ca

website, received the Ministers Award of Excellence

and Innovation - Gold Level from the Community

Futures Association of Alberta. This award was

presented to Community Futures Highwood on

behalf of the regional municipality project partners.


provide a safecommunityMaintaining public safety and security is integral

to the quality of life for our residents, as provided

through resources that focus on strategic prevention

activities and timely emergency services.

Community PolicingPeace Offi cers generally spend about 75% of their

time maintaining a safe community (i.e. monitoring

and enforcing school zones and areas of citizen

concern), with the remainder spent handling bylaw

and provincial statute investigations, traffi c studies,

river valley patrols and public education. Okotoks

municipal enforcement has 7 staff.

Contracted services for 19 Okotoks RCMP and 5

support staff are fi nanced through local property

tax support. Local RCMP focuses efforts on criminal

code offences and community policing.

RCMP and Municipal Enforcement staff has outgrown

the current facility and plans are underway for a new

facility to be built in conjunction with a south side

Fire Station. Grant assistance has been applied for

and construction is likely to start by early 2011.

Public EducationPeace Offi cer and RCMP public education initiatives

continue with presentations on such topics as:

DARE (Drug & Alcohol Resistance Education), Anti-

Bullying, Internet Safety, Crosswalk Safety, Annual

Bike Rodeo, Block Watch, Anti-Graffi ti Tracking

Program and the offi cers strive to maintain a regular

presence around schools and the river valley to

monitor safety and Town bylaws.

Fire Services Fire Services responded to over 700 calls in

2009. Public service support calls (e.g. EMS

support) account for 41% of the volume.

Commercial and residential alarm systems

account for 21% of volume. Over 500 Fire

Safety Code Inspections were completed

in 2009.

proco

8 www.okotoks.ca

Other activities include fi re investigation,

monthly child car seat clinics and training for new

“specialty response teams” including: Hazardous

Materials, Water Rescue, Technical Rescue and

Fire Prevention.

Disaster Preparedness Pandemic plans were created in 2009 for both Town

staff and the public (to support Alberta Health

Services) to deal with the H1N1 virus and will be

used should other health threats present themselves.

The Town partnered with Alberta Health Services to

provide a facility for their vaccination program.

An annual disaster preparedness exercise was

completed in May in order to prepare all Town staff

for community wide emergencies, and in particular

for potential fl ooding in low lying areas.

The Town is partnering with ATCO Gas to produce

an Emergency Preparedness booklet, which will

be distributed to all households during Emergency

Preparedness Week in May 2010. The booklet

contains easy-to-understand information on home

and personal emergency preparedness to help

residents better protect themselves, family members

and neighbours in the event of an emergency.

Building Inspection Safety Codes Services provides inspection services in

accordance with Alberta’s Quality Management Plan

standards to ensure safe residential, commercial and

industrial construction standards are maintained.

Aproximately 3500 Safety Code Permit Inspections

were completed in 2009.

Construction activity is starting to recover in 2009,

with consumer confi dence leading to sales recovery.

Year end projections place construction value

approaching $90 million, as compared to $120

million in 2008.


The Town of Okotoks will continue to be a recognized

leader in environmental stewardship.

Residential RecyclingCollection Programs In an effort to support the move to a 2 waste

unit/household/week change, extend the lifespan

of the regional landfi ll and divert valuable recyclables

and compost from the waste stream, the Town of

Okotoks introduced the Cut ‘n’ Call yard waste pick

up program in August and the Curb It recycling

program in September.

is one of the most successful Town

initiatives to date with over 800 subscribers in the

fi rst four months. High participation indicates that

residents are committed to reducing their waste

and proving how easy it is to recycle. To subscribe

to Curb It, call 403.938.8937 or download the form

at okotoks.ca.

promoteenvironmentalresponsibility/stewardship

is a new program

designed to have yard waste taken

out of the waste stream. Since its launch

in August, 288 bags of yard waste have

been collected. This is equivalent to

approximately 40,000 litres (6 tonnes)

of compost being diverted from the

landfi ll and transformed into high grade

compost. Cut ‘n’ Call bags are available

for purchase for $3 (which covers the cost of pick

up) at Sobeys, Safeway and the Municipal Centre.

Conservation Education ProgramThis summer, four educators visited over 500 homes,

100 local businesses and many special events to

help others learn how to reduce household waste

through increased recycling, water reduction and

energy conservation. The educators successfully

showed numerous households specifi cally how they

could reduce their waste to meet the 2 unit limit.

They also visited schools and day camps spreading

the conservation message to over 200 children.

proenvresste

10

Photo courtesy Source Media

...

...........

www.okotoks.ca

This team planned and promoted Earth Day and

Environment Week activities which included

electronic recycling, rain barrel and composter sales

and clothing exchanges.

The response from residents has been very

positive since the program’s inception. Research

has shown that people are more likely to change

their behaviour through personal interaction and

education, as opposed to just reading information.

This program has proven the above to be true in that

many households receiving personal advice have

expanded their conservation efforts.

Water Conservation & EnergyEf ciency Rebate ProgramThe Town partnered with Climate Change Central to

deliver a Water Conservation and Energy Effi ciency

Rebate program. Climate Change Central is a

not-for-profi t organization that has a mandate of

reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta by

empowering Albertans to take action.

The program gave away over $20,000 in rebates to

almost 400 applicants in 2009. These consisted of

new low fl ow toilets and Energy Star appliances.

The 2010 rebate program will reward residents for

outdoor conservation by providing rebates such

as mulching mowers, yard eco-scaping and rain

barrel or composter purchases. Watch for details at

okotoks.ca.

“Be Green 4 Green” ContestThis contest was introduced to encourage and

support long-term lifestyle changes towards

sustainable, environmentally friendly living practices.

Families were asked to keep a record (diary, blog

or before & after pictures) over a year-long period

to document how they went from a not so “eco-

friendly” family to a “green” one.

There were four quarterly winners, each receiving

$100 gift certifi cates and four fi nal awards were given

(three residential, one business) of $1000. The Town

received many entries and it is impressive to see how

residents and businesses are making responsible

environmental decisions throughout their daily lives.

All the winners are posted at okotoks.ca.

Conservation Educators at the Sheep River Clean Up


4.980

6.032

3.967

3.366

1.016

.581

1.481

6.821

1.875

3.336

Okotoks will continue to be scally responsible

and work towards the implementation of the 2030

Financial Sustainability Plan that will meet our

current and future commitments.

Business PlanningComprehensive business cases are developed to

support applications for grant funding, particularly

for capital projects. The following grants will be

received as projects are completed.

• $22M from the Canada-Alberta Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for 32nd St. Bridge and crossing construction

• $1.088M from the Alberta Municipal Infrastructure Program, for Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades

• $806K from Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs for Affordable Housing Program

• $790K from the Alberta Streets Improvement Program and $560,000 from New Deal for Cities and Communities for McRae Street/Poplar Avenue Water & Sewer Main replacement

• $666K from the Building Canada Fund for the Rotary Performing Arts Centre rehabilitation

• $305K from the Recreation Infrastructure Canada Program to upgrade outdoor recreational facilities

sound fiscalmanagementsouma

12

Where the Money Goes2009 Budget – $33.460M

Financial ManagementPrinciplesKey principles underlying the Town’s long term

fi nancial sustainability include:

• Strategic fi nancing of new capital requirements (eg. half lifecycle debenture fi nancing, developer/ user contributions, partnerships, grant funding)

• Annual contributions to reserves for replacement of current infrastructure

• User pay approach to provision of utilities (water, sewer, refuse and recycling)

• User fees for recreational services that target 35% cost recovery

www.okotoks.ca

Where the Money Comes From2009 Budget – $33.460M

what youreceive withyour tax $$• 24-hour Police and Fire Services (includes 911 & Fire dispatch)

• More than 42 kms of inter-connected pathways

• 87 Parks

• 44 Playgrounds

• 13 ball diamonds

• 4 football/rugby fi elds

• 22 soccer pitches

• Recreation Centre with 2 arenas, 6 curling sheets, 6 lane (25 meter) competitive swimming pool, family leisure pool, 40 person hot tub, fi tness area, gymnasium and youth centre

• 1500 seat Centennial Arena (multi-use, year round facility with a walking track)

• 2700 seat Seaman Stadium (baseball & special events)

• Skateboard park

• Water Spray Park

• Off-leash Dog Park

• Art Gallery at the Station, Okotoks Museum & Archives and the Rotary Performing Arts Centre

• Okotoks Public Library

• Cemetery

• Transportation system that includes 130 kms of roadways, street lights and traffi c controls

• Year round street cleaning and winter snow removal on priority roads and pathways

Other Services That Do Not Require Tax DollarsThe following services are supported through utility

or subscription rates:

• Water & sewer services

• Recycling Centre

• Curb It recycling program

• Cut ‘n’ Call yard waste collection program

Requisitions The property taxes levied by the Town include

amounts collected on behalf of other organizations:

• Alberta School Foundation Fund

– provincial taxes for all schools in the Town

• Okotoks Public Library Board

– contribution to operation of Town library

• Foothills Foundation

– contribution to provision of Seniors Housing

in Okotoks

whrecyou


Communicating with our residents in a proactive

manner that is both timely and effective is important.

Building and maintaining effective inter-municipal

and inter-governmental working relationships is also

important as government services are often provided

through more than one entity.

Public Input Public open houses and workshops are held

throughout the year to provide information and

seek feedback on current issues. In 2009, examples

included: Sustainable Okotoks – Where to From Here?,

Calgary Metropolitan Plan, Water Spray Park, Cultural

Master Plan, Active Engaged Communities (ACE) and

Regional Indoor Field House.

Council Communication Regular resident communication on Town business is

important to Council. “Council Corner” is a monthly

column in the Western Wheel and the “Inside Track

with Mayor Bill McAlpine” airs Tuesdays on the Eagle

100.9. Time is also allocated at each Council meeting

for public to ask questions or make presentations to

Council and the full Council agenda packages and

minutes are posted on the website. The Town’s e-

newsletter provides timely information on various

projects and events happening in our community.

promote goodgovernance

Council Boards & CommitteesOver forty citizens currently serve on 10 committees

of Council that meet on a monthly basis. These

citizens participate in decision-making for our

community on topics such as planning and economic

development, recreation & culture, public safety,

family and community support, the library, the river

valley, and assessment matters. Visit www.okotoks.

ca for more information or to volunteer.

Website Okotoks.ca is a communication tool that continues

to grow and evolve as it provides residents with

access to information at their convenience.

The new website (okotoks.ca) was launched in 2009

with a fresh new look, improved navigation features

such as: quick links, community calendar of events,

an online survey tool, ‘contact us’ page where

residents send email inquiries to Town staff, subject-

based blogs where residents can communicate with

each other on a particular matter and a new photo

gallery. Additionally, the new Culture & Historical

Services website (okotoksculture.ca), was launched

December 2009 that features the art gallery,

museum and theatre programs and events.

progo

14 www.okotoks.ca

organizationalexcellenceThe high quality of services delivered to our residents

is a direct result of the efforts of the employees of

the Town of Okotoks. In today’s employment market,

competition for skilled workers has increased

substantially. Building organizational capacity and

maintaining a quality work environment will ensure

that the Town will continue to attract and retain

highly skilled employees.

Progressive Excellence ProgramThe Town of Okotoks joined the National Quality

Institute (NQI) in April 2009 to begin a formal

journey towards a nationally recognized program

for organizational excellence for the Public Sector.

The Progressive Excellence Program is a world

class program to engage staff in organizational

excellence, as determined by a specifi c set of criteria

that is evaluated by a third party. There are 4

levels of certifi cation, each taking an average of 18

months to complete. The Town of Okotoks received

PEP Level 1 certifi cation in fi ve short months with

the evaluator noting several areas of achievement

to date including our leadership commitment to

quality.

Continuous ImprovementRegular assessments of work processes, employee

roles, responsibilities and workloads are conducted to

respond to changing demands due to rapid growth,

technology, evolving legislation, service expectations

and continuous improvement initiatives.

Performance Focused The Town of Okotoks is performance oriented. We

have processes in place to ensure that all employees

are aware of the strategic goals developed by Town

Council in their 3 year business plan so that our

chances of success are increased through alignment

and focus. Each of our 22 business centres develop

specifi c strategies to contribute to the corporate

goals and report annually on their progress.

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A holistic approach to developing a healthy

community includes maintaining natural envi-

ronments, facilitating community partnerships to

provide services to those in need, as well as services

that contribute to resident’s quality of life.

Active Creative Engaged (ACE)Communities ACE Communities are those that have high levels of

involvement, creativity, social capital and cohesion.

They are communities focused on creating the

conditions and a culture that encourages people

to get physically and socially engaged in their

communities.

ACE initiatives in Okotoks in 2009 included the ACE

Conversation café, Neighbour Day Proclamation and

celebration and the Fall Festival consisting of family

activities and friendly neighbourly challenges.

To get involved in the ACE initiative, see okotoks.ca

facilitatea healthycommunity

Canada Gets ActiveThe Town of Okotoks was selected as one of six

communities to participate in the Canada Gets

Active pilot project. The Town received $15,000

to implement various physical activity programs

for local grade 5 students, in addition to providing

them with Recreation Centre facility passes. To date

almost 250 students are registered.

Recreation & Leisure LearningThe expanded recreation facilities have provided

services to over 10,000 community members from

preschoolers to seniors, who participated in 730

programs in 2009, which is a 20% increase from 2008.

Internet registration (NetReg) has been very popular,

with over 60% of people registering online for

programs and lessons.

faca hco

16 www.okotoks.ca

Family and CommunitySupport ServicesFCSS is a partnership between the Province of

Alberta and the Town of Okotoks that focuses

on the development of locally driven preventive

social programs to enhance the well-being of the

community. In 2009, a total of $104,000 in FCSS

Grants went to community organizations to deliver

social programs. FCSS acts as the liaison for the

United Way/Okotoks Partnership and facilitated the

distribution of $53,540 in grants in 2009.

Volunteers play a vital role in preventive social

programs and FCSS coordinates a Central Volunteer

Registry for the community with over 400 volunteers

registered.

Okotoks Healthy FamilyResource Centre OHFRC is the central place in Okotoks for support

and referral to community resources. The Centre

experienced a 14% increase in usage during

2009 and is expecting high needs in 2010 due to

the current economic state. The visiting offi ce

space at OHFRC hosts a number of service

providers. Residents can access community resource

information at www.ohfrc.org.

Culture & HeritageIn 2009, Cultural and Historical Services introduced

new school and public programs, continued

renovations to its three facilities and introduced

a new brand for each. Facility re-branding and

re-naming was undertaken to clarify the functions

of the Okotoks Art Gallery – at the Station,

the Okotoks Museum and Archives – at Heritage

House, and the Rotary Performing Arts Centre. Visit

www.okotoksculture.ca for more information on

the facilities. The Okotoks Museum and Archives

underwent a restoration and exterior painting to

refl ect its historical era. The Okotoks Art Gallery

renovation included installing new fi re suppression

and humidifi cation systems to meet strict standards

required by public art galleries across Canada.

Special EventsSpecial events bring the community together

and provide support for local businesses. Event

coordination was provided for a variety of special

events. Show ‘n’ Shine was a popular new event.


In 1998, Okotoks made a decision about its future,

establishing growth targets linked to environmental

carrying capacity when it adopted its Municipal

Development Plan - ‘The Legacy Plan’. The Legacy

Plan was informed by extensive public consultation,

the high cost (a regional pipeline) of exceeding

carrying capacity, and a preservation of a small town

atmosphere value system desired by residents.

Since that time, Okotoks and the entire region has

grown considerably and once again, Okotoks began

extensive public consultation regarding planning for

our long term future. On May 25, Council made a

decision regarding Okotoks’ development path to:

• Maintain the current growth management

strategy (The Legacy Plan – approx. 30,000

people, growth to but not beyond existing

municipal boundaries based on Sheep River

carrying capacity) and asked the Calgary

Regional Partnership to protect 9 adjacent

quarter sections for potential future growth

should local water solutions be found.

• Explore sub-regional water supply solutions

which enable Okotoks to continue to live within

the natural carrying capacity of the Sheep River

watershed rather than a regional water pipeline.

sustainableokotoks • Work with the M.D. of Foothills during a two

year transition period incorporated in the Calgary

Metropolitan Plan (CMP) to determine appropriate

growth and development patterns in and around

Okotoks into the future, and consult with the

public if a growth model beyond the 1998 MDP

is to be considered.

Protecting Current & FutureWater SupplyUpgrading pre-treatment to address increased

turbidity loadings at our Water Treatment Plant and

securing additional water licensing to meet demand

are underway.

The Water Treatment Plant pre-treatment

construction is underway and will be complete by

June 2010. A Sheep River Watershed Stewardship

Group has been formed with the Towns of Okotoks,

Black Diamond and Turner Valley and the MD

of Foothills with public workshops planned for

February 2010. A consultant has also been hired to

research water license transfers for Okotoks within

the region for Okotoks and provincial agencies are

being actively pursued to assist in this regard.

susoko

18 www.okotoks.ca

where to from here?whfro

‘Green’ BuildingsCerti cation Program To promote and encourage construction of

environmentally friendly sustainable buildings and

sites within the Town’s future multi-residential

dwelling units, commercial, industrial and

institutional developments, a “green” building

incentive rebate program within Okotoks has been

created.

The program aims to encourage builders and

developers to take the leap towards certifi ed green

buildings. The program offers a percentage rebate

to a project’s Building Permit Fee when levels of

LEED® Certifi cation are achieved.

Resource Recovery Plan The goal of the Resource Recovery Plan is to achieve

80% of waste diverted from the landfi ll by 2015.

A 2 unit waste limit was introduced in September

2009 and we anticipate that our landfi ll tonnage will

signifi cantly reduce as a result.

2010 will bring some commercial recycling

containers to strategic community locations to

increase recyclables and reduce littering. Research is

also required to assist multi-residential complexes to

increase access to recycling options.

Organic waste accounts for approximately 40%

of household waste, therefore reduction of this

waste stream will have a large impact on diverting

waste from the landfi ll while signifi cantly reducing

emissions. 2010 will require research to develop

feasible options that will substantially reduce

organic waste.


2010 Operating Budget The 2010 Operating Budget considers our local

situation for providing service to the growing

population (8.4% growth in 2009), infrastructure

and the estimated 4.2% municipal pricing index

(the cost of goods and services purchased by the

Town). A few highlights of the 2010 Operating

Budget include:

• Service levels are maintained through a focus on

operating effi ciencies in all business centres.

• Protective Services are enhanced to maintain a

safe community with 5 new fi refi ghters and 1

RCMP Offi cer planned.

• Minimal increases to recreation facility rates,

with drop-in rates unchanged and Youth Centre

fees eliminated.

• $4.185M is transferred to capital reserves,

primarily for infrastructure recapitalization and

recreation and cultural facilities (an increase of

$145K over 2009).

• The differential tax rate for non-residential

properties increased from 10% to 20% above

the residential tax rate, which is considerably less

than rates in comparable municipalities.

planning forthe future

Water Spray ParkA $500,000 Federal Government grant was

approved for a Water Spray Park to be located

adjacent to the Aquatics Centre at the Okotoks

Recreation Centre. The park, which recycles the

water, is currently under construction and will open

for summer 2010.

Infrastructure Improvements 32nd Street Bridge construction will be fast tracked

with completion anticipated by March 2011.

The Water Treatment Plant pre-treatment

construction will be complete by June 2010.

The new Southside Emergency Services building

design will be fi nalized and construction could start

as early as late 2010.

Additional capital projects for 2010 will be

determined by Council in the spring.

plathe

20 www.okotoks.ca

Cultural Master PlanAs times change so do the needs and interests of

our residents and the demand for cultural services

has increased along with our rapidly-growing

community. After extensive public consultation in

fall 2009, a Cultural Master Plan is being developed

and will be unveiled by March 2010. The Plan will

provide a clear action plan with a 30 year horizon

and include an outline for future services and

facilities to address the needs of citizens of different

ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Social Wellness FrameworkA sustainable community is one that balances its

social, economic and environmental components

while improving the quality of life for present and

future generations.

As our community rapidly grows and the

infrastructure for the community is established, a

shift towards social sustainability and an emphasis

on “quality of life” resources occurs.

To be effective and sustainable, the following social

components are being addressed: shelter and

housing, employment and volunteerism, community

identity, arts, culture and recreation, public

engagement, lifelong learning, and transportation.

A consultant will be hired to assist with community

input to develop a social sustainability framework

in 2010.

2010 Municipal ElectionThe 2010 Municipal Election will take place on

Monday, October 18, 2010 at the Foothills Centennial

Centre. Okotoks Town Council consists of one Mayor

and six Councillors. Citizens interested in running for

Council can attend information sessions beginning

in May 2010. Candidates will be formally announced

on Nomination Day on September 20, 2010.

We look forward to another successful year of accomplishments in 2010.


2 0 0 9c o m m u n i t y

r e p o r t

Town of OkotoksPO Box 20, Station Main

5 Elizabeth StreetOkotoks, AB T1S 1K1

403-938-4404www.okotoks.ca

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SW-COC-002397

2009 community report_2010

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