The Town of Okotoks has increased advance voting opportunities to ensure all residents can easily and safely vote. All Advance Voting will take place at the Okotoks Recreation Centre (99 Okotoks Drive) on the following dates and times. Note that the Town of Okotoks does not provide for special (mail-in) ballots.  Rather, to increase voting opportunities for residents, six (6) Advance Voting dates and Institutional Voting at Tudor Manor, The Heartland, and Sandstone Lodge have been scheduled. 

A “vote at home” service, where two election workers visit the home of the voter to take their vote, will be provided on Friday, October 15, 2021 between the hours of 1:00 and 5:30 p.m. by appointment only. Voters requesting this service will be required to confirm they are unable to leave their home to attend a voting station or an advance voting station because of a physical disability as outlined in the Local Authorities Election Act (section 79). 

To request this service, please contact Legislative Services by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 to set up an appointment. 

ELECTION DAY is Monday, October 18, 2021 

Foothills Centennial Centre 
204 Community Way
(for residents south of the Sheep River) 

Okotoks Recreation Centre
99 Okotoks Drive
(for residents north of the Sheep River)

• Election Day voting hours are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Advance Votes for the 2021 election will be scheduled and advertised as required under the Local Authorities Election Act.
• Any electors who have mobility issues are encouraged to vote at the Foothills Centennial Centre on Election Day for easier access. 
• Note that the Town of Okotoks does not provide for special (mail-in) ballots.  Rather, to increase voting opportunities for residents, six (6) Advance Voting dates and Institutional Voting at Tudor Manor, The Heartland, and Sandstone Lodge have been scheduled. 

Will you need a ride to a voting station?

The Town of Okotoks is offering free transit rides to residents to and from the Okotoks Recreation Centre or Foothills Centennial Centre on an Advance Voting Day or Election Day!  

Book your ride up to three weeks prior to your preferred voting day. 

Enter the promo code VOTE, and your ride will be 100% discounted. This information will appear in your account on the Okotoks Transit APP.

Book early as voting days will be busy!   

To be eligible to vote, an elector must be:

• 18 years old;
• A Canadian Citizen;
• A resident in Alberta; and
• The elector's place of residence must be located in the local jurisdiction on election day (Section 47 of the Local Authorities Election Act)
• In order to vote in the general election, voters will be required to provide proof of their name and home address.  A list of approved identification can be viewed here.  

Referendum Questions

A vote of the electors will be held on the following referendum questions under the Referendum Act: 

1. Should section 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982 – Parliament and the government of Canada’s commitment to the principle of making equalization payments – be removed from the constitution?
2. Do you want Alberta to adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time, which is summer hours, eliminating the need to change our clocks twice a year?

Senate Nominee

The Town is expecting to conduct a senate election in our jurisdiction as part of the October 18, 2021 general election.

Senate Election Proclamation

The Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting the following candidate forums:

Municipal Mayoral Candidate Forum
October 5, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Okotoks Alliance Church
More information and to register

Municipal Councillors Candidate Forum
October 7, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Foothills Centennial Centre
More information and to register

2021 Nominated Candidates

These are nominee lists only; the Town does not endorse any candidate.

Candidates for Mayor

Candidates for Councillor

Some candidates have provided contact and social media information regarding their campaign. These links will take you to a third party page.  The Town accepts no responsibility for the content or any risk associated with accessing this information. 

Are you considering running for office?

Nominations can be filed as early as January 1, 2021 and continue through the year until the Nomination Period close at 12 noon on September 20, 2021.  

Due to COVID-19:

• Ministerial Order 103/20 modifies section 30(1) of the Local Authorities Election Act to allow for debit or credit card nomination deposits.
• Persons wanting to file nomination papers are encouraged to make an appointment with the Returning Officer or designate by calling 403-995-2774. 

Below is information prospective candidates should know about municipal elections including campaign financing, rules regarding signage, and forms you will need to complete. 

• 2021 - 2025 Candidate Information 
• A Candidate's Guide: Running for Municipal Office in Alberta
• Nomination Paper and Candidate's Acceptance
• Candidate Information
• Election Signage Guideline 
• Election Signage Map
• Councillor Pecuniary Interest Information and Bulletin from Municipal Affairs
• Campaign Finance and Contribution Disclosure Amendments
• Consent to Disclose Candidate's Information
• Local Authorities Election Act
• Disclosure Bylaw 14-21
• Okotoks Civility Charter

Council Priorities

Information has been assembled as a resource for prospective candidates outlining some of the strategic priorities for the current Council: 

• 2018 to 2021 Strategic Plan
• 2021 Council Community Connector Event
• Water Solution
• Regional Planning
• Budget
• Affordable Housing

Potential Candidate Orientation Information Session

Watch this video for what you need to know if you're interested in running in the 2021 Municipal Election.

As questions from candidates arise with regard to Town information, they will be answered by Administration and posted below to be shared with all nominees and residents. 

Question: What is the status of the water agreement with the County?  I know they have withdrawn from the CMRB plan, but would like to know what is happening with the agreement. 

Answer:  The Town and the County are continuing to work collaboratively on the water pipeline design and obtaining necessary approvals from the Alberta Government. More information regarding the water pipeline project is available on the Town website here.  Foothills County is a member of the CMRB.  

Question:  What are the existing IDPs with Foothills?  Can I access them? 

Answer: There is a IDP (Intermunicipal Development Plan) with Foothills County which is available on the Town website here.

Question:  What is the mill rate for Okotoks as compared to the County and Calgary?

Answer:  At the regular meeting on May 10, 2021, Council approved a zero percent tax rate increase for the second year in a row.  Click here to view the May 2021 financial indicator Council report and here to view the analysis prepared by Alberta Municipal Affairs which compares Okotoks to another 18 comparator municipalities.  Review the tax rate bylaws for 2021- Bylaw 05-21 and Bylaw 07-21.

Question: Has Okotoks entered the ‘water for life’ program, and what does that mean.

Answer: Water for life is a government grant program operated by Alberta Transportation.  Information regarding the program requirements can be found on the provincial website here: 

The Town of Okotoks submitted a formal application for water pipeline funding on February 13, 2015.  The March 16, 2015 letter received from the Minster of Alberta Transportation in response to the funding application can be viewed here. 

At the August 31, 2020 Joint Council Meeting held with Foothills County the following resolution was passed in regards to the regional water pipeline and funding applications:

Question:  Has there ever been a First Nations person sit on Okotoks town council. I’m guessing that this isn’t a question that can be answered because I wasn’t required to fill out any form about my racial background, but I thought I would ask anyways.

Answer: There is no authority under the legislation to collect that information for municipal elections and in fact might be viewed as an unreasonable invasion of personal information.  I encourage electors to discuss their thoughts and values directly with candidates and ensure they are voting for candidates that in their opinion will be the best fit for representation at Council.   

Question:  Did the town of Okotoks provide or sell land for the Cegen data center?  If they don’t break ground after a year does the town have the option to buy back the land like they did with the distillery?

Answer: The Town has only entered into a conditional agreement with CEGEN at this point.  As the criteria under that conditional agreement have not been met, a legal agreement to proceed has not been enacted.  This conditional agreement is protected from disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Question: In regard to the answer on #1, the motion 20.C 349 does not specifically mention the Water for Life Program. Can you clarify when the motion refers to grant approval does that satisfy the requirement of the WFL program that a council motion needs to be made to start the WFL process?  Since this is a new project and not the Calgary to Okotoks pipeline, does this need a new application to the WFL program or would it carry over from the 2015 application?

Answer: The Town application for water for life was submitted in 2015 for the Calgary to Okotoks pipeline.

In March of 2017, the Town was advised we are not eligible for water for life and advised to switch over to the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP) grant. On March 24, 2017 we were advised that the grant application was on hold until such time as a solution is found.  This meant that the maximum grant would be between 45-55% vs the 90% under the water for life grant funding.  The application was placed on hold by Alberta Transportation.   The Province will not fund any project that has not received approval by Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) and AEP was now requiring a water license transfer for Calgary to share their water.

The 2018 AMWWP grant application was on hold until AEP approval was given.  The grant application was updated in provincial grant system.

The 2019 AMWWP grant application was on hold until AEP approval  was given.  The grant application was updated in provincial grant system.

The 2020/2021 revised grant application was submitted.  AEP endorses the application and indicates its eligibility.  Response received can be viewed here.

In 2021, with the inclusion of the Town of Nanton, the project could be eligible for water for life funding as it now meets the definition of regional  (under the funding criteria of the water for life program an urban partner is required). Okotoks is in discussions with the Town of Nanton to explore the possibility of partnering for this water solution. Alberta Transportation does not consider Foothills County as meeting the required urban thresholds. 

A policy challenge by the Town was sent to the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Municipal Affairs to attempt to resolve this issue.

Question: If the water issue was a result of a faulty sensor, do you know why the water ban remains?

Answer:  Because the reservoir level sensor was providing inaccurate readings, a reservoir basically went to empty on Sunday, August 15, 2021. That reservoir needed to regain that lost quantity over the next few days to ensure it had reached a water level across all reservoirs to become stable once again. In addition, the Town was required by the province to have an adequate volume of water to flush the zone 4 that was under the Boil Advisory.  The Town has now completed all work and will be lifting the outdoor water ban shortly.

Question: I have recently had a question about the tentative agreement between the RCMP and the government regarding the wage increase and retro pay. I’m wondering if there is a plan already set by the current government to cover the costs of these increases or minutes where this was discussed previously.

Answer:  This issue was recently discussed at the August 16, 2021 Council Meeting. The report and attachments can be found here.

Question:  I am just wondering what constitutes 3rd party advertising?  An event is being put on by a group different than a candidate’s campaign.  Can you provide me some clarity on this?  Who's disclosure would it need to be on?

Answer:  Under Part 8 of the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA), section 162(1)(d) and (3), “election advertising” is defined.  Generally “election advertising” for third party advertising “means under section 162(1)(d), subject to subsection (3), the transmission to the public by any means during an election advertising period of an advertising message that promotes or opposes the election of a candidate…”.

If a group is conducting this type of advertising on behalf of a candidate it should be registering as a third party under this part of the LAEA when it has incurred expenses or accepted advertising contributions of at least $1,000 under section 163(1).  This type of advertising will need to include the third party advertiser’s name(s) and contact information.  In addition to identifying the third party of a particular advertisement, the purpose of requiring contact information in advertisements is to enable electors to contact third parties and ensure that they are accountable for their advertisements.

Alberta Municipal Affairs outlines third party advertiser responsibilities.  As a candidate you are not responsible for including advertising expenses incurred by third party advertisers on your Candidate Disclosure Statement.  Although, as a candidate, you should be aware of these provisions and encourage any third parties advertising on your behalf to comply with these requirements.

Complaints or allegations of third party advertising occurring outside of the LAEA under Part 8 can be lodged with the Election Commissioner.

Question:  I am still confused about this.  If my friends are hosting a public event that is a fundraiser for me as a Candidate but includes any Candidates who wish to participate, is that illegal?

Answer:  As a candidate you will need to follow the fundraising function provisions under section 147.31 of the Local Authorities Election Act and account for, issue receipts, and disclose as required under the legislation.  Extending invitations to other candidates to an event being held as a fundraiser for you as a candidate does not negate compliance with  fundraising, reporting or advertising provisions.  As long as you follow the legislated provisions, holding a fundraiser for your campaign as a public event is not illegal. If you still have specific questions regarding fundraising, it might be helpful to call and speak to an election advisor at Alberta Municipal Affairs toll-free by first dialing 310-0000 and calling 780-427-2225.

Question:  Could I please trouble you to confirm the dates for the advances election polls?  I know the dates for the candidates forum keeps changing (which is not a Town organized event - I appreciate), but in addition to questions about the candidates forums, I am also fielding questions about the dates for the advanced election polls.

Answer:  Voter information can be found on the Town of Okotoks Election webpage under the ‘Voter Information' tab, and is copied below.  Further advertising of advance voting and voting dates will be conducted after the close of nomination day.

Question:  What is in place in regards to HR policies, recreation, transportation and housing for individuals with disabilities?

Answer:  Human Resources - We follow all applicable legislation such as Duty to Accommodate and Human Rights, they are built into our HR practices and processes. Our Personnel Policy and Respectful Workplace Administrative Guideline both have provisions to protect persons with disabilities against discrimination in alignment with Human Rights. On the Town's careers page we commit to being a respectful and inclusive workplace, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals. We have also work with local advocacy groups to place individuals with disabilities

Recreation - All Recreational based programs including day camps and the school age care program are welcoming and inclusive. From day camps to the licensed child care the Town of Okotoks is committed to offering programs that are inclusive to all. We work with FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) to ensure that appropriate support is provided to children and families in our programs. We have been a partner agency with Between Friends for many years and register day camp leaders into their programs so they can appropriately support the children with diverse needs in our programs. Day camp leader training includes inclusion training - this philosophy promotes the participation of a child within a registered program rather than stand-alone programs.  

Programs addressed a request and offered teen / adult inclusive dance classes. These programs have been very popular and provide options for diverse abilities. These classes were offered pre COVID and are being re-introduced in the fall program line up with yoga also added as an option.

During COVID a Federal grant enabled the Town of Okotoks to install equipment that enabled remote programming options. These options address mobility / travel challenges / health issues such as COVID concerns. Our experienced and supportive instructors have the ability to connect and support clients in a variety of programs and activities.

Parks - The new Municipal Development Plan speaks to Universal Design (page 93, Neighborhood Design) which is echoed throughout the document.  Parks is mandated on page 159, Section 7.5 c, to provide rich, accessible recreation and leisure opportunities for residents.   

The Recreation Master Plan also speaks to providing fully accessible playground locations in strategic locations on page 59 of the pdf (which we have done in Riverside Park) and supports number 4 of the 6 the principles provided in the Recreation Master Plan in guiding the vision for open spaces as noted below:

Community Wellness supports full accessibility in programs in various ways. Not all have policy attached to them, but it is an integral part of our program design and delivery.

Volunteer Resource Centre - The volunteer handbook has a section on accessibility: “The Okotoks Volunteer Resource Centre is committed to providing equitable opportunities to volunteers with disabilities by being accessible and creating a welcoming, barrier free environment where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.”

The Volunteer Resource Centre has worked with groups such as Foothills Advocacy in Motion (FAIIM) to ensure there are volunteer opportunities that allow all individuals to have a meaningful and positive experience. In addition when each new volunteer in interviewed the Volunteer Administrator will support them in finding a placement that aligns with their skills and interests, and will ensure any required accommodations are made.

Community Access Program - Seniors (60 years of age and over) and adults with permanent disabilities are able to remain active participants in the community through the Community Access Program. A subsidy is provided to a contracted taxi company for each trip taken and provides users with a reduced taxi fare. Cardholders who require a wheelchair accessible vehicle for transportation are able to book one.

Okotoks Transit - Accessibility is currently identified in 2 places on our transit website. Firstly in the FAQ section (screenshot below) and secondly in the new vehicle video.

Age Friendly Okotoks Subcommittee - The Age Friendly Okotoks Subcommittee was formed to make Okotoks a more age friendly community, a place where all residents participate as full and meaningful community members. Accessibility and ensuring that all services are inclusive for all people is part of this initiative.  Click here to view Council's resolution. 

Social Wellness Framework - In January 2010, the Town of Okotoks undertook the development of a Social Wellness Framework, which identified key components of social wellness. Baseline indicators with measures were established and it was recommended that the indicators be monitored in five year increments to track process. In 2020 the update report highlighted major accomplishments and next steps. Multiple recommended focus areas included inclusion and accessibility as part of the work that is being and will continue to be completed:

• Explore further opportunities to increase diversified housing stock to provide a range of housing opportunities for all demographics
• Continue to seek housing solutions that support affordable living in Okotoks
• Review recreation and community programming to provide options that better fit the needs of all demographics
• Develop a strategy for an inclusive and welcoming community
• Ensure that park, pathways and natural spaces meet the needs of all demographics
• Develop a strategy to make Okotoks an Age Friendly Community

Okotoks Family Resource Centre - Family Resource Centre Specialists will provide outreach visits and support to individuals who have a barrier that prevents them from accessing the office. In addition they will work with each client individually to employ different methods of communication and support that allow for all people to access their services.

Question:  What was the cost outlay for Okotoks Transit?  What are the operating costs?  What is the revenue?

Answer:  The facilitation of a local transit system that allows for all residents, including those without access to personal vehicles, to have affordable and accessible options to travel within Okotoks for work, health and personal business was identified in a number of master plans. Over the past 3 years, Town Administration researched a number of alternatives for local transit systems that  considered the following key variables: financial impacts, value for dollar expended, and environmental impacts.

After consideration of all variables the current “Okotoks on-Demand” program was implemented. The capital and implementation costs (including the cost of the vehicles) totaled $0.880M of which 2/3 funding was provided through provincial Green Trip funding grants.

The 2020 operating budget for the newly launched “On-Demand” local transit system was based a total of 18,000 rides in 2020. The total projected revenue for the local transit system was $0.031M and total projected operating expenditures was $0.854M for an overall projected tax subsidy of $0.823M.

During the 2020 operational year, the on-demand transit system met and surpassed projected ride expectations, with a total of 27,402 rides being completed. The service was planned for 2 vehicles in operation at all times, whereas due to high demand we operated up to 3 vehicles at times throughout the year. The actual revenue for 2020 was $0.081M and the actual operating expenditure was $0.817M, for an overall tax subsidy of $0.736M.

Okotoks Transit was one of very few, if any, transit operations in Canada that ended the year within budget while still exceeding operational targets. 2021 has seen strong, continuing growth in demand for transit, and the current budget is under review.

Question:  Would you be able to break down the operational costs for Okotoks Transit into 1) Wages, 2) Maintenance and 3) Fuel?

Answer:  Breakdown as follows:

Operational Costs:
Town Wages and Benefits: $0.123M
Outsourced Contract – Fuel: $0.032M
Outsourced Contract and Related Costs (drivers, call centre staff, maintenance, insurance, technology, COVID protocols): $0.626M
Amortization – Town Owned Vehicles: $0.036M
Total Operational Costs: $0.817M

Question:  I have been asked to inquire about candidates and or incumbents that have spouses that work for the Town Office. Even if the said council seat holder discloses and does not vote on the council agenda items that are in conflict of interest; is it not a huge conflict having them on council and town office employee same household? 

Answer:  Under section 170(1) of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), pecuniary interest for a Councillor is defined as:

170(1)  Subject to subsection (3), a councillor has a  pecuniary interest in a matter if

   (a) the matter could monetarily affect the councillor or an employer of the councillor, or

   (b) the councillor knows or should know that the matter could monetarily affect the councillor’s family.

In the situation where an employee is a spouse or a partner of a Councillor, the budget for the Business Centre will be removed from the total budget, which is adopted by all of Council.  The budget for the Business Centre, which will include salary and budget amounts for that spouse, will be voted on separately, with that Councillor following the process set out below under section 172(1) of the MGA.  This process will be recorded in the adopted minutes for those meetings where budgets are approved with any salary or wage amounts.

Disclosure of pecuniary interest

172(1)  When a councillor has a pecuniary interest in a matter before the council, a council committee or any other body to which the councillor is appointed as a representative of the council, the councillor must, if present,

    (a) disclose the general nature of the pecuniary interest prior to any discussion of the matter,

    (b) abstain from voting on any question relating to the matter,

    (c) subject to subsection (3), abstain from any discussion of the matter, and

    (d) subject to subsections (2) and (3), leave the room in which the meeting is being held until discussion and voting on the matter are concluded.

The Council Governance Framework, Policies and CAO Bylaw adopted by Council sets up the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) as Council’s sole employee.  The CAO’s role is to implement the policies set by Council, with the CAO responsible to Council for the implementation of those policies.  There is no staff supervision by Council in regards to Administration, except for its sole employee, the CAO, which would remove any further “conflict of interest” circumstances.  Section 153 of the MGA, noted below, sets out the legislated duties of Council:

General duties of councillors

153   Councillors have the following duties:

   (a) to consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to council’s attention anything that would promote the welfare or interests of the municipality;

   (a.1) to promote an integrated and strategic approach to intermunicipal land use planning and service delivery with neighbouring municipalities;

   (b) to participate generally in developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality;

   (c) to participate in council meetings and council committee meetings and meetings of other bodies to which they are appointed by the council;

   (d) to obtain information about the operation or administration of the municipality from the chief administrative officer or a person designated by the chief administrative officer;

   (e) to keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a council or council committee meeting until discussed at a meeting held in public;

   (e.1) to adhere to the code of conduct established by the council under section 146.1(1);

   (f) to perform any other duty or function imposed on councillors by this or any other enactment or by the council.

Question:  Is there a chart or location where I can see the tax increases that were passed by each council over the last 2-3 terms (i.e.: 10-12 years)?

Answer:  All the tax bylaws setting the tax rates can be found on the Town website bylaw search function here and by scrolling to the bottom of the page to find the search function as noted below:

The tax rates are noted here for 2009 to 2021.

To provide a fuller picture, below are the Council approved Municipal Property Tax Revenue increases for the last 4 years:

Provided also for information is the link to the Town webpage regarding property tax.  You can also view an Okotoks YouTube video titled “How is Your Property Tax Levy Calculated.

Question:  I would like to know what the total annual revenues are from all sources that come to the town?  Then how much the total expenditures are that are spent annually ?  And how much there is in reserves ( if any) for rainy day fund ?

Answer:  All of the financial information you have requested can be found in  the 2020 Financial Statement that it is on the Town’s website here.

In addition the 2020 Annual Report is available on the Town’s website for your reference and information here.

Question: I am hoping to host a pancake breakfast, I am wondering what the town rules are. It will be on private property and I have emailed AHS as well.

Answer: If you are hosting this event as a campaign fundraising event you will need to comply with the fundraising provisions under the Local Authorities Election Act – specifically Parts 5.1 and 8 and sections 147.31 and 172, along with any recommended Covid-19 health protocols recommended by AHS. 

Fundraising events can be held on private or public properties.  If an event is held on private property and is being donated, you will need to account for that as a donation to your campaign in your disclosure statement.  If an event is being held on public property, you will need to book the public space and pay the regular rental rates and follow the processes, as any private individual holding an event.

Question: Could I please find out how much the Town has spent on the electrical hookups for Electric Vehicles (EV) and how much electricity costs we have incurred to date?

Answer: The Municipal Charging Stations were received as an Economic Development initiative to attract EV drivers to Okotoks’ Historic Downtown. The agreement with Sun Country stipulates that they own the chargers, which are on free loan to the Town of Okotoks with the stipulation that the Town provides electricity free of charge. Installation Costs would have been minimal, as the charging stations were provided at no cost and the installation was completed by municipal staff. It was brought forward as an Economic Development Initiative.

The total annual cost for electricity at both stations together was approximately $350 in the most recent 12 month period. This is 50% higher than the previous 12 month period (presumably due to COVID and fewer people going out in 2020), but similar to 2019. The Town’s total electrical costs for EV chargers over 4 years is approximately $1000, which is equivalent to the cost of purchasing one level 2 charging station.

Watch for more EV chargers coming out over the next few years; in response to a growing demand from EV drivers who are coming to Okotoks to spend their money. The next wave of grants supports a pay-per-use rapid charger installation program as an exciting revenue generating project for the Town.

Question: This link for information for candidates on Regional Planning is not working.  Can you please have it fixed or let us know where we can look for more information on this topic for research?  It gives me a "page not found" error when I look at it.

Answer: The link noted above worked when the answer was sent out but some of the website pages have been changed recently. The link has now been updated and can also be found here. 

Question:  Can you also provide the tax % increases approved by Council back another 4 years? I tried researching this however the numbers do not seem to align with the Alberta Open Government site nor the numbers reported in the Western Wheel. 

Answer:

Question: Is there a process whereby a resident can register a complaint with the Town in regards to the appearance of said developer fences?  If so, what is the process and how does it work? 

Answer:  Properties with developer installed fences are the responsibility of the landowner to maintain and, as noted, there is typically a restrictive covenant registered on the property identifying the type of fence and requirement to maintain or alter the design of the fence.

A restrictive covenant basically provides some type of restriction on a property. In this case, it restricts the type of fence that can be constructed on part of the property. If there is a restrictive covenant regarding fencing registered on a property it will be registered against every lot within the same phase of subdivision. Every property within that phase of subdivision that is listed in the document has the ability but not the obligation to enforce the restrictive covenant through the courts. Generally speaking, the Town does not have the ability to enforce the specific provisions of a fencing restrictive covenant.

The Town’s means of taking enforcement action on fences is through municipal bylaws. The Land Use Bylaw limits some aspects of fences, including the height of a fence but not the specific design, and the Nuisance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw, which speaks to certain standards that properties should adhered to. If someone feels that an existing private fence has become unsightly, they can contact Okotoks Municipal Enforcement at 403-938-8913 to investigate.

Question:  I also wish to know the cost of the new library building and what the current debt is on it, and perhaps the structuring of the repayment. 

Answer:  The costs allocated to the new Library portion is $10M. There is no debt for the Town associated with the Arts and Learning Campus Project.

More information is available on the Town webpage here; and specifically the FAQ’s tab explains the grant funding received for this project in more detail here.

The total project had a budget approval for $23.5M.

The Town’s share had a budget approval for $18.5M.

Question:  Regarding affordable housing, can you tell me how many multi-family housing projects are planned right now in the new areas, specifically D’Arcy and Wedderburn, and also how many units will be in those projects.  I’m look for numbers on both at-market value projects and below market value projects.

Answer: 
D'Arcy and Wedderburn

In D’Arcy, the Outline Plan identifies five large sites where multi-residential developments are likely.  Although the zonings have changed from when these outline plans were adopted with the adoption of our new Land Use Bylaw, the larger multi-res areas are identified as brown, dark orange and parts of the red areas will be a mix of residential and commercial.

Currently, the Town is working on a partnership affordable housing development with the Brenda Stafford Foundation and Westwinds Communities in D’Arcy (site across from No Frills). It will also include market rental housing. This development will involve approximately 140 units total.

There is currently an application for fourteen additional multi-residential townhomes in D’Arcy along Iris Crescent (similar to the townhomes along D’Arcy Boulevard).

Administration expects additional applications in D’Arcy for multi-residential developments in D’Arcy for the other noted sites in the coming 12-18 months.

Wedderburn anticipates a number of multi-residential sites in the coming year as well through its outline plan.

18 units of bungalow row houses were recently approved in Wedderburn.

Additional Projects of Note:

There is currently pre-application work in progress on a project in Town that will provide approximately 65 units, of which a portion will be below-market rents. As formal application has not yet been made, no further details can be provided yet. 

A project in Drake Landing was recently approved (by the traffic circle) for 70 units, 10 of which be owned by Westwinds Communities which will be rented for 20% below market for a period of 25 years.

Additional Recent Policy and Regulatory Changes:

The recently adopted new Municipal Development Plan (MDP) (page 111) requires developers of new neighbourhoods to provide at least 40% of the total proposed housing as units other than single-detached housing stock to meet the need for housing choice and affordability.  This means that the long-range plans currently worked on by developers with the Town will be required to provide significantly more multi-residential developments than communities in the past.

The recently approved Land Use Bylaw (LUB) allows for much more flexibility for a range of housing types throughout Okotoks neighbourhoods. For example, previously where only single-detached houses could be built, the zoning of Traditional Neighbourhoods now allows for duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and a much greater range of options for builders to increase diversity

The new LUB also loosens the rules for secondary suites, not requiring parking and other regulatory barriers that prevented this dwelling form from being built previously in Okotoks.

Question:   How many people/families in Okotoks are currently benefitting from subsidized housing/rent assistance, and if there is a waiting list for any of these services?

Answer:  As the Town does not manage subsidized housing, you would need to reach out to local housing providers such as West Winds Communities to ask those providers this question.

Question:  How many people have taken advantage of the secondary suite grant or how many suites have been created for rent from this program?

Answer:  To date, two property owners have received grant funds after successfully developing a secondary suite in line with the program requirements.  A third application has been pre-qualified for grant funds which are payable upon completion of the secondary suite in accordance with the program terms and timelines.  This is a brand new program that was just launched in June so it will take some time to see the full impact.  Details on this program can be found here.

Question:  Where can I find the financial statements for the Centennial Centre?

Answer:  There are no  financial statements for the Foothills Centennial Centre (FCC).  The FCC revenue and expenses are integrated into Community Services.

The Annual Report (page 120) contains the financial information for the  “Recreation and Culture” division of which the FCC.

Question:  Where can I find the 10 year capital plan?

Answer:  The 2021 Approved 10 Year Capital Plan can be found here. 

The 2020 November Budget Meetings in detail can be found here and scrolling down to the heading "Past Meetings" and expanding the "Annual Budget Meetings" tab to view the discussions, and budget documents in more detail.  Tab 5 is the 10 year capital plan under the 2020 Annual Budget Meeting documents.  

Question:  I'd love to highlight how the Healthy Okotoks Coalition was able to get Okotoks designated as a bee friendly city. I think it's a great representation on how a group of citizens can work together on a small project to make a big impact in their community. Personally, I am thrilled Okotoks has received that designation. Pollinators are so important to our ecosystems. 

Would anyone from the coalition be able to do a quick write up on how and why they approached council with the idea on making Okotoks a bee friendly city please?

Answer:  Becoming a Bee City was a collaborative endeavor between the Healthy Okotoks Coalition and the Town of Okotoks. The Healthy Okotoks Coalition (HOC) spearheaded the idea, was engaged with the Bee City initiative from the beginning and was quick to identify new pollinator friendly ideas. This group of community volunteers frequently partner with the Town of Okotoks to support initiatives or working groups that focus on building a healthier community.  The HOC manages the Okotoks Community Garden which was “bee friendly” long before the Bee City application and continues to ensure pollinator friendly plants are grown each year.  The HOC was keen to support the Town’s application to be recognized as a Bee City and continues to have a working interest in supporting pollinator friendly projects.

Question:  Now that the federal election is over, but the candidates have until Nov 5th to apply are we allowed to put our signs in the public locations that the Federal signs were?

Answer:  Candidates are permitted to post candidate signage in the marked public signage corrals as of noon on September 20, 2021. 

Public signage corrals are marked in the schedule on the election signage guidelines and have been staked out by the Town.

Question:  On one hand: some residential home-owners are under the impression they can only have 1 Candidate for Councilor sign on their property. (It just does seem fair if this is the case- that the town is restricting/interfering with the democratic process of a residential home-owner in showing support for multiple Candidates.)

Yet on the other hand: some residential home-owners are under the impression they can have up to 6 Candidates for Councilor signs on their property.

And on the 3rd hand: some residential home-owners are under the impression they can have all 24 Candidates for Councilor signs on their lawn.

So my question for clarification - which of the above is it?

Answer:  As in the September 8 and 9 signage emails, Okotoks Municipal Enforcement will allow one sign from each candidate on commercial properties (up to all 27 candidates), as long as the candidate has permission and it does not cause a safety issue.  The ability to post more than one sign on commercial properties will afford more visibility for candidate signage and most commercial properties can accommodate more than one sign.  The public signage corrals marked are open to candidate signs as of September 20 which provides greater visibility for candidates and I encourage candidates to post a sign in each corral.

Unfortunately residential properties are allowed only one sign under the guidelines. The Town has received complaints over the number of signs and appearance of the Town.   The Town is asking candidates to follow the guidelines and balance the ability for candidates to post signage and listen to resident concerns over the number of signs in Town. 

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