Are you a newcomer to Alberta or Canada? Learn about all the resources we have for getting settled in Okotoks in our newcomer section or visit Foothills Community Immigrant Services.
Welcome to Okotoks! Whether you're new to Canada or Alberta, or just new to our community, this page is your go-to guide for getting settled in! Here, you'll find all the information you will need for moving into Okotoks and getting to know the community!
Check out the video below for a special message from the Town of Okotoks Mayor, Tanya Thorn!
Find helpful information about how to set up taxes, water and waste collection (utilities), property taxes and pet ownership! Be sure to also check out Services & Useful Information to learn more about waste and water services or home renovations!
To set up your Town Account, including taxes, water and waste collection (utilities), you must complete the following steps:
Set up your Town Account (taxes, water and waste collection)
Upon completion of your Property Change of Ownership Form, utilities will automatically be transferred to you on the date of possession. For more information on utilities and to sign up for pre-authorized utility billing, please visit our Utility Accounts & Billing Page.
Never miss a utility bill payment!
Sign up for automatic payments for your utility bill, collected every two months (bi-monthly), by filling out the Pre-Authorized Utilities Payment Form!
Upon completion of your Property Change of Ownership Form, your property tax account will be set up and you will be on title on the property. Access your property tax account information online by setting up an account on Virtual Town Hall.
For more information on Property Taxes including payment options and tax schedule, visit our Property Tax page.
The Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) allows taxpayers to make automatic monthly payments for taxes rather than a single annual payment. To set up TIPP, please follow these steps:
Learn more about TIPP, including benefits, how to register and enrollment dates on our Tax Installment Payment Plan page.
Effective January 1, 2025, dog owners are no longer required to license their dogs, and dog licenses will no longer be available for purchase. Instead, all dogs will now be required to wear visible identification on a collar or harness with their owner’s current phone number.
Visit the Animal Safety and Responsible Pet Ownership page to learn all you need to know about responsible pet ownership, urban hens, animal safety and more.
Once you have completed your Property Change of Ownership Form, utilities will automatically be transferred to you on the date of possession and an automated request will be sent for the delivery of garbage, organics and recycling carts to your new home.
Standard carts provided to residential households include a black garbage cart, blue recycling cart and a green organics cart.
The Town provides collection for black garbage, green organics and blue recycling carts. Use our online collection schedule tool to double-check your garbage, organics, and recycling pick-up day.
You can also download the free Okotoks Waste app (available on the Apple app store or Google Play store) to receive collection day notifications, collection changes, and to learn what goes where.
For more information on waste collection including collection frequency, cart placement, a waste collection map and frequently asked questions, visit our Waste Solutions page.
Once you have completed your Property Change of Ownership Form, utilities will automatically be transferred to you on the date of possession.
The Town of Okotoks is a recognized leader in sustainable water management. We've had a watering schedule in place since 2008 - when our population was just over 17,000. The watering schedule was made into a Water Bylaw to manage supply and demand and promote responsible sharing of a limited resource.
Learn more how the Town is managing our water supply and how you can reduce your water bill on our Water page.
Prevent high water bills and monitor your individual daily water consumption in real time by signing up for the Water Meter Portal. The portal also allows you to set up high water consumption alerts, which will help you catch an undetected leak before your bill could potentially get very high. Visit the Water Meter Portal page to learn more and sign up now.
Sign up for the Water Meter Portal
The Town’s Water Conservation Rebate Program rewards residents for practicing responsible water use, such as xeriscaping their yard; planting drought tolerant trees; using rain barrels and rainwater collection systems and more! Save water and money on your utility bill by reducing your water use – learn more about qualifying items and how to apply at our Water Conservation Rebate Program page.
Building permits are required for the construction, demolition and alteration of any building in Okotoks. Some of the projects requiring a permit include:
Building permits are not required for minor repairs and replacements that do not affect the structural integrity of a building. To learn more, visit our Residential Permits page.
All new home-builds who want to install grass will need to install drought-tolerant sod/grass/seed that meets the specifications indicated by the Town in the Grading and Landscaping Bylaw.
Find landscaping and permit requirements on our Residential Permits page.
We're excited to welcome you to Okotoks, and want to assist you on every step of your journey! Find information on newcomer services, housing and emergency shelters, English language learning, employment and finding a doctor below!
The Foothills Community Immigrant Services (FCIS) Okotoks Office connects newcomers to Canada with each other and the wider community. Their services include:
To learn more, contact the Foothills Community Immigrant Services by phone at 403-938-4699, visit their website or stop into their Okotoks Office, located at #4, Bay 2, 87 Elizabeth Street, Okotoks.
Westwinds Communities – a not-for-profit organization that provides quality housing, supportive services, subsidized housing and services for individuals and families. Contact at 403-652-8600 or visit westwindscommunities.ca
Happipad Okotoks – a Canadian non-profit that has partnered with the Town to create secure and affordable housing option by safely matching Okotoks homeowners with a spare room to rent to a well-matched renter. Learn more at happipad.com/okotoks
For more information on Okotoks housing, visit okotoks.ca/housing
Literacy for Life offers programs for families and adults living in Okotoks and Foothills County at little or no cost to the learner, family or community agency. They offer English language classes, GED preparation courses, workplace literacy training and more. Learn more by contact Literacy for Life at 403-652-5090 or visiting litforlife.com.
The MCG Okotoks Career and Employment Centre provides career and employment services at no cost to all Albertans over the age of 18. Learn more at mcgcareers.com
Find a doctor at albertafindadoctor.ca or visit albertahealthservices.ca. For Okotoks Urgent Care Centre, visit the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre at 11 Cimmaron Common or contact at 403-995-2663. For emergencies, please call 911.
It’s time to explore the wonderful community within Okotoks! Find information on services offered within the community, events and things to do, getting around town and more by checking out the resources below.
Get in touch! Find all Town contact information including building addresses in the Town Directory.
Browse this full list of services and online tools available from the Town of Okotoks including mobile apps, online recreation registration, Virtual Town Hall, interactive maps and more at our Services Directory.
The Community Resource Directory is provided as part of the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) mandate to inform the community of available services in the community. This directory serves as a guide to service clubs, community groups and associations, recreation and leisure pursuits, as well as social services and helping agencies in and around the Town of Okotoks.
There is something happening in Okotoks all year long. With a wide variety of special, community, and family-oriented events, Okotoks is a great place to live, play and visit.
Visit the Community Event Calendar to find out when these annual events are happening as well as community-organized events!
Okotoks is a beautiful community located 15 minutes from south Calgary and in a thriving trade zone encompassing businesses from all around southern Alberta. Friendly, charming and unique, the Town of Okotoks benefits from having a thriving arts and music scene, an impressive line-up of recreation facilities, parks and pathways, and year-round events for the whole community.
Are you new to the community or looking for information about what community resources and social services are available locally? Our friendly staff at the Okotoks Family Resource Centre can help you problem-solve, and will connect you with the right supports for financial challenges, coping difficulties, medical and dental services, grief, addictions, family issues, support groups and more.
Visit the Okotoks Family Resource Centre, located inside the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre at 11 Cimarron Common, Okotoks.
The Okotoks Public Library (operated independently) has a vast collection and offers a number of visitor information and services, as well as internet access.
Visit the Okotoks Public Library at 23 Riverside Drive or check out their website at okotokslibrary.ca to learn more.
Okotoks has a great selection of public, private, and catholic schools serving its population. Find more information on local schools including adult learning, alternative education and more on the local school directory.
Okotoks Transit is an on-demand, “curb-to-curb” ride-sharing service. Book a trip up to 3 weeks in advance by downloading the app, going online or calling 587-534-0510.
The Town of Okotoks offers subsidized transportation services to eligible residents, who may access certain Town-operated programs and services at a reduced cost.
The Volunteer Resource Centre facilitates community volunteer involvement through promotion, recruiting, interviewing, screening, placing, referring, supporting and recognizing volunteers in our community. We strive to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities, promote life-long learning, and provide services and support to vulnerable residents.
To get started, interested applicants can complete either an Adult Volunteer Application Form or a Youth Volunteer Application Form.
Emergencies – Call 911
Find a Doctor at albertafindadoctor.ca or visit albertahealthservices.ca
Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre, home to:
Contact the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre at 403-995-2663 or visit their location at 11 Cimmaron Common, Okotoks, for a full list of services.
Health Link – Call 811 for health advice and health information services provided by a registered nurse.
