January 15, 2019
Town invites public input to guide Okotoks’ future growth
Residents are invited to participate in one of two Town workshops to provide input and feedback on proposed policies that will shape Okotoks’ future growth.
“These interactive workshops are a significant opportunity for community members to help shape how Okotoks can grow in a responsible and sustainable way,” said Michael MacIntyre, Development Services Director. “We will be examining key policies for the Municipal Development Plan, which is the foundational framework the Town uses to address long-term community development and land use. Council and administration are eager to hear what residents have to say.”
The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) directs key decisions about land use, infrastructure investment, and community service priorities. Residents’ feedback will be incorporated into policy changes within the MDP. The updated plan is expected to be finalized in fall 2019.
The workshops will be held Thursday, January 31 from 6-9 p.m. or Saturday, February 2 from 9 a.m.- noon at Pason Centennial Arena.
Six key issue areas will be addressed in the workshops: water, neighbourhood design, housing options, sustainable transportation, parks and natural areas, and climate action.
These workshops represent the second phase of the MDP update, which focuses on formulating early policy ideas. In Phase 1, which concluded in June 2018, the Town asked the community to identify priorities for the future and explore big ideas for the MDP. A public workshop on Jobs and Economy was held in October.
To register for the workshops by January 29 and for project information and updates, please visit www.okotoks.ca/MDP.
October 2, 2018
Town and Chamber host jobs and economy workshop
The Town of Okotoks, in partnership with the Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce, invites residents, business owners, and community groups to a breakfast workshop on jobs and local economy. The workshop will be held October 17 from 7:30 – 10:00 am at Foothills Centennial Centre.
Information gathered during the workshop will help to inform the Municipal Development Plan (MDP), which will guide how Okotoks grows and develops over the next 50 to 60 years.
“Resident feedback is an essential part in creating a plan that best reflects the community’s vision. It will help guide how Okotoks Town Council makes important decisions on critical matters such as future growth, community services, diversified housing, water infrastructure, business development, local jobs and much more,” said Michael MacIntyre, Development Services Director.
This workshop begins the second phase of the public participation in developing a new MDP. In Phase 1, the community was asked about their priorities for the future and explored some big ideas on topics such as the economy, housing, transportation, parks, infrastructure, and sustainability. In Phase 2, residents will be asked to further explore policy options and trade-offs.
The MDP will guide planning decisions for jobs and local economy by considering:
- Where should new development go and what form will it take?
- How can more local jobs be created?
- How can land use policies be developed to better support existing and attract new businesses?
- How can sustainable innovation be encouraged so that it is practical and realistic?
- How can a high quality of life be supported to both attract and retain employees as well as meet consumer demand to support our local economy?
For more information and to RSVP for the workshop by October 15, please visit www.okotoks.ca/MDP.
May 2, 2018
Resident input needed for Municipal Development Plan
Okotoks residents are invited to share their thoughts on how the community should progress as the Town of Okotoks gets set to update the Municipal Development Plan (MPD). By having a robust public participation process, the plan will reflect the aspirations and concerns of community members.
“The MDP is the foundational framework the Town uses to address long-term community development, land use, and growth in a responsible and sustainable way. The feedback we receive from the community will help set the vision, principles and goals of the plan,” said Michael MacIntyre, Development Services Director.
Resident feedback is an essential part in creating a plan that best reflects the community’s vision for the future. It will help guide how the Town makes important decisions on growth in the annexed lands, affordable housing, local jobs, transportation, water infrastructure, watershed management and ecosystem values, business development, active transportation, parks and open spaces, community services and more.
To share your vision for Okotoks’ future, residents are encouraged to attend the first interactive MDP information session on Saturday, May 12 from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Foothills Centennial Centre. An online survey will also be available from May 7-20 at www.okotoks.ca/MDP.
