The Town of Okotoks is growing once again. 

Late Wednesday afternoon the Town announced the Government of Alberta had approved the annexation of approximately 4,900 acres (1,950 hectares) of land to the north, west, south and southeast of Okotoks’ current town limits. 

The process began September 2013 when the Town issued its notice of intent to annex in order to accommodate Okotoks’ long-term growth needs.  In April 2016, the Town and MD of Foothills formally agreed to an annexation area and the application was submitted to the Municipal Government Board.

Elaine Vincent, CAO for the Town, says this land will go a long way for Okotoks' future.

“This is a unique opportunity for the community of Okotoks as it has gained a 60-year land supply that will see development of services, amenities, and housing over the next several decades," she says. "Okotoks continues to experience steady growth and the annexation of these lands will allow future growth to align with the Town’s sustainable community vision."

The Town and MD worked together to host open houses and one-on-one engagement sessions to answer the questions and seek feedback from affected landowners.

Bill Robertson, mayor of Okotoks, says he's grateful for those involved with the process.

“I want to sincerely thank the MD of Foothills staff and Council and the Town of Okotoks staff and Council for their ongoing commitment to the process. We look forward to continuing to meet the needs of current and future Okotoks residents.”

According to the Town, residents in the annexed area will not experience any significant change in lifestyle as current service standards will be maintained.

The annexation becomes effective on July 1, 2017.

More information is available at www.okotoks.ca/annexation.

Annexation area map. (Photo Courtesy: Town of Okotoks)

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