The Town of Okotoks is keeping a look out for ideas for development after it purchased property at 8 McRae Street recently.

The Town acquired the land for $685,000, Okotoks Development Services Director Michael MacIntyre shares the property has potential and may have strategic value in the future.

"The Town gave it some thought and at the end of the day council thought it would be an appropriate strategic plan to acquire the land. There are no immediate plans for the property although council is keeping its eyes open for opportune land acquisitions. We're looking to serve the interest of the community at large, just like we did with the Community Campus Property in 2016."

Although there are no plans yet, the Town is looking at interim uses such as leasing the premises, long term use for the site will be determined through a detailed downtown planning process that will incorporate the Economic Development Strategic Plan.

MacIntyre shares residents could have input as well, as the Downtown Urban Design Master Plan gets underway soon.

"This is a program that you may have seen ads for already, they'll be coming out in the next week or so for a drop-in Design process that's all about getting input from the community on urban design values, ideas, and the vision for the downtown in terms of how people would like to see it work. We're interested to hear from people from all walks of life in terms of Okotoks, and the business community, it's all relevant to the long term growth and vision for the downtown area."

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