Mayor Tanya Thorn hosted her annual town update on Jan. 18, touching on numerous topics but focusing primarily on water, the economy and upcoming developments.
During the evening session at the Okotoks Art Gallery, Thorn stressed the importance of investing in the town's economy.
"Shopping local is not just a transaction," she said, "it's an investment in the heartbeat of a community.
"My challenge for Okotoks residents is for every household to commit to shifting $500 of spending from online retailers or outside of Okotoks purchases to an Okotoks business. If every household makes this commitment, that would be a $5 million investment into our community."
She added 2024 will see the start of some downtown redevelopment with a focus on parking and underground infrastructure.
Water was a major topic of discussion, both in the near future and in the years ahead.
"2024 is going to be a challenge for all of us in this community and every Albertan in southern Alberta as we are facing a drought," Thorn said.
"Okotoks is a recognized leader in sustainable water management and we will continue to lead through this drought."
In light of expected water shortages throughout the province due to a lower than normal snow pack, Thorn spoke on the town's ongoing sustainability efforts.
"I'm pleased to share that Okotoks has achieved one of the lowest per-capita gross water consumption rates in North America," she said. "This is through a diverse suite of conservation and efficiency programs like our outdoor watering schedule.
"Regardless of when we get the pipeline or when construction starts, the outdoor watering schedule is here to stay."
The mayor provided an update on the Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project and pipeline, originally slated to be finished by the summer of 2025, but now pushed back to 2026.
She also spoke about the pace of development in Okotoks, which she said has been among the slowest in the region in recent years, but could increase in the coming years depending on a growth strategy that will be formulated this year in collaboration with residents.
Thorn stressed the importance of community involvement going forward.
"Your commitment, your passion and your active involvement are the driving forces behind the success of Okotoks," she said.
"Together, we will continue to build a community that reflects the values that we hold dear: a community that is not just growing but thriving, inclusive and uniquely Okotoks."
She also touched on successes of the past year, including Okotoks hosting the Alberta Summer Games.
