As the Province gears up for 2024 budget discussions, the Town of Okotoks has two priority areas that it would like to see addressed in the next provincial budget.
In a letter sent to Finance Minister Nate Horner, the Town asked for investment in affordable housing and for action on an interchange at the intersection of Highway 2 and 338 Avenue.
“Both the Town of Okotoks and Foothills County continue to hear from constituents regarding concerns and fears about this stretch of Highway 2,” the Town said.
“As one of Alberta’s major economic corridors, this portion of Highway 2 continues to see increased vehicle traffic, resulting in a growing number of motor vehicle collisions, injuries and fatalities.”
The Town said there have been two fatalities this year on that portion of the highway and wants the Province to avoid delays or further studies and begin the interchange as soon as possible.
The letter also identified an “urgent need” in Okotoks for affordable housing and said there are 78 housing units that could get started with the Province's help.
The Town is asking for $45 million in capital funding for those shovel-ready projects.
“With the provincial contributions to our water pipeline solution, we are ready for growth, with a particular focus on growing our below market housing inventory,” the Town said.
The Town also noted that it supports Alberta Municipalities’ resolution to increase Local Governance Fiscal Framework funding by an additional $1 billion.
In response, Horner said the recommendations will be part of budget considerations for building a fiscally responsible budget focused on current and future fiscal needs.
The province is holding budget consultations for next year's budget, and residents have an opportunity to take part through an online survey that can be completed until Jan. 19, with the results expected to be released in February.
The budget survey is available at alberta.ca/budget-2024-consultation.
