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Town of Okotoks told not to drag out downtown improvements

Concerns over disruption to customer access and loss of parking spaces top What We Learned Report on Downtown's Next Chapter.

Make it quick and minimize the disruptions. 

That, in a nutshell, is what the Town of Okotoks heard this summer when it sought public feedback on proposed downtown improvement plans. 

The Town recently released a What We Learned Report on Downtown's Next Chapter after hearing from 250 people through an open house, online survey and one-on-one discussions with businesses. 

Okotoks has plans to upgrade utilities and streetscapes along Main Street as well as improve a pair of parks in Olde Towne, but is seeking direction from those in the community as to how those projects should unfold. 

The report found that when asked about their primary concerns with planned construction, the most common responses involved a disruption to customer access and loss of parking spaces followed by extended construction timelines. 

“I am concerned customers will not be able to access my business, will think they cannot access it, or find it difficult to access it with construction,” said one respondent. “Although I am in favour of the updates, it can be a struggle to draw customers into the downtown area and I am concerned that the disruption will have them opting for easier access of the big box stores, especially if parking is significantly impacted.” 

When asked whether they prefer construction over a longer time but with less impact on businesses day-to-day, or a faster construction schedule with a higher impact for a shorter period, respondents chose the latter, opting to get the work over with as quickly as possible. 

Those providing input wanted to see the area’s small-town charm maintained and had concerns about the project’s impact on the public purse. 

“Why do you think you need to change the area?” asked one respondent. “It is perfect the way it is, leave it alone and stop wasting people’s time and tax dollars to destroy the area and charm.” 

When asked if the vision, goals and guiding principles of the planned downtown improvements make sense, 67 respondents were in support, while 40 didn’t support the approach.  

The project timeline includes more community engagement this fall with plan approval scheduled for early 2025 and construction beginning next spring/summer. 

The full report can be found at shapeourtown.okotoks.ca

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