December 10, 2024

 Okotoks Reindeer Games Contest! 

Only a few days left! The Reindeer Games, our beloved annual contest encouraging the community to shop local, is winding down for another year. This festive contest, ending December 13, is a fun way for us to help support you, Okotoks' local businesses, and is a chance for your customers to win fantastic prizes! 

Every purchase at participating shops keeps our community vibrant and gets everyone into the holiday spirit; thank you for your continued participation! 

Learn more

 Social Well-Being Priorities Feedback Needed

We Want to Hear from You! Take the survey until December 15

Help us better understand your perspective on five social well-being priorities we have heard from the community through conversations and engagement over the past months. After reading the summary of the themes, please participate in the community survey to have your voice heard!

Community Priorities

Take the survey

If you have youth at home aged 12-18, we need their ideas and thoughts too! We want to know what it's like to grow up in Okotoks; the input will give us an understanding about what important to help us make decisions that matter.

Youth survey

 Business Licence Renewal Reminder

2024 Business Licenses Expire on December 31

Business licences in Okotoks are valid for the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31. Renew now to ensure your business stays compliant and ready for 2025. Please renew by Jan 31, 2025 to avoid the $50 late fee; it is quick and easy! Watch your email (check your junk folder just in case) for your invoice coming from  license@okotoks.ca.

Visit www.okotoks.ca/business-licensing for more information, including payment options. Thank you for being an important part of the local business economy!

 Doing Business in Okotoks Guide

The Town’s new 'Doing Business in Okotoks' guide is now available!

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this step-by-step guide has all the information you need including details on permits, licensing, regulations, additional resources and much more!

Pick up a copy today at the Municipal Centre or download now by scanning the QR code.

 Okotoks Economic Development Strategy

The 2024 – 2029 Okotoks Economic Development Strategic Plan was introduced and accepted by Council at a meeting in November.

The plan provides strategic direction to Town Administration in the areas of Business Retention & Expansion, Investment Attraction, Tourism & Marketing among other areas. These strategic directions were formulated from robust engagement with businesses, community partners and Town Administration and are aligned with pre-existing statutory and non-statutory Town plans. Business are invited to have a look at the Plan at the link below, or contact Economic Development with any questions.

Learn more

Okotoks Tourism

Town of Okotoks Tourism Information is Moving!

The Town of Okotoks is enhancing its focus on local business and tourism by transitioning all tourism resources to a new page on the Town of Okotoks website, launching in January 2025. As part of this update, our current website for tourism, okotokstourism.ca will be sunsetting, and all tourism information will become conveniently available on the Town’s main website. This change reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant community and providing a seamless experience for visitors and residents.

Coming soon, you’ll find local attractions, events, and visitor resources all in one location. We will provide that link when it is ready!

Thank you for supporting our community as we continue to invest in Okotoks as a premier destination!

 Business Success Story - Deiseil Design and Planning

Shawn Rose, proud owner and operator of Deiseil Design and Planning, is celebrating 30 years as a home-business in Okotoks!

As a division of Cornerstone Graphic Systems Inc., Deiseil Design delivers innovative architectural services, including advanced 3D modeling, Certified Passive House design, and commercial land planning. Recently, Shawn showcased his cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) capabilities in a demonstration for Mayor Thorn.

This milestone reflects Shawn’s dedication to excellence, community engagement, and sustainable design. 

Learn more & watch the video

New Businesses

We would like to welcome the following business to town - thank you for doing business in Okotoks and becoming part of our wonderful business community! 

Amedeos 

Welcome to Pathways to Success!

Each month, we’re excited to spotlight a different economic development program or service designed to empower our local business community and drive growth in Okotoks. Join us as we explore new pathways highlighting the tools, insights,and opportunities that can pave the way for your business success.

This month's feature is the Business Visitation Program

Running a business comes with its challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. The Town of Okotoks invites you to participate in the Business Visitation Program—a free, one-on-one opportunity to meet with our Economic Development Specialist.

Learn about funding, training, and government resources tailored to your needs, get expert advice on growing your business, and share feedback on how the Town can better support you. Whether you’re new or established, we’re here to connect your business to valuable resources and to help your business thrive.

Contact us at 403.938.8052 or ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca to schedule your business visitation meeting today! Meetings are available in person or virtually—whatever works best for you. Let’s work together on your road to success!

 

Events 

Find out about Town and community events happening this winter!

Learn more

"Eco-nomic" Tips for Your Business!

Sustainability tips for your business this holiday season

The holiday season often brings negative impacts to the environment, thanks to an increase in energy consumption and packaging waste. Luckily, there are a few simple ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and work towards more eco-friendly practices:

  • Use sustainable packaging and shipping when possible – consider switching to biodegradable or recycled materials instead of single-use packaging.
  • Keep sustainability in mind when gifting! Consider reusable items, digital subscriptions, vouchers for sustainable brands or charitable donations when doing your holiday shopping this year.
  • Decorate with energy efficiency! Instead of using energy-hungry lights, opt for energy-efficient LED or low-voltage options. Though they may have a higher upfront cost, you'll save in the long run with reduced energy usage.

Incorporate sustainable practices into your holiday plans this year and enjoy the festive season while minimizing your environmental impact!

Business Support Resources

We have compiled some resources that could be of interest or helpful to you as you do business in Okotoks.

Click the button below to learn more about what resources are available to all Okotoks entrepreneurs and to reach out to us!

Learn more

More Info

Business webinars can help businesses thrive. They often focus on specific skills or topics relevant to your industry. Check out what's coming up!

Business Webinars & More


Interested in learning more about, or bidding on, procurement opportunities? Find out more below!

Procurement Opportunities

 Stay Connected!

📱Stay connected and informed! Check out and sign up for all Town newsletters!

📅 Have a business event you would like to include? Click the button below to submit it! Submit your event

💡 Do you have ideas to make this newsletter more exciting or business-related topics you want to see? The Town would love to hear from you! Connect with us!

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