May 28, 2021

Municipal Centre scheduled to reopen June 1

The front service counter of the Municipal Centre will reopen Tuesday, June 1 with normal operating hours, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. in accordance with Stage 1 of the province’s Open Summer Plan.

The centre will follow the same regulations as retail outlets with a maximum capacity of 15 percent of fire code occupancy. Social distancing and mandatory masks will continue to be required. In-person meetings with municipal staff will still not be possible.

Before beginning the re-opening of other municipal facilities, the Town is reviewing Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan, as the province still needs to clarify some details. More information will be provided once staff understand how this will affect Town facilities.

Learn more

Budget 2022 - Have Your Say!

Community involvement is a priority and your responses to the survey will help us to shape the 2022 Budget so it is able to support economic recovery while meeting the community’s needs. The information you share will be provided to Council to help them build the budget based on what the community values most. It will also help us identify how public opinion and values are trending over time.
Survey opens the week of May 31 and runs until June 18.

Learn more

Council approves four-year budget cycle

At the regular meeting May 25, Council approved a four-year budget cycle that will reduce the administrative cost to create annual budgets, increase efficiencies in allocating resources, and shift the focus to only the incremental changes that require Council approval.

The Town will continue to seek public input during budget processes with an upcoming online survey for the Budget 2022 in June. Survey feedback will help Council identify what the community values most and how public opinion and service level priorities are trending over time. 

More about the budget process

Zero percent tax rate increase and relief for penalty payments

Council has approved a zero percent tax rate increase for the second year in a row; property owners should see little change in their taxes from 2020. Our community is still experiencing the financial impact of the pandemic and Council feels that it is important to maintain taxes at their current levels for this year. By continuing service level reductions, the Town has been able to establish a balanced budget without requiring additional tax revenue.

Council provided an additional layer of support to tax payers by approving a 50 percent reduction in penalty fees for any unpaid property taxes for July to December 2021. This will provide financial relief to property owners experiencing financial constraints due to COVID.

Learn more

Town launches shared e-scooter pilot program

The Town is excited to announce that a shared e-scooter pilot program is coming to Okotoks June 1. Bird Canada stepped forward to provide the e-scooters, at no cost to the Town, and will start with up to 50 e-scooters. The program will run between June and October, weather permitting. The Town and Bird Canada will provide safety and rider courtesy messaging throughout the program to ensure that everyone can enjoy this fun activity.

Get details about the project

Okotoks receives Bee-Friendly City designation

The Town has pledged to create and promote healthy, sustainable habitats for pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths through the Bee City Program. Find out more about the commitment and how you can participate online!

Learn more & participate

Transit bulk ride credits

COMING SOON!

Purchase bulk ride credits using the Okotoks Transit app June 1! Once you log in, purchases can be made using either a credit or debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo. Bulk ride credits purchased using the app will be reflected as a $3 per trip credit in your user account. The actual cost charged to your credit/debit card will correspond with the number of bulk tickets you purchase.

More info

Join in the fun this Environment week!

Celebrate nature and learn what it means to live sustainably in Okotoks, and the WORLD. Join the Town for free, fun-filled online events and challenges for all ages for Environment Week, May 30 - June 5! You could win an energy efficiency prize pack, join in the photo contest, test-drive a Tesla to celebrate Clean Air Day, join the Marvelous Misfits webinar to learn about maligned species like Oliver the Skunk, and much more!

Find all the events

Celebrating Okotoks' seniors June 7-13!

The Town and its planning partners are inviting seniors to join in the Seniors' Week virtual events & activities all week from June 7-13! Watch for these highlights:

  • Celebration bag giveaways for seniors 65+ (registration required)
  • Free coffee & cookies in partnership with Tim Hortons
  • Daily virtual culture activities and fitness courses

Check out the full schedule of events for details, and read seniors’ tales of resilience from Project: Share Our Stories!

Sign up & get all the details

Rich’s Playground Upgrade: What We Heard

Thank you for participating in the Rich’s Playground Upgrade survey - the results are in; a nature-based play space will be developed! View the survey results, responses and learn more about the next steps by checking out the What We Heard Report.  

Check out the report

Wayfinding: What We Heard

The What We Heard report for the final phase of the Wayfinding signage project is now
available for review. Thank you for participating and sharing your thoughts! The feedback from the final engagement session and input from the first public participation opportunity, will inform the final sign designs created, which will be shared publicly once approved. 

Check out the report

Property taxes due June 30

2021 Town property tax notices were mailed and/or emailed this week to all assessed property owners. Okotoks property owners are deemed to have received their tax notice as a result of this publication. Please review the notice carefully, and if you require further information, contact the Town at 403-938-8919 or taxes@okotoks.ca.

Payment methods

Motorcycle safety

It is that time of year where motor vehicles share the road with motorcycles. Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, so please be road wise when sharing the road.

Tips to keep everyone safe

Parking requirements temporarily relaxed for RVs

Recreational vehicles (RVs) can temporarily be parked in resident driveways until June 30. This temporary bylaw relaxation not only assists residents with self-isolation or isolation for family members, but also supports families who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and cannot afford storage fees for their RV. Residents are required to register their RV with Okotoks Municipal Enforcement at 403-995-6302.

Learn more

Riverside Park parking lot disruption

Commencing May 31, 2021, the SE portion of the Riverside Park parking lot will be closed to the public. This closure is necessary to complete site improvements for the newly expanded parking facility. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the week. Parking will remain available on the north side of the parking lot during the duration of the work. Any users of the parking lot during this time are reminded to use extra care and caution around construction equipment.

Reminders

Report it!

Do you know the Town has a report tool on our website? It's a great way to submit any concerns, issues, requests or repairs needed in the community. You are helping to be our eyes and ears in the community!

Report an issue

Check out our Kindness Currency recipients!

We're recognizing the inspiring acts of kindness happening in our community with Kindness Currency! Our two latest Kindness Currency recipients, Stephanie & Chelsea, are helping to connect Okotoks - check out their stories and nominate someone you know! 

Meet the recipients

Firewood – keep it local!

When enjoying campgrounds, please refrain from moving any firewood (in or out of the province) to prevent the spread of pests or disease. You can help prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease and insects like emerald ash borer.

Learn about prevention

Next Council Meeting

3 p.m. Monday, June 14| Live-streamed
Agenda packages are available Thursday evenings prior to each meeting on the Town website. 

Watch the live stream

Next Mayor’s Live on Facebook

Noon, Wednesday, June 16 | Live-streamed
Join the next live update from the Mayor on recent Council highlights and have a chance to ask your questions. 

Join the conversation

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