As the centre of the community, flanked by the Sheep River to the south, the downtown has been the home of businesses, and a gathering place for celebrations and special events, since the Town’s incorporation over 100 years ago.

The success of the downtown hasn’t happened by accident. Over the years, the Town been dedicated to planning and development of the area which encourages business retention and attraction, successful community and special events, and the creation of unique public spaces, infrastructure and buildings (e.g. Ethel Tucker Centennial Park, Laurie Boyd Pedestrian Bridge, Arts and Learning Campus, Okotoks Public Library, Bow Valley College and more!).

As the town quickly grew, early foresight by Town planners and Council identified the importance of the downtown to the long-term success of the community. This strong belief in the downtown as the heart of the community has not wavered, and the Town continues to invest in its downtown through planning and physical improvements (buildings, roads, public places).

Since the early 2000s, there have been several major planning and infrastructure projects that have included a focus on the downtown. Additionally, updates to the Town’s two major planning documents (Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw) included extensive work on the vision and direction for downtown Okotoks.

Downtown Upgrades
Starting in 2000, the Town initiated a four-phase downtown vitalization project along Elizabeth, McRae and North Railway Streets.

  • Phase 1 (2001) – Elizabeth Street from Northridge Drive to Elk Street
  • Phase 2 (2002) – Elizabeth Street from Elk Street to Veterans Way
  • Phase 3 (2007) – McRae Street from Veterans Way to McRae Street
  • Phase 4 (started in 2020, but postponed) - North Railway Street


In 2020, the Town started design of Phase 4 on North Railway Street from McRae Street to Poplar Avenue. The conceptual design was underway in 2020 with significant public input from engagement hosted in the fall of 2020.

Development of the detailed design and construction was put on hold after Council received feedback from downtown businesses and residents about the challenges of the pandemic impacts.

The What We Heard Report summarized the public feedback and was posted on the Town’s website in February 2021. There were 300 community members that voted and over 260 community members that completed the survey. The key findings from the What We Heard Report were that:

  • The downtown should be a destination.
  • There should be equal focus on pedestrians and vehicles in the design with a focus on inclusiveness. Making the space safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities is a priority.
  • There is desire for more pedestrian and public space along Main Street. Events, festivals and restaurant patios should be encouraged to use Main Street through the new design.
  • The Main Street has a lot of need for parking, loading and vehicle access which needs to be accommodated.
  • Signage is important along Main Street so people can find their way to their destinations.

We are now starting to work on the conceptual designs for Main Street again. The design team is including the feedback from the What We Heard Report in the current designs. Once a complete conceptual design is ready, we will share it with the community and ask for feedback.