We heard from many diverse members of our community through focus groups, volunteer-led conversations, and one-to-one and small group interviews with community leaders from social organizations and Town administration. These five priorities are the results of these conversations about what is working well in Okotoks and where people are feeling stretched and seeking more support.

Affordability is a key priority for Okotoks residents, as it directly affects their quality of life and sense of stability. With home prices on the rise and limited affordable rental options, many residents—especially young families, seniors, and newcomers—are finding it increasingly challenging to secure affordable housing. As one resident shared during a community gathering, “I came here for the small-town feel, but with rent so high, I don’t know how long I can stay.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern, particularly among seniors, who face limited affordable options for aging in place. “Affordable options for aging in place are few and far between,” noted another resident, explaining the difficulties of finding accessible housing that meets mobility needs.

The need for affordability extends beyond housing. Small business owners and those wanting to start a business have pointed out that high lease rates make it difficult to start or expand local businesses, and that housing affordability impacts the ability to attract and retain talent, which are key to maintaining the community’s charm. “There’s plenty of support for homeowners, but very little for small business owners wanting to open shop here,” one business owner remarked. This challenge not only affects the local economy but also limits residents' access to unique services and gathering spaces that make Okotoks feel like home. Together, these issues highlight the community’s desire for a more affordable and sustainable Okotoks, where both residents and businesses can thrive.

As the project moves forward, we intend to uncover the impacts affordability is having on the lives of Okotoks residents to best understand how the municipality can best support increasing affordability and quality of life for residents.

Access to essential services—like transportation, recreational programs, and healthcare—is vital for the well-being of all Okotoks residents, particularly seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals without private vehicles. Many residents rely on public transit to maintain independence and connect with the community, yet current transit options can be unreliable. For instance, some seniors shared stories of “being stranded for hours at Walmart waiting for the bus,” a situation that underscores the desire for more consistent and scheduled transportation options. One resident commented, “We need transportation options that actually work for seniors and youth, not ones that require planning weeks in advance.”

In addition to transportation, community spaces and services also play an essential role in community life and well- being. Currently, high demand, variety, and location challenges can make it difficult to access these services including arts, culture, and recreation spaces and programs. The Recreation Centre, a noted community hub, often books up quickly, leaving residents waiting for popular programs. As one senior noted, “Getting in for aquacise classes requires booking weeks ahead—it’s frustrating.” Additionally, youth mentioned that accessing the library and other services can be challenging due to current travel options, and they expressed that having more activity options beyond sports would be highly beneficial. These barriers prevent residents from fully participating in social and recreational activities that contribute to their mental and physical well-being, highlighting the need for accessible and inclusive services across Okotoks.

As the project moves forward, we intend to uncover how current services are impacting the lives of Okotokians and what the future of accessible and inclusive services could look like.

A strong sense of community is one of Okotoks’ most cherished qualities, with residents deeply valuing their sense of belonging and the opportunities to connect through shared spaces, events, and friendly interactions. From popular events like “Light Up Okotoks” to the Okotoks Dawgs baseball games, community gatherings are vital for bringing people together. “The events here really make you feel like you’re part of something bigger,” one resident noted, capturing the shared joy of connecting with neighbors and celebrating town traditions. The sense of community developed by events and community gatherings downtown was another key element the community celebrated.

Beyond formal events and the downtown core, everyday encounters in places like the Recreation Centre, local pathways, and the library foster a sense of belonging. “I love that you can say hi to anyone on the street—it makes Okotoks feel like home,” shared one resident. However, while there are many that feel connected, there are some who find it more difficult to find belonging. Some shared that they feel judged by the community or that “we are treated differently because we are an easier target.” Others shared that experiences of racism or discrimination have left them feeling outside of the community or unwelcomed in key public spaces that most consider community hubs. As the community grows, maintaining and nurturing existing and new connections is key to supporting mental health and social well-being, ensuring that Okotoks remains a place where everyone feels they belong.

As the project moves forward, we intend to identify more existing community assets that nurture community connections to amplify and innovative ideas to foster a greater sense of belonging that can be shared by all community members.

Clear and transparent communication from town leadership is essential for residents who wish to stay informed and actively participate in decision-making processes. Many residents expressed frustration about feeling “out of the loop” when it comes to local initiatives or updates on services. As one resident noted, “I don’t know where to find information about events or changes in services.” This leaves residents feeling disconnected and uncertain about how decisions are made—particularly those that significantly impact their daily lives.

A key aspect of this issue is improving awareness of community services and changes. However, effective communication is a shared responsibility between the Town and its residents. This mutual accountability ensures that community plans, strategies, and actions are clearly communicated, and that resident feedback is genuinely considered.

To address this gap, many residents have called for greater interaction with Town Council and Administration through more accessible and informal community discussions. These discussions would provide opportunities to ask questions and voice concerns in a welcoming environment. “We don’t want decisions made for us without knowing why,” one resident remarked, emphasizing the importance of a more inclusive and transparent approach.

Beyond two-way communication, there is a clear need to "close the loop" on public engagement. This means not only sharing updates and decisions with residents but also demonstrating how their perspectives have been incorporated. Closing this loop fosters trust and empowers residents to play a more active role in shaping the future of Okotoks.

As the project moves forward, we intend to learn more from the community about what strategies, methods, and means would improve two-way communication and work best for the community of Okotoks.

Okotoks is known for being a friendly, charming and unique town. People here take pride in helping their neighbors, volunteering, and having access to local services that bring everyone together. Many residents say they feel safe and secure, which adds to the sense of belonging that makes Okotoks special.

As Okotoks grows, people want to make sure it stays a great place to live. They’re asking for more spaces and services where people can connect, like recreation centers, gathering places, youth programs, and social supports. These things help everyone feel part of the community and make it easier to meet and spend time with others. One resident put it simply: “We need more places where people can come together.”

At the same time, there is a concern about maintaining Okotoks’ distinct identity as the town grows. Residents want to ensure that new developments preserve the charm and character that makes Okotoks special. Long-time residents have noticed that Okotoks is starting to feel more like a city and doesn’t yet have the services to match. One person said, “We’re turning into a city, but we don’t have city services.” There are concerns about whether infrastructure (eg. Roads, water) and social infrastructure (eg. Social services and programs) will keep up with the growing population.

Despite these concerns, residents share a common vision for the town’s future: a well-planned, connected community where people can thrive. They desire more places to gather and bring community together in addition to existing parks, pathways, and recreation facilities. They also want services and programs that are easy to access and work for everyone, no matter their age or background. By creating these spaces and supporting social connections, Okotoks can keep its small-town spirit alive even as it grows.

As this project continues, we will focus on how to support this vision for Okotoks. The town’s future depends on thoughtful planning that balances growth with what makes Okotoks special—a strong sense of community, belonging, and connection.