Okotoks Living - Summer 2014

SUMMER 2014

HOUSING 101

A LOCAL MARKET OVERVIEW PIZZA QUEST

JUST SAY “CHEESE”

BRITISH INVASION

CENTURY-OLD TREND CONTINUES TODAY

VINCE HUNTER

HEAD HONCHO AT THE COMP Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Source Media Group 207, 5809 Macleod Trail SW Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9

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HISTORY

Sports

12 The British invasion

Lure of the land still beckons English immigrants

31 Derby dreams

Young roller skaters break away from the pack

dining 17 What a slice!

An Okotoks family’s quest for the perfect pizza

community 27 A caring community

Fourteen years of support and information for those in need

people

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Class act Comp Principal Vince Hunter believes in paying it forward Cover photography by Tristen Heatherington

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Sustainability 37 Going and staying green

What does sustainability look like for Okotoks?

Homes 39 Turning the page

Writing the next

chapter in Okotoks’ housing industry

contents Summer 2014

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Business 44 Coffee’s on

Business is percolating

in local java joints

You Said It …

46 Where in Canada would

you like to go for holiday?

ITEMS 8 Editor’s Message 10 Town of Okotoks Message 51 Events

@OkotoksLiving OkotoksLiving

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editor’s note

In search of summer fun It seems crazy to be writing the message for our summer edition in a week that it snowed. But, hey, that’s southern Alberta for you. If you want the view of the Rockies, you’ve got to put up with the weather.

Or do you? Like thousands of other snow birds from around these parts, a certain ex-premier included, my wife and I like to head south to Palm Springs for a week or so near the end of winter to soak up some sun.

This year, in addition to recharging my internal solar battery poolside, I got ambitious and went golfing. After all, I’m not sure how many rounds I’ll be able to get in here before I hit the links at the Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce golf tournament at Crystal Ridge on June 18, and I need the practice. Heck, it might not stop snowing until then. Anyways, I’m not saying I’m any better golfer, but there’s sure something about playing on palm tree-lined fairways that makes a bad shot easier to take. Of course, if you hit the palm trees, your ball doesn’t always come down.

But enough about golf, because there’s a lot more than that going on around Okotoks this summer!

In fact, if you like your sports a little less, um, demure, you might want to try the derby. No, not the horse races (although you’ll find those in our Events listings too), the roller derby. From kids to adults, the fun starts long before the players hit the track.

Whether your reason for reading is business — ­ we take a look at the growing trend toward ‘coffee shop offices’ in town and examine the local housing market — or personal — we profile the Okotoks Family Resource Centre and Complete Health and Family Wellness Centre — there’s something here for you. Maybe it will even be nice enough for you to read it outside. Maybe.

Where else but in Okotoks Living could you find out where to go for pizza, learn about your neighbour’s Canadian dream vacation, and meet the new principal at The Comp, all in les than an hour? If you’re a history buff, you even get a quick lesson on local ancestory in our British Invasion article!

Only in Okotoks Living, you say? Pity.

PUBLISHER |

Source Media Group

info@sourcemediagroup.ca A ss o cia t e P U B L I S H E R / E D I TO R |

Jim Zang

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Jean Faye Rodriguez

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Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca

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Roberts

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Peg Ainsley, Amanda Brown, Alyssa Burnham, Aaliya Essa, Janet Gurtler, Tristen Heatherington, Jenni O’Nyons, David Shepherd P H OTO G R A P H Y

Peg Ainsley, Amanda Brown, Tristen Heatherington, Don Molyneaux T o w n o f O k o t o k s L iais o n

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Okotoks Living™ is published four times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and Okotoks.

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Message from Mayor and Town Council

A

long with warm weather, the summer brings with it many seasonal activities and events to our community.

We encourage residents and visitors alike to check out our scenic pathway system, pristine golf

courses and captivating cultural offerings at the Museum, Art Gallery, Rotary Performing Arts Centre and

Olde Towne Okotoks.

There are many fun-filled summer events to take in as well including the Spirit of Okotoks Parade & Youth Festival, Canada Day celebrations, BuskerFest, Foothills Highland Games, Chili Fest and Okotoks Pro Rodeo to name a few. See page 51 for event listings or visit www.okotoks.ca.

Summer is also a time to enjoy our yards. Use Cut ‘n’ Call to dispose of your grass clippings. Nature’s cycle provides most of the required moisture to sustain plant life. Our climate is semi-arid, which can require additional moisture. Please be conscious of our precious resources and conserving water.

The Town’s Outdoor Watering Schedule is in effect from May 1 – October 31 and our Conservation Educators will be visiting residents and providing information and tips throughout the summer. We also began our Water Conservation Rebate Program for residents on May 1. It continues to be a very popular program and is distributed on a first come, first serve Councillors Ray Watrin, Tanya Thorn, Matt Rockley, Mayor Bill Robertson, Councillors Carrie Fischer, Ken Heemeryck, Ed Sands.

basis. For more information on any of our programs, please visit www.okotoks.ca.

Our warm, inviting and vibrant town also offers many dining, shopping and recreational experiences. If you’re visiting Okotoks, we have charming accommodation options including hotels, bed & breakfasts and camping to extend your stay.

We hope this summer gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the appeal and attractions that await you in hip, happening, historic Okotoks!

Become a fan of Town of Okotoks Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/ town_of_okotoks

Mayor WM. (Bill) Robertson On behalf of Town Council

history Story by Amanda Brown

The British invasion

Lure of the land still beckons English immigrants

You’ve met one, know one, have overheard one, or you are one. There’s no escaping it — the Brits aren’t just coming, they’re here! In fact, they’ve been here since Okotoks was still but a whisper on the wide-open prairie breeze.

In the tranquil hush of the Okotoks Museum and Archives, historian Kathy Coutts leafs carefully through early photographs and papers. She tells of many people coming from Britain around the turn of the twentieth century.

“One of the reasons for early British immigration was western Canada was opening up. The Canadian government wanted to populate the region with hardworking people who would improve it,” Kathy explains.

British settlers began arriving in notable numbers around the 1880s. This period was framed by a vigorous 20-year federal government immigration campaign that beckoned ambitious hopefuls from the far side of the Atlantic until the early 1900s.

“One of the reasons for early British immigration was western Canada was opening up. The Canadian government wanted to populate the region with hardworking people who would improve it.”

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One of the campaign’s then returned to England biggest lures was the to bring his wife back to promise of free land, Canada” which proved irresistible We don’t know prefor thousands of Britons cisely who were the first — it was an oppportunity Britons in town. We do that life in the old country know however, there are might never afford. “A lot British families who have of them were farmers, recently celebrated their and quite a few were centenary in Okotoks — blacksmiths, stonemathe Grisdales, who arrived sons and carpenters,” from northern Britain in Kathy continues. “The 1911 and the Banisters, Canadian government whose earliest relatives believed that they were arrived in the Okotoks among those people that area from Bridport in had what it would take Dorset, England in the to make a success of the mid-1880s.

Turn of the century west. Those people had a President of the Okotoks and campaign poster. reputation for being hardDistrict Historical Society, Maworking — farmers, entrepreneurs.” rie Wedderburn reveals that the opportuniBy that time, Britain’s industrial revoluties offered by the colonization of western tion had built up a full head of steam and Canada did not go unnoticed by her own had produced confident, skilled workers great-grandfather. Indeed, veterinarian who were jumping at the opportunities Albert Edward Banister’s story could be emerging in Alberta. Agents working for described as one of the more captivating the immigration campaign in Britain and narratives of the early pioneers.

Europe and at eastern Canadian ports of In the fall of 1884, after a journey across entry such as Halifax and Montreal were Canada from Quebec City, Banister arrived energetically marketing western Canadian in Davisburg, northeast of Okotoks with his settlements like Okotoks and Calgary. four oldest sons, Bertram, Albert, William “There were many promotional brochures and Harold. Wedderburn respectfully that were distributed” Kathy continues, declares, “I marvel at my ancestors on both “They also targeted England, Scotland, sides of my family coming out of Great BritIreland and Wales. Tens of thousands of ain to this wild place where there were no people came over during that time,” she amenities,” she expands, “When the Banadds, “In many instances, the husband isters first came, the railroad hadn’t been came out first, got the lay of the land and here very long…it was like ‘site unseen.’”

history

“I marvel at my ancestors on both sides of my family coming out of Great Britain to this wild place where there were no amenities.”

One of the many British influences in Okotoks is the beautiful English Queen Annestyle Mahon House (1909), on Elma Street and designed by William Hughes.

By 1887, Banister’s wife Helen and remaining family had joined him. Embracing sound farming practices and having formed profitable relations with their farming neighbours, and despite the challenges issued by the Alberta climate, Banister turned his 20-acre homestead into an impressive 820-acre commercial farm. His veterinary skills had proven to be valuable amongst the farming pioneers of the great new west.

Banister’s son Harold became one of Okotoks’ early mayors and is honoured by the so-named Banister Drive. The family name still wields influence in town — if you’re a Lacrosse fan, Brad Banister’s name won’t be far from your lips and one that graces the Okotoks Hall of Fame for his contribution to the sport.

British influences in Okotoks include some of the town’s most treasured and historic buildings. Arguably topping the list for curb appeal is the beautiful English Queen Anne-style Mahon House (1909) and the Victorian-style redbrick W.D. Lineham house (1906), both on Elma Street and both designed by William Hughes.

Okotoks remains a destination for Brits. In fact, according to Citizenship and Immigra-

tion Canada, between 2007 and 2009 a total of 25 British policemen settled in Okotoks; a direct result of a recruitment drive in the UK by Calgary Police Service. British bobby Andy Kirk chanced upon a CPS stand at an emigration fair. “I took the information off the recruiting staff and had a lengthy telephone conversation with one of the guys in the unit who sold it to me.” Why Okotoks?

Kirk responds, “Okotoks was a good choice and close to the city for work.”

British realtors here have also assisted immigrants in Okotoks’ direction. Realtor Eamonn O’Gorman witnessed the trend.

“British people have been coming to Okotoks for many years... local realtors would go to the UK to promote themselves and the many merits of our town at emigration exhibitions. This brought the town to the attention of a large number of British people.” Realtor Ian Wisdom remarks, “We helped a significant number of British immigrants move to Calgary and surrounding areas like Okotoks between 2000 and 2009.”

Most Okotokians would agree that the Brits are a decent sort. Chances are, as long as there’s some good soccer and a decent cup of tea to be found, they’ll likely be staying. OL

Marie Wedderburn, President of the Okotoks and District Historical Society.

Andy Kirk, one of the 25 British policemen who settled in Okotoks between 2007 and 2009.

Photo by Amanda Brown.

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dining Story by Janet Gurtler Photos by Tristen Heatherington

What a slice!

An Okotoks family’s quest for the perfect pizza

I’ve always had a special relationship with pizza.

It’s always been there for me when I needed it. Just a phone call or quick car ride away.

But not just any pizza will do, even though, when it comes to pizza, I’m a little bit uninhibited. I indulge in different kinds from different places.

Having recently moved to Okotoks, and finding myself in unfamiliar pizzeria territory, I wasted no time putting a plan into action: I decided to take my family on a quest to find Okotoks’ best pizza. “It might take a while,” I said. “We might have to eat a lot of pizza.”

My husband, a fellow pizza pundit, is up for the challenge. My 13-year-old son, surprisingly, is the one who’s a little pickier about pizza, but he agreed — complete with the obligatory rolling of the eyeballs and heavy sigh — to join the quest. Oh, the sacrifices children make for their parents.

After a quick google search for pizza places, I was impressed with the selection for the size of the town. Seems I’m not the only pizza lover in these parts. This wasn’t going to be easy. I mean, you can’t eat pizza every night, can you? We weren’t going to be able to try all of them in time for story deadline. After several family meetings, we narrowed it down to a list of five pizza joints that we’d hit in five weekends!

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Pizzaberg pizza

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dining Pizza Hut First stop, Pizza Hut, because, well, hey, it’s Pizza Hut! It’s a name we already know and love. Might as well start off with a sure thing. As soon as we step inside the Southridege Drive location the smell of fresh baking pizza drifts over to welcome us, confirming we’ve made the right decision. “Mmm. Hello to you too,” I say, breathing in deeply and zoning out for a second or two on the aromatherapy.

Karla Fitzgerald, franchise co-owner with her husband Dave, is also passionate about pizza. “We’re passionate about the quality of the product we serve. My husband and I are notorious, for making sure that every pizza is one you would want to pay your hard earned money for.”

We usually order pepperoni, but I somehow convince my son to branch out, get a little crazy. I don’t even have to threaten him. Much.

The server suggests Meat Lovers and we quickly agree. Our eyes grow bigger, and so do our appetites, when the pizza

It’s pretty basic math.

Good crust plus good cheese plus good sauce equals great pizza.

Pizzaberg pizza

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arrives. Oh ya, there’s a ton of meat all right, and we dive in like sharks at a feeding frenzy. That’s the way the Gurtler’s roll. The following weekend, with our son out of town, my husband and I decided we’ll do a date night at Okotoks Pasta and Pizza on Elizabeth Street. As soon as we walk in, manager Dave Bradish greets us. The take-out business is hopping but we opt to sit and get cozy. We again ask for a recommendation and order the aptly-named ‘The Royal’.

There may have been some salivating when Dave brought the pizza out. The Royal was thick with a homemade look and heaped with fresh ingredients. “It’s like deep dish pizza with more toppings,” manager Dave says. Absolutely loaded, it even had shrimp, which piqued my curiosity.

“This is good, and so filling,” my husband adds. “The kind of pizza you eat with a knife and a fork.”

I was too busy chewing to answer. And yes. The shrimp worked. On pizza! I won’t tell you how date night ended, my son might never eat again. But the dinner part was delicious!

For weekend number three, we pulled out all the stops and brought along some extra judges. Really qualified ones: hungry competitive swimmers, friends of my son. What better place to take hungry teens than to Boston Pizza? After all, says manager Jordan Hick, Boston Pizza’s motto is, “You’re among friends.”

We steer clear of basic pepperoni again and ask for something one of the swimmers suggests called ‘The Great White North’.

Cool name, and, as it turns out, a very cool choice. In addition to ham and mozzarella, the pizza includes cheddar cheese.

Hello gooey, yummy cheese mixture.

“I love the crust,” says my son. “It’s really fresh. It’s like eating a loaf of bread.” This, apparently, is a good thing. We like bread almost as much as meat in our family.

Jordan takes the opportunity to remind us that Boston Pizza was the first pizzeria to hand-press their dough. We all decided the crust makes Boston Pizza great. “It has good sauce too,” adds my son’s friend. It’s pretty basic math. Good crust plus good cheese plus good sauce equals great pizza.

“Are you getting tired of pizza yet?” my son asks. We’re heading into week four.

“Are you getting tired of breathing?” I answer, demonstrating a little teenage attitude of my own.

Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza

So it’s off to Tom’s Pizza, another popular franchise, where we find a mixed crowd at the restaurant; a big table of seniors, a couple of families and a table of teens. At Tom’s, you go up to the counter to place your order, and then they bring your pizza to your table. We liked this concept, because it allowed us to admire all the different pizzas as they came out. The pizzas have uniquely cut toppings loaded on, for example, long strips of green pepper instead of cubes.

We give in and decide to let our son order his favourite this time. You guessed it, pepperoni. However, the pepperoni was plentiful and spicy and was actually so good we gobbled the entire thing down in minutes. The crusts are deliciously thin and crispy and the cheese extra gooey. “I love the thin crust,” my husband says.

Enjoying ‘The Great White North’ from Boston Pizza

“Mmm, hmm” I mumble, finishing the last bite of one slice with one hand while already reaching for another slice with the other.

The realization that we were nearing the last stop on our Okotoks pizza tour gave us the daring to try something totally unknown, at least to us, anyways, so we chose the Pizzaberg Café, tucked into Southridge Village Mall.

“It’s like visiting Grandma’s place,” says our son. Only grandma doesn’t make pizza this good. Shh. Don’t tell her we said that.

Pizzaberg is small and quaint inside, but the pizza packs a big punch. We ordered the ‘Cheeseburger’ and it was absolutely fantastic. The crust is thick but still crisp.

And the cheese, so stretchy. The sauce is mild and subtle, allowing the cheese to have the starring role. Jag, the owner of Pizzaberg, proudly came out to chat about the pizza. “Each pizza is made to order,” he says.

In the end, to none of our surprise, we found we really couldn’t pick a ‘winner’. They were all good. Really good. And we didn’t even get around to everyone. At least not this time. But I’ve rekindled an old love, one that my husband doesn’t have to be jealous of, so that maybe next year I’ll be able to convince my family — and my editor — that a 10 pizza tour would be twice as good! OL

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people Story by Jim Zang Photos by Tristen Heatherington

Class act Comp Principal Vince Hunter believes in paying it forward

“I

’d be a pretty happy guy pulling into the school parking lot in a Porsche,” laughs Vince Hunter. “But I really drive a truck, a Nissan pick-up.”

No, he’s not a student. He’s the principal.

But he’s young at heart, a quality that certainly comes in handy as the new head man at Foothills Composite High School, where dealing with teen (and teacher) angst on a daily basis is just something that comes with the territory.

But, although he’s new to ‘The Comp’, as it is affectionately known, he’s no stranger to Okotoks or the local education system. “I’m in my fourth month on my own here,” he says, “before that I was principal at Heritage Heights.”

Vincent Hunter, Mr. Hunter to students, plain old Vince to family and friends, was born November 5, 1973 in Morrisburg, Ontario, a town of about 13,000 located about four-and-a-half hours east of Toronto. Vince’s father moved the family — Vince, sister Laura and their mom, a high school librarian who also worked as an educational assistant in special needs classes — out west in 1978, first to Whitecourt, near Edmonton, and then on to Brooks and Red Deer for his job in the oil patch.

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people

“A lot of coaches come to mind... They helped keep me motivated and engaged with life. My favourite teacher was John Powell, my junior high Phys Ed teacher. I still reach out to him a couple of times a year.”

“But I called Red Deer Home, until now,” says Vince, whose older sister Laura just moved to Okotoks herself in the past year, no doubt at Vince’s urging. Keeping family close is important to Vince. “Dad was away at work a lot,” he says, “he still drives truck.”

Not surprisingly, Vince’s favourite childhood memories involve a lot of school and sports. “A lot of coaches come to mind,” he says. “They helped keep me motivated and engaged with life. My favourite teacher was John Powell, my junior high Phys Ed teacher. I still reach out to him a couple of times a year. In fact, I still quote him to the kids. The best is ‘Give me a reason why you can, not why you can’t’.”

Although he caught the teaching bug early on, it’s not the only job he’s ever had. “My first job was pumping gas at Mohawk. I also spent some time working the rigs and I actually love manual labour. If it wasn’t for family stability, if I wasn’t teaching, I could see myself in the oil and gas field, literally. I’d want to be outside, not in the office.”

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people

End goal firmly in sight, Vince attended Red Deer College for a couple of years, picking up his Education diploma, as well as his wife, Bobbi. “We met through mutual friends,” says Vince. “She was in her first year at RDC, also in Education.“ After finishing up his Bachelor of Education Degree at University of Alberta, it was off to warmer climes at the University of Phoenix to complete his Masters. Bobbi also became a teacher and currently works in the Foothills School Division office as an instructional leader.

Vince’s first official teaching job was in Calgary at Ogden Elementary School where, like his mentor Mr. Powell, he was the gym teacher. “It was an amazing experience,” he says. “Being new to the city and being exposed to the cultural shift was a big eyeopener. There were a lot of long-time residents with real strong connections to the community.”

Which brings us to Okotoks. Married 17 years now, Vince and Bobbi moved to Okotoks about ten years ago. “We moved out here to raise our kids in a smaller community,” says Vince of daughters Chloe (11) and Faith (8). They also have two cats, Jack and Harvest.

“Living here has really changed my quality of life.

It’s way better than commuting to Calgary,” he says of his home in Cimarron. “I can even walk to work when it’s nice.”

When he’s not working, it’s family time. “It’s all about my kids’ quality of life. And instilling the kind of moral values in them that will make them good people. My proudest role in life is Dad.” Of course even the best Dads need some downtime, and for Vince that usually means sports.

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“It’s all about my kids’ quality of life. And instilling the kind of moral values in them that will make them good people.

My proudest role in life is Dad.”

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people

“It gives you hope to talk to some of these kids about their goals and dreams... They’re the leaders of tomorrow, and I think we’re in great hands.”

“I golf,” he says. “I do a lot of skiing. Lots of rollerblading and hiking. Things you can do as a family. We really like going to Fernie.”

There’s not much time for TV in Vince’s timetable, but when he does watch, he says, it’s sports. “Even my vehicle radio is tuned to sports. I listen to the Fan 960 most of the time.” When he does tune in to a music station he “prefers the older stuff. I’m still a bit of a fan of the ‘80s. My first concert was KISS.” As for social media, “I honestly avoid a lot of that. I do a little bit of Tweeting. I got involved during the flooding strictly as a means of communicating.”

So what’s an average day look like for a high school principal? A lot of meetings, says Vince, followed by even

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more meetings. Meetings with teachers, meetings with students, meetings with school division officials. But it’s a job he loves and wouldn’t trade for any other.

“I know it’s sort of cliché,” he says, “ but it’s really rewarding to have the opportunity to work with kids. I know how teachers influenced me, how much impact they had. I’m honestly humbled and fortunate to be able to play that role, especially as someone who struggled in school myself. I’m a perfect example that if you work hard and be persistent, opportunities will present themselves.

“It gives you hope to talk to some of these kids about their goals and dreams,” says Vince. “They’re the leaders of tomorrow, and I think we’re in great hands.” OL

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community

By Jenni O’Nyons

A caring community Fourteen years of support and information for those in need The Okotoks Family Resource Centre (OFRC) has been assisting residents of Okotoks, Black Diamond, Turner Valley and surrounding communities since 2000. The centre is a free walk-in, telephone and email service available to clients of all ages and provides information and referral for any social service need in the community.

OFRC deals with all kind of program enquiries, basic needs, info on government programs, recreation, as well as health, medical and dental information. Funding comes primarily from the Town of Okotoks, Child and Family Services, Alberta Health Services as well as surrounding communities.

Sherri Mullen has been a coordinator at OFRC for eleven years and says, “Our typical client is just someone who’s facing financial struggles a lot of the programs through the resource centre are financially based to assist people through a rough time so we will set them up with the appropriate supports.”

She says “often times people don’t know what options are out there or what programs they are eligible for and so we help with paper work with getting through the red tape and applications.”

Specific programs the centre runs include transportation assistance, the “back to school program” which is a fundraiser for school fees and supplies, recreational fee assistance, emergency assistance for gas, grocery, accommodation and childcare bills.

Debbie Posey, Team Leader at Okotoks Family & Community Support Services says, “It’s a big deal for families to feel as if

they can do everything everyone else can do on a low income.”

The “Holiday Helpers” program relies on community donations to help families struggling financially to celebrate the holiday season. One local lady left her thanks with the centre after receiving support through the Holiday Helpers program.

She wrote, “As my husband has been recovering for the last four years from a brain injury and we have a special needs little one, things have been very tight and now he has just undergone surgery for cancer, it’s a little much. Thank you so much for your help.”

Parenting and educational support programs like the “Teddy Bear Picnic,” a community resource fair, offer tips, useful information and community support.

The centre helped 2,720 clients last year, Mullen says they saw an increase to 3,318 clients in 2009 likely due to the recession with more families in financial need.

Anyone looking to get involved or assist with the centre can make donations at the office or volunteer. Posey says volunteers are always needed for the “Volunteer Driver Program” created so that residents in need of transport can make it to medical appointments.

For more information about assistance offered at the centre or how to volunteer visit www.ohfrc.org. OL

Front page challenge More than 60 visitors dropped by the Okotoks Living booth at the annual Okotoks Chamber of Commerce Trade & Lifestyle Show April 11 and 12 to have their own magazine front cover photo shoot. People were then able to access the photos online via a special QR code or web link. Thanks to everyone for being such good sports and, even though you might not have made it onto the real cover, a few of you did make it into the magazine on these pages.

Photos by Don Molyneaux

sports Story by David Shepherd

y b r e D ms a e dr eak r b s r te a k s r olle r g ck n a p e You th m o r f away Stabbey Brewser skates behind a pack of bumping bodies. She slows, picks her moment, then bursts through the chaos, emerging from the other side with a triumphant grin on her face.

Stabbey Brewser is not, as the name suggests, some violent maniac. The girl behind the name is the captain of Udder Annihalation, Abbey Brewis, a friendly 12 year old with streaks of green and blue in her hair. She fell in love with roller derby after seeing the movie Whip It! when she was seven years old, but it wasn’t easy to find a league for her.

Abbey’s father, Corey Brewis, explains the initial struggle. “Often you’ll find an adult league without junior teams, or junior teams without a league. These organizations are typically volunteer based with little to no funding or support. Our goal became to get that support and build a community.” To do that, he teamed up with Michele Serpanchy to build the Southern Alberta Junior Roller Derby Association (SAJRD). The league accepts players between the ages of 8 and 17, introducing them to the sport under the guidance of adult derby players. They play from September to June, and practice once a week at the Indus Recreation Centre, with recruitment running year round.

Roller derby takes place on a flat track in a rink or gymnasium. Red tape marks the boundaries of a large oval that all skaters must stay inside.

The sport happens in “jams.” Each jam is a two minute session, in which five players from each team attempt to score points. Each team has four

Abbey Brewis/Stabbey Brewser Photo by Tristen Heatherington blockers and one jammer. The jammer scores one point each time they lap a player from the opposing team.

Meanwhile, the blockers try to position their bodies in the jammer’s path, preventing them from passing. Put those ten players in roller skates and you have a recipe for chaos. Or, judging by the smiles on the kids’ faces as they wheel around the track, a whole lot of fun.

Brewis says the community is one of the highlights.

“We accept everybody. Express yourself however you want — colour your hair, put on face paint, change your name. You’re part of a team, but you’re encouraged to stand out.”

No player proves that point more than lightning fast nine-year-old Jamila Serpanchy, who goes by Tricky Little. “I really like bonding with all the people on my team.

I think that’s very special, to get to have that.”

»

Express yourself y. d o b y er ev t ep cc a “We colour your however you wa nt — cha nge your t, in a p ce fa n o t u p , ha ir , but you’re m a te a f o rt a p e ’r u o na me. Y out.” encouraged to sta nd s u m m e r 20 1 4 o koto ks Livi n g 3 1

sports

Her grandma, Judy Collins, says being involved in the derby community has done wonders for Jamila. “I’ve seen her confidence level rise. When she falls, she gets right back up.”

Despite rave reviews from players and parents alike, Brewis admits roller derby faces a perception problem. “Parents can be a bit apprehensive. It seems so physical. A lot of kids come not knowing what to expect, but by the end of the first practice, they love it.”

Any concerns about player safety are alleviated quickly. Before each game, the players line up for an equipment check. Many of the contact rules are similar to hockey, and body checking is illegal at lower levels. Refs keep a close eye on the proceedings.

Derby teams and leagues pop up every few years. The problem, Brewis says, is the inability to organize on a mass scale. Leagues may lack structure, leadership, and common rules and regulations. He envisions the Southern Alberta Junior Roller Derby Association as the catalyst for change. “We’re attempting to set the standard for operations, sustained growth, and community building. We want to encourage growth not just through our own organization, but through every junior derby organization. We want to get a pair of roller skates on every child who’s looking to embrace their individuality in a team environment.”

sic bla ring, u M . st fa so s en p p “Every thing ha g — it’s in lk ta rs ce n u o n n a fa ns screa ming, a line rush.” a n awesome adren Breanna Grassl/Luscious Lynn Photo courtesy Dynamic Photography

Photo courtesy Dynamic Photography

3 2 O koto ks Livi n g s u m m e r 20 1 4

sports

The jams don’t end when a player ages out of the SAJRD. Anyone over the age of 18, whether they’ve played before or not, has the option to join the Foothills Roller Derby League.

And that’s exactly what Breanna Grassl did. “I saw a thing on Facebook around Christmas for roller derby, went to one of their practices, and that was it — I bought the gear at the practice.” Taking the name of Luscious Lynn, her first season with the DAMNsels of Distress was one that would test her mentally and physically. “The first year with the team I broke my leg.

My second season was all about getting the courage to come back. It’s a mental thing — you have to get over the fear of re-injuring yourself.”

In the adult roller derby leagues, injuries aren’t uncommon. Skaters face whip lash, sprains, and concussions. But for Grassl, the thrill of competing is worth it. “Everything happens so fast. Music blaring, fans screaming, announcers talking — it’s an awesome adrenaline rush.”

The DAMNsels’ season runs from April to June, but they skate year-round with the exception of July. They practice two nights a week, and compete against teams from as far away as Montana. The team primarily looks for new recruits — nicknamed “fresh meat” — from August to March. For Grassl, the key to roller derby’s recent success is community. “Not only do you have your derby family, which are the people in my league, but you also have the other surrounding leagues.

You’re out there to win, but as soon as the jam is called off you goof around and have fun. It’s a tight knit community.”

It takes a lot for a sport to break through. Just like a jammer bumping into blockers, sometimes you have to change tactics or find an alternate path. This time, all signs point to roller derby breaking through the pack to score. OL

Jamila Serpanchy/Tricky Little Photo by Tristen Heatherington

Upcoming events & Contact information Southern Alberta Junior Roller Derby Association Regular Season – September to June, check website www.sajrd.ca, or email info@sajrd.ca for details DAMNsels of Distress www.foothillsrollerderby.com foothillsrollerderby@hotmail.ca June 14 – Against the Rockyview Rollers in Crossfield, Alberta as part of Pete Knight Days June 21 – Hosting Deathbridge Derby Dames at the High River Recreation Center

DAMNsels of Distress Photo courtesy Dynamic Photography

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3 4  O koto ks Livi n g s u m m e r 20 1 4

3 6  O koto ks Livi n g s u m m e r 20 1 4

sustainability

By Alyssa Burnham

Going and staying

green What does sustainability look like for Okotoks?

Prime Minister Stephen Harper once called Okotoks “the greenest community in Canada.” But, what does “green” really mean? What, if anything, sets Okotoks apart when it comes to environmental stewardship?

“There’s a lot of confusion out there,” says Dawn Smith, the Town’s Sustainability Coordinator.

Smith explains that for many years residents’ understanding of sustainability was tied to the population cap and the carrying capacity of the Sheep River, but the decision to remove the cap and pursue a continued growth model has changed that.

She is adamant that the controversial decision was not a departure from sustainability, but the changes have nevertheless made it necessary to redefine what sustainability looks like in light of Okotoks’ Dawn Smith growth expectations.

As part of that process, the Town will launch a public consultation campaign later this year. The response it receives will inform a new Municipal Development Plan and Sustainability Plan.

“We know that yes, we are growing. Yes, we are getting water from Calgary. Given that, how do you want your community to look in 60 years?” asks Smith.

In the meantime, there are many things that Okotoks is doing right. According to the Town of Okotoks’ website, more than 100 sustainability initiatives have been introduced since 1998. Curbside recycling, rebate programs and solar energy installations are some of the best known environmental ini-

tiatives, but there are many others.

Over the years, Okotoks has achieved particular success in the area of water management. Thanks in part to public education campaigns and conservation incentives for everything from low flow appliances to drought-tolerate grass, Okotoks boasts the lowest per capita water usage in the province.

The use of renewable energy is another area in which Okotoks has become a leader among Canadian communities.

The Town has installed solar energy panels on several of its buildings, and, as of January 1, the Town purchases 100 per cent renewable energy for all of its facilities.

Careful not to rest on its laurels, the Town is now turning its attention to waste management. At one time, Okotoks was a leader in this area as well. It was one of the first small municipalities to introduce a recycling program, and residents’ participation in the voluntary program was impressive. However, times have changed; other municipalities have caught up and even surpassed Okotoks’ recycling efforts.

The current Resource Recovery Plan, which was developed in 2009, embraces a “zero waste” philosophy and sets a target for 80 per cent waste diversion by 2015 — an ambitious goal that the Town is not on track to meet.

A new Resource Recovery Plan is now in the works that will revisit that 80 per cent target and evaluate what can be done to achieve it sooner rather than later.

The new plan will outline “a more progressive approach” to waste management that will take into consideration the introduction of an organics program and the expansion of curbside recycling, among other changes.

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s u m m e r 20 1 4 o koto ks Livi n g 37

sustainability

Education is one of the most important components of waste diversion. People need to know what they can take, where to take it and how to do it properly.

A comprehensive list of recyclable items and what facilities accept them is available on www.okotoks.ca. Many of the items on the list are ones that people do not realize are recyclable. For example, the Okotoks Recycling Centre accepts batteries, printer cartridges, used paint and Tassimo T-discs.

CFL light bulbs, electronics and used oil can be recycled at the Foothills Regional Landfill. The Town has also purchased a machine to process Styrofoam for recycling. It is expected to arrive in the next few months.

Although an increasing number of products are being Okotoks Recycling accepted for recyCentre cling, it’s important

for residents to consider their consumption habits. “The slogan is ‘reduce, reuse, recycle,’ but everyone forgets about the first two,” Smith says. “We need to consume less. That’s the number 1 thing people can do.”

Getting simple messages like that out to the general public is what Okotoks’ annual summer conservation education program is all about. This year, five university students have been hired to speak at schools, children’s camps and door-todoor about a variety of environmental topics. However, the students aren’t just talking; they’re also listening to get a sense of residents’ attitudes, priorities and objections when it comes to the environment.

The students’ findings will be taken into consideration as part of the Town’s community consultation process, helping to determine what role environmental sustainability will play in Okotoks’ future and whether the town will be able to hold onto its reputation as a “green” community.

“I don’t think the (environmental) stewardship focus will change,” Smith says. “A lot of people have moved here for that reason, but we will have to see.” OL

“People need to know what we take, where to take it and how to do it properly.”

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homes

By Aaliya Essa

Turning the page Writing the next chapter in Okotoks’ housing industry

If you’ve ever taken any level of basic economics class, you know all about supply and demand theory. Or at least you should.

In case you’ve forgotten, or maybe you missed that lesson, here’s Okotoks Pop ulation Grow a quick refresher. It’s really quite simple: when demand is up and th

supply is down, prices increase.

2001 Such is the situation Okotoks currently finds itself in. The 11,664 gravitational pull surrounding the town, drawing people in, has 2006 17,145 been going on for a while, but now things are different.

2010 23,201 A limited inventory of serviced land, due mainly to water permit 2012 availability, means that not a lot of new lots are coming on the 24,692 market in the near future. In fact, what you see right now, might be 2013 26,319 it for a while.

Many communities are building in their final phases, yet there is still a strong demand from people that want to live in this great little town. The reality, though, is that if you don’t move fast, you may have to wait and see what developments pop up next.

Housing Starts “There are new homes now and areas

Total under development,” says Shane Olson, Single Family Multi-family Duplexes Year

Economic Development Team Leader 12 449 2003 269 168

for the Town of Okotoks, “but some of 44 467 them are nearing completion and fully 2004 318 105

building out. There is about one or two 42 711 2005 539 130

years of residential lot inventory available 92 1,071 2006 701 278 in Okotoks. However, Okotoks is annexing 60 863 more land in the future, undertaking a 2007 461 342

multi-year annexation plan,” he adds.

12 302 2008 274 16

Total new home starts in Okotoks in 0 237 2009 223 14 2013 were at 215, only slightly down from 1 307 2012 and 2011, with single-family homes 2010 296 10

making up the bulk of the construction.

2 227 2011 217 8

From January through March of this year 0 235 2012 231 4 52 residential building permits were issued, 0 215 about on pace with last year (see chart), all 2013 215 0 for single-family homes.

»

s u m m e r 20 1 4 o koto ks Livi n g 3 9

homes It’s an affluent market, as reflected by the average household income of $77,438, nearly a full $14,000 above the provincial average. At present, the number of residences in Okotoks totals 7,026 single-family dwellings and 2,259 multi-family.

There continues to be a gap in the market when it comes to new multi-family and affordable homes for first time buyers, with an emphasis on family homes.

“There has also been a strong growth in the commercial industry here too,” says John Fraser, an agent for Royal LePage Foothills. “It really has been fairly strong across the board.” The commercial industry consists of the retail and box stores, there is the downtown commercial hubbub, there is the leasing and the ownership side of things too, and they are all doing well here.

Okotoks’ popularity stems off the very inviting setting that it is nestled into, stunning views, recreation just out your back door, a wide variety of amenities at your fingertips. “Such as a great school system, shopping close by and how it is comfortable to every type of lifestyle,” says Moez Moledina, General Manager for Tristar Communities, developer of Cimarron. “The community is located amongst beautiful scenery and natural areas for everyone to enjoy, and with everything combined it makes a great community for a new family looking for a place for their kids to grow up,” adds Moledina.

Number of Lots Avai lable

by Community (as of Ma

rch 31, 2014)

Cimarron

128

Air Ranch

26

Sheep River Ridge

7

Cove

40 Westridge 38 Westmount 26 Crystal Ridge

1

Drake Landing

34

Mountain View Total

33 326

As the numbers of new home lots begins to dwindle, potential homeowners are doing what they can to snatch up what is left. The choices still available are listed below, for you to see which builders are building where, the starting pricing, and of course which community you may want to live in.

Community

Cimarron

Drake Landing

Eaglecrest at Westmount

Developer

Tristar Communities

United Communities

Prominence Development Corp

Builders

Kunz Group (estate), Trico Homes (estate), Westview Builders (estate), Coco Homes (contry estate and estate), Timbercreek Homes (country estate)

Lifestyle Homes, Prominent Homes, Sterling Homes

Cornerstone Homes, Gramercy Homes, Carpenter Homes

Size range

Bungalows 1,400 - 1,600 sq. ft. (country Bungalows 1,350+ sq. ft., estate), two-storey 1,800 - 2,300 sq. ft. (estwo-storey 1,800+ sq. ft tate), two-storey 1,800 - 2,300 sq. ft (estate), two-storey 2,000 + sq. ft. (country estate)

Bungalows 1,500 sq. ft. +, Two-storey 2,100 sq. ft. +

Price range

Estate in $450,000 range Country estate $650,000 - $700,000

From $520,000’s

Bungalows $619,000 +, two-storey $587,000 +

Show homes open

Coco Homes, Kuntz Homes, Trico Homes, Westview Homes, Timbercreek Homes

Lifestyle Homes, Prominent Homes, Sterling Homes

Cornerstone Homes, Carpenter Homes

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homes Re-sale market red hot The Okotoks re-sale market is presently experiencing a sellers market, which makes sense, as there is so much demand (there’s that word again) from buyers wanting to live here.

“The housing market overall is doing very good,” says Royal LePage agent Manni Fink-Fraser. “It’s a very good market for homes that are priced well.”

Not having your home on the market for too long is an added bonus, she says, compared to previous years like 2008 and 2009. “This market is great, you get it sold, and you can move on with game plan. One has to remember, though,” she cautions, “that once a seller gets a price that they are happy with, perhaps better than it has been over the last few years, that seller now becomes a buyer.”

A quick visit to Realtor.ca at time of writing showed 115 MLS listings in Okotoks proper, mostly single-family, but a couple of condos — apartment and townhome — too. List prices ranged

from a low of $134,500 for a one-bedroom, one-bath condo to around $190,000 for the lowest priced single-family home, an older construction downtown.

A lakefront home in Crystal Shores can run up to $1,595,000, while out in acreage country there’s one De Winton estate featuring a 7,500-square-foot mansion that’s listed for a cool $6.9 million.

Because there’s such a wide range of styles, sizes and prices, it’s difficult to really settle on an average price that’s meaningful. Suffice it to say there’s a little bit of inventory at the lower end, a little bit more at the top, and a whole lot in the middle, around that $350,000 to $450,000 range. The Calgary Real Estate Board, in their Towns Quarterly Report for the first quarter of 2014, showed an average single-family listing price of $391,867 for the first three months of the year.

»

“... once a seller gets a price that they are happy with, perhaps better than it has been over the last few years, that seller now becomes a buyer.”

Green Haven Estates

MountainView

Ranchers’ Rise at Air Ranch

Sheep River Cove/ Sheep River Heights

Green Haven Developments

Apex Land Fund

Bordeaux Developments

Dream West Land Corp.

Cornerstone Homes, Newcastle Homes & Renovations

Excel Homes, Sterling Homes

Baywest Homes, Wolverine Homes, Sterling Homes

Dream West Homes

Custom estate homes

Bungalows 1,400 sq. ft Two-storey 1,850 2,000 sq. ft.

Waiting for new lots and new prices

Bungalows 1,300 sq. ft., Two-storey 1,600 sq. ft.

Bungalows $490,000s, two-storey $480,000 +

TBA

Bungalows and two-storey homes from the low $500,000s

.96 acre home lots from the low $300,000s, 1.56 acre home lots from the $380,000s

Excel Homes, Sterling Homes

Dream West Homes

s u m m e r 20 1 4 o koto ks Livi n g 4 1

homes

Condominium conundrum Most of the condominium activity in Okotoks over the past few years has continued to be in the resale market. And there’s not a lot of that out there either. If you look close enough, you’ll find a few condos listed, but not many, and even fewer fit for entry level home buyers — especially when compared to the city.

One project that’s actually been around for a few years now and is finally sold out is Penncross. Located just off 32 Avenue, right on the Crystal Ridge golf course, suites in this project from Streetside Development Corporation, one of the area’s largest condo builders, are still like new. Five separate two-bedroom floorplans are available, ranging in size from 1,000 to 1,200 square-feet.

Prices vary depending on the unit. A search of Realtor.ca revealed Century 21 had a 964-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Pencross listed at $274,900. Another same size unit lists at $282,900.

Penncross

Zen

4 2 O koto ks Livi n g s u m m e r 20 1 4

Across the street, several condos in the Mesa complex were listed at time of writing, starting in the $240,000s.

Down south, in Cimarron Common, an 850-square-foot, two-bedroom, single-bathroom, apartment condo runs about $189,900. A 979-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bath suite is listed at $243,900.

The good news on the horizon is that Zen, by Avalon Master Builder, has been recently approved to build 37 units in a multi-family condominium, which will be located along 50 Westland Road. Zen has been very popular in Calgary, and Avalon is all about green building, which will fit right in its new home in Okotoks. A mix of single-level garden homes, two-storey townhomes, and split-level laned homes range in size from 1,017 to 1,270 square-feet and prices are projected to start in the $260,000 range. First possessions are estimated for the spring of 2015. OL

Most of the condominium activity in Okotoks over the past few years has continued to be in the resale market.

business Story & photos by Peg Ainsley

Coffee’s on

Business is percolating in local java joints

“It’s like having a portable store front,” says Jerry Epp. Epp, owner of DHE Kitchen & Bath, could be the poster child for the coffee shop office concept. He doesn’t have an office in the traditional sense of the term but, with the name of his business emblazoned in bold colours on his laptop, when he’s working at Starbucks, everyone knows who he is.

“I’m social,” he says. “I have an office at home, but it’s boring and quiet.

I get all kinds of business sitting here.” In fact, friends and customers alike have begun to know that he’s in the shop and come to visit. So much so that he almost feels like he doesn’t even work for a living — almost — he just sits and designs kitchens for a couple of hours every morning in his coffee shop office.

Also in attendance at Starbucks this day: a grad student saving himself the drive to U of C, a new business owner, and a representative of Okotoks Online who uses the space to meet clients. Judy Grant, Soulful Pix photographer, is here to upload her work to Jerr y Epp the World Wide Web and doesn’t have enough Internet power to do so in her rural home.

It’s a growing trend that many coffee shops encourage.

Starbucks’ Mission Statement includes this: “When our customers feel this sense of belonging, our stores become a haven, a break from the worries outside, a place where you can meet with friends.” Mission accomplished in Okotoks.

Another place in town that seems to be a hot spot for business activity is Home Ground — a coffee shop in Olde Towne. Owner-operator Heather Van Aalst bought the business last June and installed WiFi immediately.

“I’m wanting to attract a younger clientele and I can’t do it without WiFi,” says Van Aalst. “Everybody is tapped in online now, and a lot of people don’t have an actual work space anymore.”

Home Ground seems to be the place for meetings. Van Aalst says that a lot of businesswomen have one-on-one meetings here. People conduct job interviews, build clientele and treat their staff. Those working on computers are welcome here too, but because this shop attracts some larger

4 4 O koto ks Livi n g S u m m e r 20 1 4

business

groups, she says, it can get a little noisy at times.

Sweetgrass Deli is another local Heather Van Aalst business that’s caught on to the trend in the form of having larger tables for meetings. Tribal Connections is quiet and cozy, with WiFi. If it’s busy, however, a long stay may not be encouraged because of limited seating.

Okotoks’ Economic Development Team Leader Shane Olson is excited about the alternative office possibilities. He points out there is the Executive Business Centre where businesses can lease office space for one or two years to try expanding from home without a great deal of risk. Also in that vein, Community Futures offers the Foothills Business Incubator with rates for the day, week, month or hour with boardroom space and training rooms for up to 20-30 people.

There are 600 home-based businesses in Okotoks with a steady increase of four per cent per year, according to Olson. “This is an important sector of the Okotoks business community.”

TeleWork — a Calgary Economic Development initiative that promotes alternative workspaces, with workers (and the world) saving on gas, car insurance, and vehicle maintenance while protecting the environment. Companies will utilize a Distributed Work Centre to offer employees living outside the city flexible work conditions.

Olson says, “Okotoks Economic Development is highly enthusiastic about alternative work locations and would encourage our entrepreneurs to embrace that culture to bring more people to work and visit in our community.” OL

“When our customers feel this sense of belonging, our stores become a haven, a break from the worries outside, a place where you can meet with friends.”

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| Advertising Feature |

Home is where The Heartland is

T

he community at The Heartland is making its unique contribution to Okotoks’ joie de vivre, one resident at a time.

Completed in February 2011 by Canadian retirement living company Revera, The Heartland accommodations are a comfortable stroll from the beautiful Sheep River pathways and a short amble from downtown Okotoks, its eclectic shopping, local clinics and library.

Everyone is welcome at The Heartland. Residents range from selfsufficient or those in need of support, and the Independent and Assisted Living floors are equipped to meet those diverse requirements.

Some residents may be in short-term respite care, though most have made The Heartland their home.

Elegant by design, many suites include a dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, and washer and dryer hook-ups. Pet-friendly apartments range from studio to one- and two-bedroom and vary from 391 to 826 square-feet. All have a balcony with a view.

Residents enjoy a chef-inspired menu and tables are waited at mealtimes. Salon services are accessible on-site and include

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pedicure, manicure and hair care. Housekeeping and linen services are also available.

Director of Recreation, Amanda Cross’s mission is to further cultivate the good life for residents — a fleeting glance at June’s event calendar is inspiring. Residents embrace a leisure schedule that includes live musicians, themed socials, Wii fun, Netflix movies, Yoga and Tai Chi. Pat Zoller, Lifestyle Consultant at The Heartland, shares a client anecdote, “A new resident’s daughter was thankful. She told me, ‘Mom is now so busy — I have to make an appointment to see her!’” Cognitive health is promoted within the holistic Rev It Up program, part of which is the state-of-the-art Dakim BrainFitness System.

The team comprises a full roster of care professionals, among them Registered Nurses, therapists and dietary staff. Residents’ safety is paramount, so all are provided with Tunstall emergency response pendants.

Pricing starts at $2,632.68. Independent Living suites are currently available and there are two-bedroom suites available on the Assisted Living floor. Call The Heartland team for details. n

| Advertising Feature |

Complete Health Collaborative natural care at its best

C

omplete Health and Family Wellness Centre can help you feel better.

It’s really that simple. So many of us put up with life’s aches and pains, whether it’s from your job, an accident, pregnancy or a sports injury, after a while life’s daily stresses really take a toll on you.

At Complete Health, patients receive a myriad of natural treatments, available under one roof, to really start to tackle those chronic pains and daily discomfort.

“We provide many natural collaborative services here,” says Dr. Caitlin Zietz, owner and chiropractor at Complete Health, “which includes: chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, prenatal care, postpartum recovery, and a registered psychologist as well.”

An initial assessment will determine which main areas to focus on, pin-pointing the specific parts of your body — maybe your lower back, neck, or even headaches – to help plan a treatment program that will be effective for you.

Think of feeling better as a journey, and a visit to Complete Health as the beginning.

There is an immense amount of care here, says Dr. Zietz, especially for women who are pregnant or have just given birth. During a pregnancy, the body can experience a wide variety of discomfort and pain. “For pregnancy care, I am additionally certified in Webster technique, which is a special gentle technique that focuses on the lower back and pelvis,” she explains, “to allow mom to have a more comfortable pregnancy.”

Mothers that have just given birth also have

4 8 O koto ks Livi n g s u m m e r 20 1 4

the opportunity to take advantage of a speedier recovery with chiropractic care as well as the other services offered at the center. Postpartum care is geared to effectively balance the pelvis, improve the function of the pelvic floor and reduce common neck and back pain associated with mother-hood.

Men are also able to take advantage of many of the services at Complete Health. “Men that have back pain or neck pain, injuries from the gym are all fairly common. Our typical male profile includes firefighters, corporate professionals, new dads, construction workers and many athletes” says Dr. Zietz. “With our fantastic team– we are able to help them all.”

“My goal as far as service here is to provide over-the-top patient care,” says Dr Zietz. “The patient is always the number one priority for us here at Complete Health.” Patients here receive personalized care, where each individual is treated as such, and each problem is unique and is dealt with in a specific way to ensure that the treatment is the best solution for the problem(s) a patient is experiencing.

Complete Health celebrated their one-year anniversary with an open house event on May 24, complete with barbeque, followed by a draw to select the winner of a complimentary massage, as well a meet and greet with patients new and old as well as staff.

“Our motto here is ‘optimal starts and healthy futures’,” says Dr. Zietz. “Because we believe that, from infants to the elderly, a good start in life allows for a healthier, happier future.”

And the key to a good start begins here at Complete Health. n

Dr. Caitlin Zietz, D.C.

“My goal as fas as service here is to provide over-the-top patient care. The patient is always the number one priority for us here at Complete Health.”

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what’s happening may

july

31

1

Okotoks Fitness & Wellness Fair is on at the Okotoks Recreation Centre from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Symposiums is $60 per person.

Trade show 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. is free. Register online at www.okotoks.ca/WellnessFair.aspx

june 8 14

14

Okotoks Kinsmen Show n’ Shine at the Okotoks Composite High School parking lot from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See the great display of cool cars and trucks. Hot Dogs and drinks will be available.

Join artist Elaine Funnell to view her botanical art and for a drawing session at 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Okotoks Art Gallery. Sign up online with the registration code #42068.

The Millarville “Run to the Farmer’s Market HalfMarathon will be from 7:30-10:30 a.m., starting in nearby Black Diamond and arriving at the Millarville market. There will be a few other fun events happening as well, such as the 8 miles Cobs Cinnamon Fun Run and fun activities for kids. Sign up online at www.millarvillehalfmarathon.com.

14

To October 11: Millarville Farmers Market opens Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

20

Summer Solstice Teen Dance at the Okotoks Recreation Centre from 8:15 - 11 p.m. Ages 12 to 18 are all welcome to come and dance for just $3.

21

The Spirit of Okotoks Parade Day starts at 8 to 10 a.m. for the Lions Club Community Breakfast (by donation) at 27 McRae St. From 11 a.m. to noon, the Annual Parade will take place through downtown Okotoks, where everyone is encouraged to watch the fun floats. From 12:30 to 4 p.m.there will be the Children’s Festival at Ethel Tucker Park, with lots of fun games, activities and entertainers. The admission is free.

22

28

events For information on Town of Okotoks events contact: Mark Doherty, Community Events Co-ordinator 403-938-8950 or mdoherty@okotoks.ca or visit www.okotoks.ca

Multicultural Canada Day. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., taste multicultural foods (free samples till food runs out). Live cultural entertainment and kids activities all day.

1

109th Annual Millarville Horse Races start at noon at Millarville Racetrack. Cost is $10/person or $20/vehicle. Details at MillarvilleRacetrack.com

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The 4th Annual Natural High Charity Triathlon in support of KidSport Okotoks will be held at the Crystal Shores Beach House and there will be a large variety of triathlon events for adults and kids of all ages. Register online at www.naturalhigh.ca.

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Teddy Bear Picnic/Family Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Centennial Arena.

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‘Taste of Okotoks’ will be held at Olde Towne Okotoks from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sample all kinds of different food for just a couple of dollars, listen to music, and shop at over 100 street vendors.

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Millarville Rodeo starts 6:30 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children. Details at MillarvilleRacetrack.com 107th Priddis & Millarville Fair with more than 4,000 entries, petting zoo and special Kid’s World. 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5, children 8 and under free. Details at MillarvilleRacetrack.com Olde Towne Okotoks Show & Shine with a ‘60s Rock N Roll theme. Poker Run 6 p.m. starting at The George Traditional House. Public viewing Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details visit okotoksshowandshine.com Foothills Highland Games features over 350 competitors and thousands of spectators from across Alberta for events including piping and drumming, dance, heavy events, and Celtic music. Visit foothillshighlandgames.com/events for details.

See ‘Mandragora Circo’ at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre: a wordless play where two clowns Chili Fest 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Olde Towne Okotoks. Registration express love and humour through circus skills, fee is $20, tasting is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tasting fee $5. acrobatics, and music.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, purchase online at www. okotoks.ca/culture. There are two shows, All children 12 to 35 months of age are eligible for Oral Health Clinics, where they will learn one at 3 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. how to protect their teeth and receive a dental screening. Contact the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre at (403) 995-2662 to book an appointment.

Come down to Olde Towne Okotoks for the annual ‘BuskerFest!’ to see many live street performers and musicians, or sign up to busk at the Olde Towne Plaza. The From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Summer Saturdays Street Festival will be held in Olde Towne event will be held from noon to 3 p.m., and Okotoks in front of the Okotoks Art Gallery. Shop the local art market, enjoy crafts, and the admission/ registration cost is free. listen to live musicians on the stage.

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June 7, July 5, August 2

June 28, July 19 & 16, August 9 & 30

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you said it…

By Tristen Heatherington

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I grew up on the Pacific coast so I would love to see the Atlantic and all its beauty.

I would like to go back to Quebec and visit old Quebec because of the old and rich history and great shopping.

Erica Waechter

Jennifer Breen

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Where in Canada would you like to go for holiday?

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I would like to visit Nova Scotia and Newfoundland because these are the last two provinces I need to visit.

Constable M. Sevigny Okotoks RCMP detachment

I would go to Victoria on Vancouver Island because it is gorgeous.

I would go to the Yukon to hunt the Sasquatch.

Hannah Toews

Curtis Campbell

I would like to visit the Yukon to go digging for gold!

I would like to go to the great lakes/ St. Lawrence lowlands region because it is very beautiful. There are lots of things that I would like to see and lots of food that I would like to eat.

Bobby S.

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I would go to Montreal to see the old buildings.

Courteny Macleod

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Leighton H, age 10