Network

Corner shops

10 personal and cosy corner shops are littered around the area, bringing life to otherwise empty street corners. These corner stores are conveniently located with walkability in mind. convenient for quick shopping and daily or emergency food needs. Very handy for quick shopping and daily or emergency food needs. Corner shops attract people who are on the go, that require a quick pit stop or a short break. This can range from students on their way to school or a family who want dessert after dinner.

Mixed use allows for flexibility where in most cases it’s not a possibility when zoning laws are strict in their function. It allows for greater opportunities and change; a mini market could become a café or a bookstore which in turn could become an office one day. It creates a flow of change that support the growth of Okotoks.

In comparison to a big box retailer such as Walmart or Target, corner shops are much more versatile. The total taxable value of the area is much higher than that of a singular commercial business due to the number of different shops located within the same sizable area. An increase in localized and walkable services will render the need to travel by car unnecessary. Convenience stores don’t remain closed for very long, there is always going to another to take its place. While when a big box store shuts down, it turns into an empty desolate building that sits at the edge of town. These small stores promise a net increase in employment which will boost the economic vitality of Okotoks.

Figure 42: Cornershop cross section