Strong Local Economy

We are the easiest place to do business in Alberta

Okotoks is supported by a diverse and thriving economy where there are equitable opportunities for all to live and work. Council wants to facilitate change in this area to see the local economy become more diverse and continue to thrive by promoting Okotoks and making it easier to do business with the Town.

Outcomes For 2022

Focus on Arts and Culture as economic drivers

Review and update processes that may be barriers to businesses choosing Okotoks

Promote and activate Okotoks

Improve the ease of doing business with the Town

Develop downtown to attract new business

Highlights of what we achieved in 2022

› A new Permit Fee Calculator tool for the website was developed which allows homeowners, contractors, residential builders, and the Industrial/Commercial/Institutional sector to estimate their permit fees for all types of building permits. The tool can be found at okotoks. ca/permit-calculator

› Movie filming generated excitement and positive exposure for Okotoks. The crew, directors and producers indicated that they make every effort to “shop local” when shooting in a community. At least 28 storefront businesses, including the food, retail and service sectors were directly supported by the film company as part of its operations in Okotoks. Donations of $7,500 were made by Bear & Pear Productions to the Okotoks Family Resource Centre (OFRC) in support of their services to residents. A second donation of $2,500 was made to École Good Shepherd School.

Due to the overwhelming success of the Temporary Patio Pilot Program, it became an official program in 2022