4.0 Community Engagement Synopsis

A varied program of public participation was implemented to gather the opinions and perspectives of organizations and residents in Okotoks. The tactics employed included two online surveys as well as pop-up or intercept engagements. Regarding the surveys, one was fielded with Okotoks households. In this instance households were sent a postcard in the mail promoting the survey and providing an access code unique to each household. The second survey was fielded with groups who use (or may use) recreation facilities and spaces in Okotoks. Finally, several pop-ups were implemented in which study team members went into the community to solicit some top of mind thoughts from community members.

*If the survey was fielded using random selection, this sample size would yield a margin of error of +3.3% 19 times out of 20.

The detailed findings from all public participation activities are presented under a separate cover entitled “What We Heard Report”. A synopsis of the findings from each engagement tactic is presented over the next few pages.

4.1 Engagement Conclusions

• There is a good level of satisfaction with the availability of indoor and outdoor recreation, leisure and parks facilities, amenities, and programs in Okotoks.

• Barriers impacting respondents’ participation in recreation, leisure and parks activities include the hours of operation (e.g. schedules of programs and facility hours) and cost of participation. Notably, there is some belief that nothing prevents participation in recreation activities. For groups, a main barrier is gaining sufficient access to facilities.

• The aquatic centre and paved pathways & community parks are the most utilized facilities and amenities in Okotoks.

• There is a belief that the local community, as a whole, benefits from recreation, parks and leisure programs and facilities.

• There is belief that there is a need for more leisure swimming pools and walking/cycling trails.

• Community demand and the multi-use nature of facilities should be key criteria when the Town makes decisions about facilities.

• Residents are generally informed about recreation, leisure and parks opportunities and programs but not about financial assistance programs.

• There is an expectation among groups that participation levels will see an increase.